Tempe History Museum December News & Events

We're pushing SEND a little early on our December newsletter so that you have plenty of time to mark your calendars for all the exciting happenings at the museum this winter!

Check out Christmas at the Petersen House, catch some live music and take a trip back to the Victorian era! Explore below or visit tempe.gov/MuseumEvents for more information and to view the full calendar.

PERFORMANCES at the MUSEUM

Driftwood Quintet
Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.
Tempe History Museum Community Room

¡La Vida Latina!: A Celebration of Latin Song - Driftwood Quintet takes you on a journey through Central and South America with a concert of music as diverse as the people who live there. You won’t need your passport for this fun trip as we visit destinations from the lively dance halls of Veracruz to the intimate nightclubs of Buenos Aires and more!

This engaging concert will feature works for reed quintet as well as smaller ensemble pieces for solos, duos, trios, and quartets. Meet the band in a Q&A session after the show. Free, fun and family friendly. Seating will be limited.

Christmas at the Petersen House returns on December weekends

Saturday: Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Sunday: Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Experience a Christmas tradition like no other at Tempe’s historic Petersen House Museum! The Valley’s Victorian jewel will be decorated in high style, with an emphasis on its Danish heritage. Enjoy free self-guided historic house tours, refreshments, entertainment and fun activities. We even have a pop-up Museum Store so you can cross shopping off your holiday list!

Free admission, no registration necessary. Donations welcome.

Azure Family Concert with Tetra String Quartet

Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m.
Tempe History Museum Community Room

Presented by the Tetra String Quartet, Azure Concerts are fun, friendly, and engaging performances tailored to children and young adults who are on the autism spectrum or have similar challenges. Azure concerts are approximately 45 minutes in length, followed by an instrument petting zoo.

Family members and caregivers of all ages are welcome to attend. All behaviors welcome! This performance features Deanna Rusnock on accordion.

Special evening event: Victorian Christmas at Petersen House 

Thursday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
1414 W. Southern Ave.

Celebrate the season with Victorian flair in the cool desert air! Gather for a special evening beneath the graceful eaves of a Tempe treasure, the 1892 Petersen House. Stroll the festively lighted grounds with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in hand and music all around. Step into the elegantly decorated house to tour at your own pace and enjoy vignettes from Victorian life, performed by actors in period attire.

A silent auction, mini pop-up gift market, and fun photo opportunity add to the merry scene! Tickets are $35.