Still looking for fun events to fill your weekend? Don't worry! We've go the cure for your boredom. Here's our list of over 40 things happening this weekend in Tucson that will be well worth your time! Whether you're in the mood for something festive, or just something outside of your normal routine, there's so much to do December 12-14.
Events at Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
Fall is the perfect time to experience the Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm! The owners are celebrating with tours and exciting events! Check out their seasonal teas at Lavender Manor!
When: Various dates in December
Where: Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm, 1221 N. Rancho Robles Road, Oracle. (Some workshops are available in Tucson at The Lavender Manor, 347 E. Fourth Street.)
Cost: $15 for tours and tastings, $35 to make a besom witch broom, $25 to make a lavender corn husk doll.
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. There's a long list of tours on the calendar, including the Turquoise Trail, Armory Park, Barrio Viejo, Death After Dark and Public Art & Murals.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events
Visit the event page for more information.
Discovery Nights at Children's Museum Tucson
Visit Children's Museum Tucson for a free night of science and art, including story times and pop-up science experiments.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursdays
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Dirty T Run Club
This run club meets on Thursdays for a 4 mile run at a slower pace. During the route, you’ll get to run past iconic murals and the rattlesnake bridge. Plus, they stop by a bar for after-run drinks.
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m., rain or shine
Where: Meeting place is at the corner of 6th Ave. and 7th Street
Cost: Free to attend
Visit their Instagram page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturdays and most Fridays
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road.
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
Get free access to recycled bike art parts, tools and other materials and get creative! Once you're finished, you can donate your creation to BICAS or give a suggested donation to the nonprofit, if you're able to. Check in at the front counter before heading to the art area.
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers and enjoy live music. While you're there, grab a bite to eat at one of the plaza's several eateries.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through April
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
The Mercado Flea is back, complete with dozens of vendors selling antique and vintage items.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Caroline Martin, right, owner of the art cart, checks in on Prairie Karwoski, 9, and her mother Geneva, as they enjoy snacks and make art at The Korean Rose.
Art Cart with Caroline Martin
Head to local art educator Caroline Martin's art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When: Various dates throughout December
Where: Various places
Cost: $5-$15
Visit their event page for more information.
Events at Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More
Stop by Poppin' Off for their many, creative workshops, trivia nights, and other exciting events! You'll find something for all ages and interests.
When: Various dates throughout December
Where: Poppin' Off Pop Culture Gifts & More, 4570 E Broadway.
Cost: Typically $0-$15
Visit their event page for more information.
Enchanted Snowfall
Looking to enjoy a snowy evening? Head to La Encantada to see snow flurries, all while sipping hot chocolate and enjoying live entertainment.
When: Thursdays-Saturdays through Dec. 20. Snowfall is 6-6:15 p.m. and 6:45-7 p.m. Entertainment is 6:15-6:45 p.m. and 7-7:45 p.m.
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
A large cacti shines bright during Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Dec. 15, 2023.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Each weekend in December leading up to Christmas, you can celebrate at Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights. Wander illuminated pathways through the grounds, enjoy live performances, and browse a curated selection of gifts at the Merry Market
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6; Friday-Saturday Dec. 12-14; and Friday-Saturday Dec. 19-21
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: $20-25 for adults, $10 for kids over 4
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town
The holiday season has arrived at Trail Dust Town! Festive Fridays will feature snow every hour from 4:30-7:30 p.m., holiday drinks, $8 amusement ride wristbands, stunt shows and train rides.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays Nov. 28- Dec. 26
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Old Tucson is getting in the ho-ho spirit with "Yuletide."
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting a holiday experience this December that will highlight "the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
When: Select dates and various times through Dec. 31
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $35-$45 for adults, $35 for kids ages 5-12.
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is back for the holiday season! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: The skate rink will be open through Sunday, Jan. 4. Through Dec. 12, the rink will be open 4-8 p.m. weekdays and 12-8 p.m. weekends. From Dec. 13 through Dec. 21, the rink will be open 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends, with additional sessions offered daily after Dec. 22. The rink will be closed on Christmas.
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through 3,000 luminarias at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be "artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences" through the gardens, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights, plus art pieces and installations.
When: 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, through Jan. 11
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $21-$50 for adults and $17-$45 for kids, depending on the day. children younger than 4 get in free.
Visit their event page for more information.
ZooLights 2025
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is back! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. select Nights December and January
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $14.50 for general admission, $9.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
A pair looks through a large display of hangable art for sale on day one of the 56th Annual Fourth Avenue Spring Street Fair, North 4th Avenue, Tucson, Ariz., March 21, 2025.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
This bi-annual Tucson tradition offers something for everyone, including live entertainment, local makers, over 40 food vendors, and of course North Fourth Avenue’s shops and merchants.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
Where: North Fourth Avenue.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Di Luna Holiday Night Market
Stop by Di Luna to sip, shop and get into the holiday spirit. Browse their fun lineup of makers and small businesses for gifts for everyone on your list. Enjoy tamales, live music, treats, a pop-up watercolor workshop and a pop-up photo booth.
When: 5-8:30 p.m. Friday Dec. 12
Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Winterhaven Christmas Market
Take in the festive lights and holiday magic at the Winterhaven Christmas Market, and shop some of the best local makers, selling artisan gifts, candles, sweets, drinks, ornaments, jewelry and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13; and 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Nearby Address: 3050 E Fort Lowell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
A Drag Queen Christmas
“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the longest-running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage!
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Blvd
Cost: Tickets starting at $40
Visit their event page for more information.
Ugly Sweater Dance Party
Join Dream Dance Dance Studios for a holiday dance party! Wear your best ugly holiday sweater, and bring your friends! The night will start with a mini group lesson, followed by social dancing
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Dream Dance Dance Studios, 405 E Wetmore Road.
