Ember Lounge, a District Dome Experience, Returns to Desert Ridge Marketplace

The Most Enchanting Holiday Experience will Kick Off with Extended Hours, Longer Run Time and the All-New ‘Dome After Dark’ Cocktail Bar

Vestar, a leading privately held shopping center owner and manager in the western United States, announced today that its North Phoenix property, Desert Ridge Marketplace, will be bringing back the ultimate holiday experience—Ember Lounge.

Inside the striking 50-foot District Dome, guests can enjoy a festive evening under the stars, complete with a cozy dining atmosphere, whimsical craft cocktails, a chef-driven menu, and a state-of-the-art projection show. Following the success of last year’s launch, Ember Lounge will return with exciting new offerings, including updated menus, a revamped projection show, and most notably, the highly anticipated debut of Dome After Dark.

This year, Ember Lounge is thrilled to introduce an exclusive late-night experience, Dome After Dark, on Friday and Saturday nights. This innovative bar concept invites patrons to enjoy Ember Lounge’s signature cocktails in addition to a full bar service, while talented musicians, Ellery, co-founder of a DJ collective, and Joseph Torres, founder of Feel Good Jawns, set the mood for an unforgettable evening. Surprise guests will perform during opening weekend and on select holidays throughout the season.

“Following the success of Ember Lounge last year, we are excited to bring back another District Dome experience this holiday season,” said Jenny Cushing, Vice President of Leasing for Vestar. “Last year’s Ember Lounge sold out for the entire season, and due to demand, we’ve extended the runtime, opening earlier in November and continuing through mid-January. We’ve also added a late-night bar experience and resident DJs providing entertainment on weekends.”

Officially opening to the public on Friday, November 8th, and running through Sunday, January 12th, Ember Lounge invites guests to step into a winter wonderland filled with evergreen foliage and festive decor, where they can enjoy a memorable dining experience beneath the District Dome’s signature state-of-the-art projection show. Upon arrival, groups will be seated in cozy European-style nooks, where they can indulge in a chef-driven menu of savory shareable dishes and whimsical-themed cocktails, thoughtfully crafted by Copper Blues Live.

Signature dishes include the Fall Harvest Bread Boule, Golden Season Bruschetta Board, Open Fire Meatball Skillet, Cauliflower Edamame Roast, Flame-Seared Wild Shrimp, Mountain Steak Feast, and Smoked Campfire S’mores—each curated to capture the enchanting spirit of Ember Lounge.

Guests can also enjoy a selection of signature cocktails, such as The Ice Hotel, which blends wild berry vodka, lingonberry, vanilla, and cardamom, served with shaved ice and snowflakes. The Douglas Fir combines pinecone gin, Earl Grey, cucumber, lemon, and rosemary, served in a watering can vessel.

The Northern Light mixes Starburst-infused tequila, pear, ginger, lime, and is garnished with galaxy glitter. The extensive bar menu also features house shots, a candy cane eggnog, and a wide selection of top-shelf beer, wine, and spirits.

Ember Lounge welcomes all party sizes, allowing guests to choose from four themed dining areas: The Highland, Grove, Wildwood, or Monarch upon booking. Both Ember Lounge and Dome After Dark will require a cover charge for entry, tickets range from $10- $20 per person for Dome After Dark and $30 per person for Ember Lounge, with food and drinks available for purchase upon arrival.

Ember Lounge will operate Wednesday through Sunday, with Dome After Dark starting at 10 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings. Hours of operation and tickets can be purchased at districtdome.com.

Ember Lounge is part of Desert Ridge Marketplace’s Sip & Stroll program, which allows customers 21 and older to enjoy alcoholic beverages from participating bars and restaurants while exploring the property. All guests must be 21 and over, with IDs checked upon entry.

This limited-time experience runs from November 8th through January 12th and is also available for corporate buyouts, events, parties, and large group dining. For sponsorship and corporate rates, contact crichards@vestar.com.

The Ember Lounge is located near Barnes & Noble and Copper Blues at Desert Ridge Marketplace: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. For more information, visit https://www.districtdome.com/.