Explore haunted attractions, theme parks, and vacation spots across Arizona, Southern California, and Las Vegas. From ghost tours and escape rooms to family trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios, dive into reviews and articles on entertainment, nostalgia, and the paranormal. Whether you're chasing thrills or uncovering eerie legends, this blog is your gateway to unforgettable adventures.
UPDATE: RESERVATIONS FOR THE THANKSGIVING BUFFET ARE SOLD OUT, THEY WILL STILL ACCEPT WALK-IN’S ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS.
DATE:
November 28th, 2019
Buffet seating times starting at 11:00am with the last seating time at 5:30pm.
Reservations are required for the Thanksgiving Buffet: 480-502-5600 or email Reso@Rawhide.com.
BUFFET PRICING:
Adults: $28.95 Per Person
Children 4-12: $9.95 Per Person
The Rawhide Western Town Opens at 10:30am, Admission is FREE!
Join Rawhide in kicking off the holiday season at Rawhide Western Town. Starting Thanksgiving and running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22.
All of the Rawhide attractions and retail stores will be open. See the Arizona Rough Riders in their Cowboy Stunt Shows at the Six Gun Theater. Buy your show ticket at the General Store.
In addition to the Thanksgiving Buffet in the Steakhouse, there will be other food options available in the western town.
BUFFET MENU:
Rosemary Crusted Prime Rib w/ Au Jus
Bourbon & Maple Roasted Turkey Breast
Open Fire Grilled Top Sirloin Medallions
Blackened Cajun Chicken
Honey Roasted Bone-in Ham
Cranberry Sauce
Roasted Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Slow Simmered Classic Pan Gravy
Spiced Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
Roasted Garlic & Herb Vegetables
Candied Baby Carrots
House made Green Bean Casserole
Salad Bar
Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque
Wild Mushroom & Bacon Cream
Chicken Dumpling Chowder
Kids’ Corner
Homestyle Chicken Tenders
Homestyle Mac & Cheese
Crispy French Fries
Desserts
Homestyle Pumpkin, Dutch Apple, & Sweet Potato Pie
Mashed Potatoes were not part of the first Thanksgiving, since Irish Immigrants had not brought them to the Americas yet.
The Pumpkin Pie we know today is based on a 1653 French Recipe, and wasn't part of the feast either.
After the buffet, stay and enjoy Rawhide Western Town's Seventh Annual Rawhide Snowy Christmas.
Rawhide will feature Christmas Season festivities every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, November 28th through December 22nd, 2019 from 5pm to 10pm and admission is FREE!
Santa will be available for photos after the official tree lighting ceremony. Visitors can drop off letters to Santa at Rawhide’s Post Office (every child who sends Santa a letter will hear back from Santa).
Schnepf Farms running a 2 for 1 admission deal through December 6th to their Christmas at Schnepf Farms event.
This year Schnepf Farms has teamed with World of Illumination, the drive-thru light show (previously called Illumination Symphony of Light) to create it's 1st annual Christmas at Schnepf Farms event.
Included in Admission : cookie decorating, hay ride to feed reindeer, pinecone decorating, short 4D Christmas movie, Santa’s toy shop, Visit with Santa and a walk through Santa Claus lane.
Illumination Express (train ride through World Of Illumination's light display) is $7 extra per person. Ice Skating is also Extra.
Christmas at Schnepf Farms is open every night from till January 4th (except Thanksgiving) from 5:30pm to 10pm.
If you are On the West side of town, here are some Christmas Festivals in Glendale.
A Facebook post by Schnepf Farms, responds to public concerns about the price by saying "I know much has been said about higher admission prices, and whats included" and "I wish everything could be done for free, but the costs of doing business prohibit us from doing so.".
As an attempt to show the crowds how hard their family has worked to keep the farm a place for people to build memories, They are offering a limited time Discount.
Buy 1 ticket and 2 people get in, also the price of the Illumination Express has also temporarily dropped from $10 to $7 until December 6th, 2019.
World of Illumination, the drive thru Holiday light show (previously called Illumination Symphony of Light) is moving it's north Phoenix location to the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale this year.
The owners, Yakir Urman and Simon Kreisberger, claim it is the world's largest drive through holiday animated light show in Arizona. Christmas in Color which was located in Goodyear last season has chosen not to return to Arizona stating "We had a great time in Arizona but we will be focusing our efforts in our other locations.".
The World of Illumination event will be nightly from November 20th to January 5th at 6797 N 93rd Ave. Tickets are available online for $22.99 per vehicle for Monday through Thursday, and $32.99 per vehicle for Friday through Sunday and holidays. Tickets purchased at the gate are $40.
