Afghan families in Arizona are facing uncertainty as their asylum and visa cases have been paused by the Trump administration. This decision came after an Afghan national was implicated in the killing of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C.

The Arizona Refugee Center in Phoenix is seeing the impact of this pause, with many Afghan families left in limbo. Former Afghan helicopter pilot "Ozzy" is one of those affected, with his green card application on hold despite escaping danger in Afghanistan.

The pause has sparked debate among Arizona Republicans about public safety and vetting processes. Refugee communities nationwide, including in Arizona, are feeling the effects of this uncertainty.

The article discusses how chilly mornings will be lingering throughout the week in Metro Phoenix. High temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid 60s, while overnight lows will be in the 30s and low 40s.

The cold front is expected to last until the weekend, with temperatures gradually warming up by Sunday. Residents are encouraged to bundle up and be prepared for the winter-like weather in the coming days.

Some local food banks are facing a decline in donations during their busiest time of year as they prepare to serve thousands of families during the holiday season.

Harvest Compassion Center expects to help 3,000 families this month at its Valley locations, but has seen a drop in donations following the community's support in October and early November.

The decrease in donations has been noted during a time when giving typically peaks, impacting nonprofits across various sectors. Giving Tuesday is highlighted as a crucial day to support organizations that have been affected by recent challenges like the government shutdown and SNAP benefits pause.

"Rise from the ashes and soar higher than ever before."

Big holiday & winter experiences

Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Queen Creek)

• When: Now through Dec 28, evenings (Thu–Sun, 5–10 pm)

• What: Hayrides, Sleigh Bell Slide, ice skating, train, Christmas movies, lights, bonfires, mini golf & Santa. Great for families. Phoenix New Times

Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (Chandler)

• When: Now through Dec 28

• What: 20 acres of holiday lights, giant gingerbread house light show, immersive train ride, nightly parade, stunt shows & more. Phoenix New Times

Jingle at JW – JW Marriott Desert Ridge (North Phoenix)

• When: Now through Jan 3, evenings

• What: Ice skating, snow tubing, virtual skiing, train, light shows, photo ops; add-ons like snowball throwing, Santa photos, gingerbread decorating. Phoenix New Times

Christmas at the Princess – Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

• When: Now through early Jan

• What: Huge resort light display, rides (Ferris wheel, etc.), ice rink, Santa, s’mores, and more; one of the Valley’s signature holiday spots. Phoenix New Times

Ho Holidays – Hotel Valley Ho (Old Town Scottsdale)

• When: Now through Jan 4

• What: Retro-themed roller-skating rink, photo station, lawn games, kids’ scavenger hunt, cookie decorating; very “mid-century holiday.” Phoenix New Times

Merry Main Street (Downtown Mesa)

• When: Running through Jan 10

• What: Downtown lights, ice rink and family activities; easy holiday stroll spot. Phoenix New Times

One-day / headline events this week

FuelFest Phoenix 2025 – Firebird Motorsports Park (Chandler)

• Date: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 – 1:00–8:00 pm

• What: Car culture + music festival with modified cars, drifting, live music and vendors. Good crossover of auto show + concert vibe. FuelFest

APS Electric Light Parade – Central Phoenix

• Date: Saturday, Dec 6, 2025 – evening (7–10 pm)

• What: The city’s big holiday night parade with illuminated floats, marching bands and community groups, running through central Phoenix. City of Phoenix

Ongoing arts, family & downtown stuff

Holiday theatre & shows (multiple venues)
Running all week & beyond:

• “A Christmas Carol” – The Phoenix Theatre Company (Central Phoenix) – Musical version of Dickens’ classic. Phoenix New Times

• “A Christmas Carol” – Hale Centre Theatre (Gilbert) – Family-friendly stage version in the East Valley. Phoenix With Kids

• “A Christmas Story” – Arizona Broadway Theatre (Peoria) – Musical take on the movie, recurs throughout December. Phoenix With Kids

• The Dinosaur Christmas Revue – Great Arizona Puppet Theater (Phoenix) – Holiday puppet show for kids, recurring dates this month. Phoenix With Kids

Roosevelt Row & Downtown Phoenix staples (mid-week)

• Roro Street Art Tour – Guided look at murals and street art around Roosevelt Row; one of the highlighted events Dec 3 and similar dates. Carnival of Illusion

• Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday – Phoenix Art Museum – Discounted museum access on Wednesday evenings, plus rotating exhibitions. DTPHX.org

• Wine Tasting – Unfiltered Natural Wine & More (Downtown) – Regular Wednesday tasting event, good low-key mid-week outing. DTPHX.org

Live music this week

If you want concerts specifically, there’s a packed calendar:

• Danny Brown – Marquee Theatre (Tempe) – Dec 2

• Sammy Adams – Valley Bar (Phoenix) – Dec 2

• Plus lots of club-size shows across Valley Bar, The Rebel Lounge, Rhythm Room, The Van Buren and Marquee throughout the week. Songkick+1

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