The Holiday season is officially upon us, and in full swing! If you're looking for fun or festive events to brighten up your weekend, here are 40 things happening in Tucson this weekend that you should check out!
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.
New Year's Eve Celebration with Gigi and the Glow at Casino Del Sol's Event Center
Wednesday, Dec. 31! Ring in the New Year while experiencing Tucson's premier dance music cover band starting at 10pm. This event is for ages 21 and up and is FREE.
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.
Prairie Karwoski, 9, helps her mother Geneva create mushroom earring as part of Caroline Martin's art cart parked 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.
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
Visit the event page for more information.
Isabella Ortiz-Castillo smiles big while she plays in the snowfall during Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town in 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.
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.
A young sightseer dashes by a wall of lights along one of the paths in Reid Park Zoo during ZooLights, December 9, 2025, Tucson, Ariz.
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 Charlie Brown Christmas: Vint, Versace & Black
Head over to the Century Room and watch Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace and Scott Brown perform Vince Guaraldi’s classic album “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
When: Dec. 18-21, the showtimes are 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street.
Cost: Price varies with each show
Visit the event page for more information.
Tios & Tias
Stop by and dance your heart out to all kinds of tunes at the Hotel Congress Plaza. This month, it’s an ugly sweater party!
When: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street.
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Visit their 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.
Home for the Holidays Adoption Event
Bring home a new furry friend for the holidays! Meet the adoptable pets of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and enjoy refreshments, food trucks, gifts for adopters, and special guest appearance from Santa Claus himself. The first 100 adoptions will be sponsored, and free of cost.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21
Where: The Humane Society of Southern Arizona 635 W. Roger Road.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
A dancer performs the Arabian variation during Ballet Tucson’s production of “The Nutcracker."
Ballet Tucson's The Nutcracker
It's that time of year, Tucson. Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra are putting together five showings of The Nutcracker this holiday season.
When: Friday-Sunday, Dec. 19-21
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Various prices
Visit the event page for more information.
Marty Birdman Center Cookies with Santa
Children ages 3–12 can enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and decorate a Christmas ornament to take home for your tree! Registration is required
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: Marty Birdman Center, 2536 N. Castro Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The December G3
G3 Tucson, the city's gay happy hour group, is hosting their annual Christmas party at Playground. Expect music, specialty cocktails and an ugly sweater contest.
When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress Street.
Cost: $9, your first drink is included. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
La Rosalia: Reggaeton Dance Party
Dance your heart out to reggaeton hits at La Rosa during this fun party.
When: 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: La Rosa, 800 N. Country Club Road.
Cost: $15, this is a 21+ event
Visit the event page for more information.
Festivus at The Rialto
The Rialto's Local Love Presents is putting together a concert with an all-local lineup of musicians including Damn Bullets and Znora.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street.
Cost: $9.30
Visit the event page for more information.
Alfie Museum Holiday Hot Cocoa Cart & Scavenger Hunt
Bring the whole family to the Alfie Museum for a festive scavenger hunt and a delicious hot cocoa treat!
Explore the galleries and search for sparkling gems and fascinating minerals, each with a fun fact waiting to be discovered.
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: UArizona Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum, 115 N Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop
Join Tukees Cookies for a festive hands-on cookie decorating class that blends holiday cheer with a little Western flair. In this 2-hour guided session, you’ll decorate five festive sugar cookies.
When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Community Center At Sierra Morado, 5825 S Metropolitan Dr.
Cost: $55
Visit the event page for more information.
The Wiz in 4k at the Loft Cinema
If you're looking to refresh your knowledge of The Wiz before the Broadway show arrives January 6-11, why not watch the original film at the Loft Cinema, in 4k glory!
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Cafecito at Night with Chappopin Cafe
Chappopin Cafe is turning 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.
An individual enjoys the Laser Taylor Swift show at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium in Tucson, 2023.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows this holiday season, including their annual family favorite “Season of Light," which explores the many festivals of light (including Christmas and Hanukah) that celebrate the spirit of renewal around the Winter Solstice. Expect other laser shows paired to the music of Swift, Disney, and popular holiday favorites!
When: Various times Saturday Dec. 20
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Various prices for shows: $20.95- $27, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
Cruising with Claus
The Rolling Thru Time Auto Museum is hosting a holiday celebration where you can see vintage cars, festive lights and take pictures with Santa Claus. There will also be themed-displays, music and food trucks.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Rolling Thru Time Auto Museum, 4750 S. Park Ave.
Cost: $10 for ages 13 and up and $5 for ages 6-12
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.
Chad Lacy pets Joey while he rests on a book shelf at Hunter's Kitten Lounge on July 6 2024.
Movie Night with Cats
Head over to Hunter’s Kitten Lounge where you’ll get to snuggle up to some cute cats and enjoy a classic Christmas film.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20
Where: Hunter’s Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25
Visit their 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.
Filipino-Inspired Holiday High Tea
Himaya Garden is organizing a Filipino-inspired tea party featuring treats that are only served during the holidays.
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21
Where: Himaya Garden, 427 E. Limberlost Dr.
Cost: $67.99
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.