Tickets at Costco are 19.99 and 29.99.
If you are not on the West side of the Valley: There is a second World of Illumination drive thru lights location at the Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive. As well as Lights at the Farmwalk thru light show located at Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S Power Rd, in Mesa.
World of Illumination will have nearly 2 million lights fully-synchronized to holiday music and a 36-foot-tall animated snowman in Glendale.
The event will take place five miles from the free event in downtown Glendale, where every year the city hosts Glendale Glitters, a display of holiday lights strung across 16 blocks with a kick-off festival during Thanksgiving weekend.
In contrast to Glendale Glitters and Christmas at Westgate, World of Illumination is a good option for families with smaller children or people with mobility concerns, because you stay in your car. The show takes about 25 minutes to drive through.
World of Illumination can be seen as an extension to Westgate's festive holiday atmosphere and complements the walking events at the district which include a free Horse-drawn carriage ride from November 29th to December 21st.
Westgate's holiday events also include a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26 and there are Photos with Santa from November 26th to December 24th. It is free to attend.
Glendale Glitters will kick off with a festival on November 29th & 30th in the downtown area, near 58th Ave and Glendale ave. Visitors can expect holiday entertainment, food, fake snow and Santa Claus. It is free to attend.
The city will switch the lights on at 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 29th. The lights will be up nightly until Jan. 11, so visitors can experience the light show without the festival crowds.
The Legend of Krampus – What Happens if You’re on Santa’s Naughty List? ππΉ
While Santa Claus rewards good children with presents, the terrifying Krampus punishes the naughty ones. This ancient Germanic folklore has become a global holiday tradition, bringing a dark twist to Christmas celebrations.
If you've ever wondered who Krampus is, where the legend comes from, and what happens if you're on his naughty list, keep reading to discover the spine-chilling origins of Krampusnacht, the Alpine Christmas demon, and his role in holiday folklore.
πΉ Who is Krampus? The Christmas Demon of Folklore
Krampus, whose name comes from the Old High German word "krampen" (meaning "claw"), is a half-goat, half-demon figure that appears during the Christmas season to punish misbehaving children.
π Norse Mythology Origins Krampus is believed to be the son of Hel, the goddess of the underworld in Norse mythology. He is linked to pagan winter traditions that pre-date Christianity, symbolizing the dark side of Christmas.
π The Yin-Yang of Christmas: Krampus vs. St. Nicholas
Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) brings sweets and gifts to good children.
Krampus, on the other hand, beats, kidnaps, or terrifies naughty children.
This dark companion of Santa has been a part of Alpine folklore for centuries, blending pagan rituals with Christian holiday traditions.
π When Does Krampus Come? The Terrifying Krampusnacht (Krampus Night)
According to Germanic folklore, Krampus arrives on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht (Krampus Night).
π What Happens on Krampusnacht?
Krampus roams the streets, carrying bells and chains to terrify onlookers.
He visits homes, leaving bundles of sticks for bad children.
In some legends, he swats misbehaving kids or kidnaps them in a sack.
π The Next Day: St. Nicholas Day (December 6th)
Children wake up to either a reward or punishment.
Good kids receive candy and presents in their shoes.
Naughty kids find coal, sticks, or even a warning from Krampus.
π Krampus Parades & Festivals Today, Krampus celebrations take place across Europe, especially in Austria, Germany, and the Alpine regions. People dress as Krampus and participate in wild, theatrical parades, keeping the scary Christmas tradition alive.
According to Krampus legend, misbehaving children may experience the following:
❌ Light Punishment:
A bundle of sticks (called ruten) left by the fireplace as a warning.
A lump of coal in their stocking instead of presents.
❌ Moderate Punishment:
A gentle swat with birch branches as a reminder to behave next year.
❌ Severe Punishment:
Abduction! Krampus throws naughty children into a sack and carries them to the underworld.
Some stories claim he drowns, eats, or enslaves the worst offenders.
π’ Pro Tip: If you see Krampus approaching on December 5th, you better have been good this year!
π₯ How Krampus Changed Over Time – From Horror to Holiday Tradition
Krampus was banned by the Catholic Church for many years because his appearance resembled the devil. However, he never disappeared completely, and in modern times, his legend has softened:
✔️ Krampus became a holiday character similar to "Elf on the Shelf" – instead of punishing kids, he reminds them to behave. ✔️ The lump of coal tradition replaced physical punishment as a way to warn children. ✔️ Krampus parades and Christmas markets now celebrate him as a fun, spooky part of the holiday season.
