Celebrating its 23rd year, The Parade of Lights Festival kicks off with a health fair at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, followed by live music, and a bell ringing ceremony, along with the parade at 6:30 p.m. The forecast also calls for snow – with 15 tons of snow that you and your kids can play in, along with a hill for sledding and free discs to slide on.
Speaking of the parade, there’s a new route this year, which focuses on the downtown core and Jacome Plaza.
More events throughout Tucson
Head downtown a little early, talk with Santa and have your picture taken with him in front of Locomotive 1673 at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole for free family fun between noon and 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. You can also sing holiday songs and write him a letter.
Boy Scout Troop 770 Christmas Tree Sale — McCulloch-Wagner American Legion Post 109, 15921 S. Houghton Road, Corona. Douglas and Nobles trees. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 18-22; 8 a.m.-9 p.m.Dec. 16, 17 and 23. $48-$260. 762-5652.
The Holiday Bazaar — WomanKraft Art Center, 388 S. Stone Ave. Crafts and art ranging in price from $1-$100. 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 7-9 p.m. Through Dec. 22. Free. 629-9976. womankraft.org.
Holiday Hayrides! — M White Stables, 2350 W. River Road. Mule drawn hayride, sit by the fire, hot cocoa and roast a marshmallow. 6-9 p.m. Through Dec. 26. $15. 887-4386. holidayhayrides.org.
Mercado’s Annual Holiday Bazaar — Mercado San Agustin, 100 Avenida del Convento. Combining local shopping with gourmet drinks and regional foods. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 17. Free. 461-1107. mercadosanagustin.com.
Holiday Nights — A Million Twinkle Lights — Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. Paths garlanded with over a million twinkling lights while musicians and artists perform throughout the gardens, stargazing, sing-along and hot chocolate. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16. $16. 742-6455. tohonochulpark.org.
Benson Christmas Festival — Main Street, 168 E. Fourth St., Benson. Santa and Mrs. Clause arriving by horse and carriage at 10 a.m. at the Visitor’s Center, vendors, DJ and a train to pilot. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Free. 808-2060.
Holiday Express with Santa — Historic Downtown Depot- Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Take a photo with Santa, holiday music, write a letter to Santa at the North Pole, crafts, reading of “Polar Express and more. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Free. 623-2223. tucsonhistoricdepot.org.
Santa — Bookmans East, 6230 E. Speedway. Get your picture with Santa. Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 16. Free. 748-9555. bookmans.com.
Santa’s Holiday Workshop Event — Southwest Community Center, 5950 S. Cardinal Ave. Cookie and ornament decorating, pictures with Santa and his elves, toys, raffles and giveaways. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 16. Free. 578-0922. southwestcommunitycenter.org.
Holiday Vendor Event — Bianchi’s Italian North, 3620 W. Tangerine Road, Marana. Clothing, make-up, jewelry, skin care, handbags and more. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16. Free. 1-610-223-2516. facebook.com.
Grand Chanukah Bowl — Tucson Bowl, 7020 E. 21st St. Community Hannukah celebration with lighting the Menorah on bowling pins, bowling games, kosher lunch, traditional latkes and donuts, Hannukah gelt, games and songs. Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 17. $15. 881-7956. chabadtucson.com.
