As the holiday season rolls into full swing in Phoenix, both bars and dispensaries are bustling with patrons looking to indulge and imbibe in some seasonal cheer. The night before Thanksgiving, a time affectionately dubbed "Drinksgiving" by revelers, saw local watering holes like Old Town Scottsdale's Coach House teeming with folks out to enjoy a drink with friends returned home for the holiday. "This is Scottsdale, the best city in the world, and the most western city you could possibly have fun in," a customer named Chuck told FOX 10 Phoenix amidst the festivities.
Moving past Thanksgiving, the merriment continues into the yule season with several valley bars and restaurants transforming themselves into Christmas pop-up bars, resplendent with festive decorations and special holiday-themed drinks served in an array of cheer-inducing vessels. ABC15 has curated a list of must-visit locations that have fully embraced the holiday spirit. Just remember, these establishments are 21 and over, and patrons should ensure a safe journey home by opting for a ride-share service or designating a sober driver, as advised in an article by ABC15.
While bars capitalize on the influx of hometown guests and those embracing holiday exuberance, dispensaries like Mint Cannabis in Tempe are not to be outdone. Mint Cannabis' Chief Operations Officer Raul Molina highlighted the importance of "Green Wednesday" to their business, remarking, "We’re all excited. It’s our second-biggest day of the year, right after 4/20." According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Molina also noted the expanded sales are a boon, with the day's take often doubling that of a typical Friday.
As a unique enticement, Mint Cannabis offered THC-infused holiday fare to ease the familial frictions that so often accompany Thanksgiving gatherings. Olympic swimmer Amy Van Dyken shared her enthusiasm for the cannabis-laced edibles in an interview with FOX 10 Phoenix, "I’m here to pick up my Thanksgiving meal, because Thanksgiving can be a little bit of a rough time around the family. So, I got myself some cornbread, some stuffing, cranberry sauce, some butter, and some pecan pie. We’re not going to be fighting at all."