Cost: $8
Visit their event page for more information.
Comedy Kiki
Start your weekend with a laugh at The Comedy Kiki! This late-night variety show celebrates queer voices in comedy, serving up a fabulous mix of improv, stand-up, sketch, and alt-comedy. It’s queer, it’s iconic, it’s a riot!
When: 9-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E 9th Street
Cost: $9
Visit their event page for more information.
80s Dance Party at The Surly Wench Pub
Dance the night away to all of your favorite retro hits including Prince, Madonna, QUEEN, Michael Jackson, and more! Costumes are encouraged.
When: 9 p.m., Friday Dec. 12
Where: The Surly Wench Pub, 424 N 4th Ave.
Cost: $5
Visit their event page for more information.
Holiday Market & Parade
The Tanque Verde Swap Meet is providing lots of holiday fun this year. Aside from the swap meet, there will also be photo ops with Santa, live music and a holiday parade.
When: 7 p.m. on Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20 and 21. Photos with Santa and live music will be from 7-8 p.m. and 9-10 p.m. The holiday parade is 8-9 p.m.
Where: Tanque Verde Swap Meet, 4100 S. Palo Verde Road.
Cost: $2 admission fee
Visit the event page for more information.
Poster Sale at the Loft Cinema
Looking for a unique gift for the holidays or new decor? Look through hundreds of posters, ad sheets, and press kits for 1980s classic films!
When: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for purchases
Visit their event page for more information.
Photos With Santa Paws
Take your holiday photos with Santa Paws! Proceeds from the event support Friends of Pima Animal Care Center and their mission.
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Dogs-n-Donuts, 7743 E Broadway
Cost: $15 for a picture with Santa Paws
Visit their event page for more information.
Tree Ornament Paint & Sip
Get festive and create your own custom tree ornaments! Perfect keepsakes or last minute gifts!
When: 12-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Monkey Bar, 1120 S Wilmot Road.
Cost: Supplies free with drink purchase
Visit their event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop from local makers during this market! Vendors will have handmade crochet plushies, soaps, candles, art, home decor, jewelry, bags and more!
When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Kpop Market - Korean Rose
Join the AZ Kpop Social Club for a holiday Kpop market. Dance to your favorite tunes, shop vendors and sip on fun, themed drinks.
When: 12-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: The Korean Rose, 6118 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
“Meet the Artists” Holiday Market- Mariana de la Vega Art Gallery & Studio
Shop small works, original pieces, and unique handmade gifts from the gallery artists! Perfect for holiday giving and for collectors looking for something special.
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Mariana de la Vega Art Gallery & Studio, 1918 E Prince Road.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Cat Video Fest 2025 at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.
Cat Video Fest- Meowy Christmas Screening
Cat Video Fest, a compilation of kitty videos, is back at The Loft Cinema! This time, The Loft says it's a holiday encore presentation. A portion of the proceeds will go to Friends of PACC, Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and The Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Community Cat Program.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
TucSon Jarocho at Flowing Wells Library
Enjo this family friendly event with music from TuSon Jarocho. They play a Mexican style of music called Son Jarocho from the region of Veracruz. This captivating music is a blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish sounds that create a unique experience.
When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W. Wetmore Road.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Wonderland with Parks and Rec
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a free event for the family that's set to feature carnival games, hot chocolate, crafts and visits with Santa.
When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th Street.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Winterfest in Sahuarita
Shop from a vendor market, watch a light parade and ice sculpting, order a bite to eat from food trucks, and more at Winterfest in Sahuarita. A tree lighting ceremony will end the night.
When: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Hotel McCoy Art Walk
Enjoy a creativity-filled evening at Hotel McCoy's art walk. Shop local artists and vendors, with live music and interactive experiences .
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Hotel McCoy, 720 W Silverlake Road.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Krampus Market
A night of wicked delights awaits you at the Krampus Market. Full of strange and unusual finds for the holiday season, local vendors, flash tattoos, spirits and warm elixirs, live music, and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Mourning Star Curio Shoppe, 236 S. Scott Ave. Suite 104
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Christmas Balloon Glow
Join Pima Air and Space Museum for a Christmas Balloon Glow. Watch hot air balloons take to the sky, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, decorate holiday cookies, and experience stunning feats of traveling circus performers.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Pima Air and Space Museum, 6000 E Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85756
Cost: $50 per vehicle
Visit their event page for more information.
The lights from one of the trolleys swoop past the bright decorated yards and sightseers on Kleindale Road at Bentley Avenue during the 75th Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Tucson, Ariz., December 19, 2024.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 13. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13-27.
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Boulevard
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Bingo With Cats- Hunter's Kitten Lounge
Snuggle with rescue kitties and play some friendly bingo at Hunter’s Kitten Lounge. Don't miss out on the purr-fect mix of games, cats, and good times!
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E Speedway
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Stranger Things Night - R Bar
Test your knowledge at Stranger Things trivia, watch episodes of the show, sip on themed drinks, and enter Hawkins for one night only!
When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13
Where: R Bar, 350 E Congress Street.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
World Ballet Company- The Nutcracker
Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker, a heartwarming ballet that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Featuring 40 world-class dancers, over 150 sparkling hand-sewn costumes, and hand-crafted sets, World Ballet Company’s production is the perfect way to make holiday memories together.
When: 4 p.m. an 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street.
Cost: Tickets from $44
Visit the event page for more information.
Chanukah at Downtown Tucson
Celebrate Chanukah at the 42nd annual lighting of what's dubbed Tucson's tallest Menorah. In addition to the lighting, there will be songs, a light show, a food truck, crafts and personal Menorahs to take home.
When: 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14
Where: El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda Street.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