π Krampus in Pop Culture & Horror Movies
Krampus has gained popularity in modern media, appearing in movies, books, and TV shows:
π¬ Krampus (2015) – Horror Movie:
This Christmas horror film follows a family haunted by Krampus after they lose the holiday spirit.
The movie showcases Krampus’ terrifying presence, complete with his demonic minions and dark magic.
πΊ Krampus in TV Shows & Cartoons:
American Dad! – Krampus appears as a misunderstood anti-hero.
The Venture Bros. – Features a comedic version of Krampus.
Supernatural (Season 3, Ep. 8) – Krampus-like figures kill bad people at Christmas.
Many haunted Christmas experiences now feature Krampus as a winter horror villain.
Halloween Horror Nights and Scary Christmas events often include Krampus-themed mazes.
π’ Fun Fact: In some cultures, people send Krampus-themed Christmas cards called "Krampuskarten" to remind friends and family to stay off the naughty list.
π Naughty or Nice? Krampus vs. Santa Claus – The Ultimate Showdown
π¨ Moral of the Story: Be good all year, or Krampus might come for you!
π Final Thoughts – Is Krampus Just a Myth or a Warning?
The legend of Krampus reminds us that Christmas isn’t just about presents—it’s about behavior, tradition, and balance. Whether you believe in Krampus or not, his story has stood the test of time, evolving from a terrifying Christmas demon to a beloved holiday folklore icon.
π Will you be celebrating Krampusnacht this year? Or are you hoping to stay on Santa’s nice list? Let us know in the comments! ππ πΉ
The Origins, History, and Global Traditions of Santa Claus π
Did you know that Santa Claus has more than one Christmas Eve? Due to time zones and the rotation of the Earth, Santa actually has 31 hours to deliver presents if he travels east to west. Additionally, Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve on January 6th, giving Santa a second round of deliveries!
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle, is one of the most beloved holiday figures worldwide. But where did his legend begin? Let’s explore the origins, history, and global traditions of Santa Claus.
π Santa Claus Around the World
π Santa is known by many names globally, including:
Saint Nicholas (Western Europe & Christian traditions)
Père Noël (France)
Weihnachtsmann (Germany)
Babbo Natale (Italy)
Ded Moroz (Russia & Eastern Europe)
Papai Noel (Brazil & Portugal)
Julenissen (Scandinavia)
π Not All Children Receive Gifts from Santa! Santa only delivers gifts to children who believe in him, which means that approximately 50-55% of the world’s children—primarily in Christian communities—expect a visit. In some cultures, gift-giving traditions differ:
π Poland:St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) is a day for gifts from ΕwiΔty MikoΕaj (St. Nicholas).
π Spain & Latin America:Gifts are exchanged on January 6th for Three Kings’ Day (DΓa de los Reyes Magos).
❄️ Russia & Ukraine: Santa-like figure Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) delivers gifts on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas.
π The Origins of Santa Claus – From Saint to Mythical Gift-Giver
The story of Santa Claus traces back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey). Known for his generosity and devotion to children, his legend spread throughout Europe, making him the Patron Saint of Children and Travelers.
✨ Key Moments in the Evolution of Santa Claus:
12th Century: The Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6th) was officially established as a day of gift-giving and charity.
Protestant Reformation (16th Century): While devotion to Saint Nicholas declined in much of Europe, Dutch traditions of Sinterklaas survived.
17th Century:Dutch settlers brought "Sinterklaas" to America, where the name evolved into Santa Claus.
1822:Clement C. Moore’s poem‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ (a.k.a. The Night Before Christmas) shaped the modern image of Santa:
“He had a broad face and a little round belly”
“He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf”
19th & 20th Centuries: Santa’s red suit and sleigh-pulled reindeer became iconic, thanks to Coca-Cola ads and Christmas illustrations.
Not all holiday traditions are cheerful! In Austrian, German, and Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, demonic figure who punishes naughty children while Santa rewards the good ones.
π₯ Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5th is a spooky Christmas tradition where people dressed as Krampus parade through the streets, scaring misbehaving children before St. Nicholas arrives on December 6th.
π Santa’s Christmas Magic – Myth or Reality?
Santa’s legend continues to evolve, blending history, folklore, and pop culture. Whether you believe in the real Saint Nicholas, embrace the magic of Santa’s Christmas Eve deliveries, or enjoy the spooky tales of Krampus, there’s no denying the enduring power of holiday traditions.
π Want to learn more about holiday legends and global Christmas traditions? Stay tuned for more festive history and folklore!
