A group of youngsters watch the synchronized lights, music and fountains playing for the crowds on Christmas Avenue during the opening night of Winterhaven’s 76th Annual Festival of Lights, December 13, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.

Need something to do while you anxiously wait for your New Year's Eve plans? We got you!

From a Snoop Dogg tailgate to beautiful Christmas light displays, below is a list of fun events happening in town this weekend!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Crooked Yoga

Find your zen after the holidays and join in on this guided yoga class at Crooked Tooth Brewing. There will be post yoga refreshments and no RSVPs required, just make sure to bring a mat!

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27

Where: Crooked Tooth Brewing, 228 E. 6th St.

Cost: $12

Visit the event page for more information. 

The Liminal Ball: An Any-wear Silent Disco

Put on an outfit you can’t wear anywhere else, grab your headphones and get ready to dance the night away! There will also be games, mocktails and prizes. 

When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27

Where: Celestia Collective, 1122 N. Stone Ave. 

Cost: $10 

Visit the event page for more information. 

Crimson Clues

Unlock your inner detective and head to the Tucson Mall to solve a murder mystery before midnight strikes. 

When: 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27

Where: Mystery Escape Room in the Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Rd. 

Cost: $25 early bird special, $35 if you buy the tickets on the event date

Visit the event page for more information. 

Jazz Sunday 

Stop by and enjoy some jazz tunes courtesy of the Tucson Jazz Society. 

When: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28

Where: Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ, 1801 N. Stone Ave. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Planting Table with Mini Plant – Desert Minis LGBTQI+ Workshop

Combine your miniature creations at this beginner-friendly workshop! The best part: the workshop is free and materials are included. 

When: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28

Where: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Winter Break Pop-Up

Why Choose: A Romance Bookstore is hosting their first pop-up where you can find your next favorite romance novel. 

When: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28

Where: 402 E. 4th St. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 

Pokémon TCG Trading Meetup

Trade, play and connect at this monthly Pokémon trading event. 

When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28

Where: Snakes and Lattes, 988 E. University Blvd. 

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information. 


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