With holiday travel and gift buying for friends and family on the horizon, why not save some money, and fill your calendar with these fun and free events!?
Here's our list of over 40 festive things you can enjoy this December, without breaking the bank!
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.
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.
Amilliana Garcia welcomes the night’s second session of snow with open arms during Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada.
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.
Parents watch their children ride in the wagon-themed Ferris wheel at Trail Dust Town on Dec. 29, 2023.
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.
Clothing Swap Party
Pima Community College Fashion Club is hosting a Clothing Swap Party! Bring your unwanted clothes and/or take "new" ones home for free!
When: 2-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Pima Community College West Campus, 2202 W Anklam Road., Room CG
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Hermitage Cat Sanctuary Night Market
Support Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary at their Holiday Night Market, featuring over 15 local vendors
When: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary, 5278 E 21st Street.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
La Esquina Holiday Market
Spread some extra cheer this holiday season by bringing a grocery gift card donation for Casa de Los Niños. Sip on mulled wine, browse local makers and custom gift boxes, sample tasty treats, and soak up the festive vibes with the Tucson community.
When: 4-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5
Where: La Esquina Bar, 630 E. Ninth Street.
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. Fridays, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12
Where: Di Luna, 2700 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit their event page for more information.
Artist, James Lee, painting on a canvas in his booth during the Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley Marketplace on December 4, 2021.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
The 13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is the largest shopping event kicking off the holidays in Oro Valley. You’ll find one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods and holiday gifts from more than 150 artisans, as well as holiday-themed performances on the event mainstage, family art activities, food trucks and more.
When: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
20th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
This festival celebrating all things tamales is back for another year at Casino Del Sol. Attendees will enjoy a tamale contest, live entertainment, and food and artisan vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Hundreds gather to get up close to the lighted Christmas tree during the Marana Holiday Festival in 2021.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Ring in the holiday season at Marana's holiday festival and Christmas tree lighting. Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of the 40+ food trucks and vendors onsite, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like a snow foam dance party, train rides and inflatables. The tree lighting show happens when the sun goes down!
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Tumbleweed Collective Market
Tumbleweed Collective is offering a weekend full of art and community, with live music, food trucks and a lineup of artists and creatives. Saturday you can wander around a cute, cozy evening market featuring live music and happy hour with Crooked Tooth Brewing Co. On Sunday, enjoy a festive outdoor holiday market featuring artist vendors, coffee and treats, food vendors and live music.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: 4th Avenue Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh Street.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Karl Poechlauer of Substance Diner prepares food during the Vegan Night Market hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie on June 1, 2024.
Vegan Night Market
It’s back! The Vegan Night Market by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie will have lots of vegan food, drinks, vintage finds, live music, tattoos and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. 1st Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping/food
Visit their event page for more information.
Downtown Parade of Lights
There are a number of don't-miss Tucson holiday events that have come to define the season, starting with the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival, presented by Rio Nuevo. The Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area with more than 30 floats and nearly 1,000 participants.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where: Armory Park area, see the route here
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Paws Without Borders Adoption Event
Meet Paws without Borders adoptable dogs, and bring home your new best friend!
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Dogs-n-Donuts, 7743 E Broadway Blvd
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for adoption
Visit the event page for more information.
A Very Merry Witchmas Mini Market
Get into the festive spirit with an ornament make and take, toy drive, and cookie contest, as well as artisan vendors to shop, aura photos, tarot and oracle readings, food and baked goods, and a winter solstice altar.
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where: Monsoon Mystics, 657 W. St. Mary's Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Vision Board Workshop- Bookmans on Speedway
Doesn't matter if you've never made a Vision Board before, or if you're an old pro. It's all about visualizing your perfect life and making your dreams come true. Join Bookmans and Our Safe Space, and create your own vision boards to make your goals come to life.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Where: Bookmans, 6230 E Speedway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Social Game Night
Stop by Snakes and Lattes and make some new friends while enjoying fun board games.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11
Where: Snakes and Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
Visit their event page for more information
Hundreds of people visit 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Books & Chat- Meet and Read
Bring any book you'd like, along with your favorite beverage, and, get ready for 120 minutes of fun reading and conversation!
When: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
Where: Ward 6 Office, 3202 East 1st Street.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
SnO-V: An Oro Valley Holiday Event
A snowy event is taking over Oro Valley! There will be snow, visits with Santa, games, crafts, food and drinks.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
Where: Oro Valley Community Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Dr.; but park at town hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Third Thursdays at MOCA
The third Thursday of the month is a party at MOCA. The art museum is open late with free admission, music from KXCI DJs, food from Bisou Burger and drinks from Brick Box Brewery.
When: 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Bazaar
Each year, the Mercado District throws a three-day shopping experience featuring candles, jewelry, clothing and lots more. This year, the Holiday Bazaar will also feature a festive photo booth, a cookie decorating station and holiday music.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21
Where: Mercado District (both the MSA Annex and the Mercado San Agustin), 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Cafecito at Night with Chappopin Cafe
Chappopin Cafe is turing 2, which means its party time! This cozy event will feature tacos, pozole, local vendors and a DJ. Don't worry, there will be fire pits to help keep everyone warm.
When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Chappopin Cafe, 640 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Terror & Oddities Krampus Market
Discover last-minute curiosities and unusual gifts at this goth, horror and paranormal themed market. Explore more than 35 vendors and artists, plus, get free holiday pics with a visiting Krampus.
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: 4th Avenue Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh Street.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Market at Scented Leaf
Need to get some last minute holiday shopping done? No problem! Scented Leaf's east side location will be holding an art market that will features all kinds of local vendors. Plus you can get a sweet tea after!
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Scented Leaf, 6612 E. Tanque Verde Road.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
GOTHXMAS: Dark Oddities Market
This market is putting a gothic twist on Christmas! At this oddities market, you can expect to see local vendors, a holiday photobooth, tarot readings, flash tattoos, aura photography and more.
When: 5-10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21
Where: Hotel Congress Plaza, 311 E. Congress Street.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Solstice at Mission Garden
Celebrate the start of winter at Mission Garden! This event will feature Indigenous traditional singing and a station where you can make sustainable holiday garlands and decorations with clippings from the garden.
When: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Ln
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2025 Gin & Juice Tailgate Festival
Before watching the big game (the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl), head over to the Tailgate Festival where there will be corn hole, food, a battle of the marching bands and of course - Gin & Juice.
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27
Where: University of Arizona mall, 1303 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks.
Visit the event page for more information.
Vintage vendors set up inside the 4th Avenue Coalition Space for Etcetera Vintage Market.
Etcetera Vintage Market
Shop a dozen or so vintage sellers, stocking everything from graphic tees, to '90s and Y2K fashion, and secondhand accessories.
When: 12-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27
Where: 4th Ave Coalition space, 311 E 7th Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Star Wars Holiday Special
Catch a free screening of the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special — with the original TV commercials!
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2025 Taco Bell New Year's Eve Downtown Bowl Bash
Arizona Bowl is hosting a party in downtown Tucson, complete with music, a silent disco, food trucks and beer stations. Fireworks and the big taco drop will happen when the clock strikes midnight (a tradition that Hotel Congress started in 2014, but handed off to Arizona Bowl several years ago).
When: 6 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, Dec. 31
Where: Jacome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
