It's the last weekend before Christmas. Now's the time for last-minute holiday shopping, walks through twinkling lights and all the faux snow.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Lea Anderson writes he letter to Santa with the stationary and Santa Mail set up for all comers in the yard at 3410 N. Bentley Ave., one of the displays decorate for the 74th Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Tucson, Ariz., December 12, 2023.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is back for its last weekend. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 25. Local band Znora will be performing select days.
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.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 23; Dec. 26-30; Jan. 2-7
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $13 for general admission; $8 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.
Visit the event page for more information.
An Amazing Year Awaits — Be a Girl Scout!
Be part of a close-knit community that supports you in building strong relationships, participating in unique adventures and discovering who you are — and who you can become. Click here for more info!
Tucson Holiday Ice
Spend Christmas weekend at Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink! 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: Now through Jan. 7. Closed Christmas Day.
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
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights among the gardens' six themed light areas.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 7
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $20-$50 for adults and $18-$45 for kids, depending on the day.
Visit the event page for more information.
Double Your Holiday Spirit: All gifts matched up to $150K!
This holiday season, there’s no better time to give ... and receive! Give to families, seniors, school kids and others living in our community who need food assistance this holiday season and you may receive a tax credit for your generosity. Plus, your donation will be matched up to $150K by some generous elves, oops, we mean donors 😉
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting a holiday experience that highlights "the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
When: Now through Dec. 24
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Marana's Christmas Tree and Musical Light Show
Experience nightly light shows at Marana's 45-foot Christmas tree. The show includes 13 minutes of holiday music synchronized to 100,000 twinkling lights. You can walk up to the tree or listen to the show from your car by tuning into the radio station listed on signage.
When: 5-9 p.m. on the half hour through Dec. 27
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Make a Life-Changing Donation Today
Your United Way of Tucson helped support more than 420,000 people in Southern Arizona last year — that’s 1 in 3 members of our community given a hand up. Whether your passion is education, financial well-being, healthy living, volunteering or enjoying fun community events, United Way of Tucson has a meaningful place for you. Find your purpose and connect, give or volunteer today!
Marana Christmas Express
The Marana Pumpkin Patch has been transformed for the holidays and turned into the family-friendly Christmas Express. Check out train rides, farm animals, jumping pillows, a super slide and more. Santa will be there too!
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 21-23
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: $20
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. 21
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
Third Thursday at Tucson’s Museum of Contemporary Art is a party. The art museum is open late with free admission — and free beer from Barrio Brewing Co. KXCI will be DJing!
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tucson, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event site for more information.
Danielle and Liang Fu in Ballet Tucson’s “The Nutcracker.” The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will provide the soundtrack live.
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: Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 21-23
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $30 and up
Visit the event site for more information.
Holiday Art Night
Make ornaments out of pipe cleaners, draw on some coloring pages and play with air-dry clay at Creative Kind's upcoming art night.
When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21. Drop in anytime.
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: $15
Visit the 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: Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 21- 23. 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.
Tucson History Social
Listen to a brief presentation about the Civil War era in Tucson. Afterwards, mingle with other history-loving attendees.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Find homemade focaccia in Tucson at Rachael Colasanto's home bakery, called Holy Focaccia.
Bread and Beer Pairing
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company is teaming up with home baker Holy Focaccia for a bread and beer pairing. You'll get three 5-ounce pours and three bread bites.
When: 3-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway
Cost: $15. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday-themed Movie and TV Trivia
Test your knowledge on holiday movies and TV shows during this trivia night at Caps & Corks.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21
Where: Caps & Corks, 3830 W. River Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks
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: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Gardening Hour
Learn about gardening and bring home clippings all while connecting with The Garden Kitchen team.
When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursdays
Where: The Garden Kitchen, 2205 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Sonoran Cinema at Tohono Chul
Visit Tohono Chul's Sonoran Cinema for an outdoor screening of "The Polar Express." Get cotton candy and popcorn from the concession stands!
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $4
Visit the event page for more information.
Affordable Art Fair
Shop from local makers without breaking the bank. Find items for $25 or less at this market that includes pottery, jewelry, apparel, photography and more.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting two more Fridays of holiday festivities. Enjoy snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides and a Christmas-themed stunt show.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 29
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit the event page for more information.
Find the historic Fox Tucson Theatre at 17 W. Congress St.
"White Christmas" Sing-Along
Fox Tucson Theatre is hosting two sing-along screenings of the 1954 film "White Christmas." Come early for a pre-show concert!
When: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: $6-$8
Visit the event page for more information.
Planetarium Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau Science Center is hosting planetarium shows for the holidays.
When: Various times and days through December.
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Varies based on show. $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids ages 3-15 for some; $18.95 for laser shows and admission to science exhibits.
Visit the event page for more information.
Chez Peachy Bento Cake Workshop
Chez Peachy is known for her colorful lunchbox-size cakes. Come Friday, she'll teach you how to decorate your own cake to take home.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Catalyst Creative Collective in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $50
Visit the event page for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
The Cirque Roots Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.
When: 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: Sky Bar, 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Trivia at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe during this adult cat-themed trivia night.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15. This event is for adults only.
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Pop-up Market
Get some last-minute shopping done at zero-waste shop Cero's upcoming pop-up market, set to feature seven local makers with items like glasswork, jewelry and baked goods.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Cero, 160 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Guests look over the merchandise during the grand opening of Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Good Vibez Holiday Pop-up and Party
Get your last-minute shopping done at local shop Arizona Poppy. There will be a mini market featuring items by five makers, plus free chai and mimosas. Items include jewelry, ceramics, skincare and more.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona Presents: "Las Posadas Navideñas"
This performance will highlight dancers in Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona, from toddlers to professionals. Mariachi Sonido de Mexico will also be part of the celebration.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $25-$35
Visit the event page for more information.
Archaeology Day at Mission Garden
Kids can learn hands-on archaeology skills at Mission Garden's monthly Archaeology Day.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
'90s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s-themed dance party. Wear your best '90s attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market at the Foothills Mall to shop from more than 50 vendors, from jewelry to yard art to crochet. Grab a photo with Santa and the Grinch while you're there!
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the website for more information.
Katie Wilson, assistant manager, stocks the shelves at Candy World. The shop sells 800 different types of sweets.
Cars and Candy
Local candy shop Candy World is hosting a car show. All models are welcome, though it's first come, first served.
When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23
Where: Candy World, 9136 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
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 are two events this Saturday, both of which include the public art and murals tours. The afternoon event includes a wine tasting!
When: 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 for the tour only; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 for the tour and wine tasting.
Where: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: $30 for the morning tour; $65 for the afternoon tour and wine tasting. Pre-registration is required.
Visit the event page for more information.
St. Philip's Plaza Market
Visit St. Philip's Plaza to shop from local makers from silversmiths to candle makers.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
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.
"Elves Gone Bad" at Unscrewed Theater
Families are encouraged to participate on stage and from their seats during this family-friendly improv holiday play.
When: 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 23-24
Where: Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost: $5
Visit the event page for more information.
