This weekend: 5 places to see dazzling holiday lights in Tucson
Christmas is just around the corner, and one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is by sipping some hot cocoa and looking at twinkling lights.
Here are 5 can't-miss holiday light events coming up in Tucson this December.
Luminaria Nights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens
Updated
For the 31st year, the Tucson Botanical Gardens will come come to life with holiday spirit for two weekends this December. One of the garden's most popular events of the year, the nights will feature more than 2,000 lit luminarias and a special holiday light show.
There will be different performances and event each night, offering entertainment and fun for the whole family. Food and drinks will be available at the garden's cafe and some local food trucks.
When: Fridays through Sundays; Dec. 1-3, and 8-10
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $14 Adults; $7.50 Kids; $9 TBG Members, $4 Kids Member. Purchase tickets online before Dec. 1. After Dec. 1, you'll have to pick them up at the Gardens Gift Shop.
Find more information here, or by calling 520-326-9686.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Updated
The Festival of Lights in Winterhaven, Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Tucson.
Arguably one of the most well-known holiday traditions in Southern Arizona, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is back for the 68th year.
The midtown neighborhood puts on a historically large holiday light display in Tucson which helps benefit the local food bank.
You can tour the lights on a hayride wagon, bus trolley, pedal-powered group bike or just see them on food. Find more info about reservations here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 9 through Monday, Dec. 25, 5:30 to 8:45 p.m.
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood, with entrances at Fort Lowell, Tucson, Country Club, and Prince. If you plan to walk, look for parking on Tucson Boulevard and Prince Road and wear comfortable shoes. If you're driving, the main entrance is typically at Country Club and Fort Lowell.
Cost: No cost to enter, although donations for the food bank are collected.
For more information click here.
Tohono Chul
Updated
Soren Kristensen performs with Tucson High School's Jovert Steel Drum Band at Tohono Chul Park Holiday Nights in Oro Valley on Dec. 5, 2015.
The already-magical Tohono Chul garden is filled with twinkly lights this season for the annual Holiday Nights event.
Along with seeing millions of twinkling lights, you'll also see local artists and musicians performing throughout the gardens — all while sipping on some hot cocoa.
When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16.
Where: Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N Paseo Del Norte
Cost: $12 members; $16 nonmembers; $3 for children 12 and under. Click here to purchase tickets.
Find more information, and the full performance schedule here.
Zoo Lights at Reid Park
Updated
Youngsters take in the surrounding lights over one of the main walkways on the first night of this year’s Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo in 2016.
It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Reid Park Zoo, with thousands of twinkling lights on display.
Reid Park's Zoo Lights displays include animal-themed light sculptures throughout the park, live entertainment and more.
Enjoy falling snow, seeing Santa, listening to live music and carousel rides. You'll also be able to warm up the whole family with hot cocoa, a s'mores station and cinnamon rolls.
For a more adult event, check out Brew Lights on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. You'll be able to enjoy all the lights and displays while sipping on some of Tucson's finest beers. For cost and tickets, click here.
When: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 23, and encore nights will be Dec. 26-30 (Santa won't be at the encore nights)
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.
Cost: $10 adults, $6 kids (2-14); kids under 2 are free; members get $2 off admission
Find more information here.
Parade of Lights Festival
Updated
The annual Downtown Parade of Lights will brighten the streets of Tucson and warm our hearts with Christmas cheer for another year.
The parade features one-of-a-kind floats and performances. There's also a new route this year, which focuses on the downtown core and Jacome Plaza.
If you're planning on entering the parade, entries are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 4. Click here to enter.
Also, the Parade of Lights Festival will feature 15 tons of snow that you and your kids can play in. There's even going to be a hill for sledding and free discs to slide on. Check out more of the Desert Nights Downtown Lights event here.
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Jacome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free
