On the trail at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona for Las Noches de las Luminarias. The garden transforms into a holiday wonder – at least as far as this desert is concerned. There are half a dozen stands along the trails selling coffee, hot chocolate, wine, and soft drinks. We watched and listened to no less than eight musicians or groups as we strolled between the luminarias with their candles flickering. A woman playing harp greeted us at the front gate, and a barbershop quartet serenaded us and even made us laugh. Onlookers gathered around a Native American flutist in an Indian-style hut while the Scottsdale Bell Ringers drew a large crowd in the Patio Cafe. A cowboy sang songs of the old west, not to mention two jazz bands, mariachis, and more. It was a blast; we only wish we’d shown up at 5:30 when it all begins instead of coming in at 7:00. The luminarias are lit from 5:30 till 9:30, and quite a few weekend days are already sold out – well worth a visit.