Click here to head back to the giant list of December events.
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, we'll publish a list with even more events. Keep your eyes peeled for that or sign up for our Weekend Planner email newsletter to get the list sent straight to your inbox.
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: Now through Sunday, Jan. 8. From now through Dec. 21, the rink will be open 2-9:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekends. From Dec. 22 through Jan. 8, the rink will be open noon to 9:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. weekends. The rink will be closed on Christmas.
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Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $20 for adults, $14 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: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Most Tuesdays-Sundays through Jan. 15
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.
The Fox is as Excited as Buddy the Elf!
Once upon a time, the Carpenter’s annual variety shows and Christmas albums rang in the season with Karen’s beautiful voice — relive that time this Thursday with A Carpenter’s Christmas and enjoy the effortless grace of Lisa Rock as she covers all your favorites! Excitement and energy will really SWING you this weekend with the cool vibes of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on Saturday and the hilarious optimisim of Buddy the Elf on Sunday!
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.
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. 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.
Make a Difference in your Community
United Way of Tucson helped support more than 250,000 people in Southern Arizona last year, that’s 1 in 4 members of our community given a hand up. Donate today to help us continue providing life-changing support to kids, families and seniors in Southern Arizona. Together we are Stronger United.
ZooLights 2022
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is back! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3; Dec. 5-23; plus encore nights Dec. 26-30.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $12 for general admission, $8 for kids ages 2-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
The Fourth Avenue Street Fair is back! Shop from hundreds of artists, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to dusk Friday-Sunday, Dec. 9-11
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Experience the magic of Ballet Tucson's The Nutcracker as never before!
A world of wonder awaits at Ballet Tucson's The Nutcracker, now in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra! Treat your loved ones to Tucson's favorite holiday tradition. This award-winning production brings the enchanting story of The Nutcracker to life with sensational dancing, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky's magnificent score performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians. Give the gift of memories that will last a lifetime!
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul, set to also include live entertainment from musicians and artists.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte
Cost: $20 for adults, $6 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Express at Marana Farm
The Marana Pumpkin Patch will be 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. Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-23.
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: $20 for general admission, or $25 with a Santa visit
Visit the event page for more information.
Support the La Frontera Center community with your tax credit donation!
Please give your tax credit support to our local foster care kids, children’s services program, military veterans, and our homeless population! Donate to La Frontera Center here.
Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town
The holiday season has arrived at Trail Dust Town! Festive Fridays will feature snow every hour from 5-7 p.m., holiday drinks, $8 amusement ride wristbands, stunt shows and train rides.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays in December
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.
BICAS Art Auction
After a two-year hiatus, local nonprofit BICAS is bringing back its art auction filled with bicycle-themed art. Enjoy a night of art, music and food.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 for the preview party and early bidding. 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 for the silent auction night.
Where: SAACA Catalyst Arts & Maker Space in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Dirty T Punk Rock Flea and Krampus Market
Find all kinds of oddities at this upcoming flea. There will also be a toy drive and a hat drive, tarot readings, food and beer, flash tattoos and photos with Krampus, the folklore figure who scares kids who have misbehaved during the holiday season.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. There's also a kick-off party 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 9 that will include vendors, food trucks and a bar.
Where: Grand Luxe, 1365 W. Grant Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue Spaghetti Benefit Dinner
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue is throwing a benefit dinner, dubbed Spay-ghetti. Pasta will be catered by the Sahuaro Culinary Club at Sahuaro High School. There will also be a raffle, kid-friendly activities and live music. Proceeds will go toward medications, food, litter and vet exams.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Where: Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road
Cost: $25 per person, $40 for couples. $10 for kids ages 12 and under.
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: Various days in December, starting Dec. 2
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $35-$45 for adults, $30-$40 for kids ages 5-11.
Visit the event page for more information.
Westward Look Concert Series
Get a dose of funk, jazz and more at the Lookout Tucson at Westward Look Concert Series, in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance.
When: 6-8 p.m. various days in December
Where: Westward Look, 245 E. Ina Road
Cost: Free admission with a table reservation
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Corner with BICAS
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: 4-6 p.m. Fridays
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
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. 10. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 10-26.
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.
Art after Dark: Free screening of "Elf"
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art after Dark with local arts groups. This month, it's The Loft Cinema! The two are collaborating to screen a free outdoor showing of the movie "Elf."
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Kira Kira Collectibles Anniversary Bash
Kira Kira Collectibles is celebrating their one-year anniversary with a free family-friendly event at Ding Tea Tucson on Irvington Road. There will be other anime vendors, a cosplay contest, raffles and boba drinks at the event.
When: 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Ding Tea Tucson, 910 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Flandrau Holiday Shows
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium is screening holiday-themed planetarium shows this month, one of which is a laser music show dubbed "Laser Holiday Magic."
When: Several days in December.
Where: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-17
Visit the event page for more information.
Feliz (Navidad) Mercadito
Galeria Mitotera is hosting its monthly mercadito on Dec. 10. The vendor lineup hasn't been announced yet, but we know Nopalinda and Cal's Bakeshop will be there!
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Galeria Mitotera, 1802 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Ornament Making Workshop
Head to Mission Garden to make ornaments out of gourds, okra pods and Devil's Claws, all of which are saved by the garden each year for the holiday season. You can bring your own decorations, like glitter or sequins, if you'd like.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. 50 tickets will be sold online. Walk-ins will be available if space allows.
Visit the event page for more information.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
Santa is stopping by kids gym We Rock The Spectrum twice in December for cookies and hot cocoa.
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10; 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17
Where: We Rock The Spectrum, 4811 E. Grant Road
Cost: $25 per child in advance, $35 day of
Visit the event page for more information.
Saturday with Santa
Celebrate the holidays with the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona's Saturday with Santa event, set to include games, holiday crafts, treats and visits with Santa.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona, 1050 S. Plumer Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2nd Saturdays
Downtown's 2nd Saturdays are back! Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Repair Cafe
Need something fixed? Bring it to the Tucson Repair Cafe to be fixed for free! All items are welcome.
When: 4:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Hotel Congress Séance Experience
The Hotel Congress Séance Experience is a live recreation of a Victorian Era-theatrical séance "exactly as performed in 1800s" in the hotel's only third-floor room to survive its 1934 fire (be prepared to go up a few flights of stairs).
When: 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. most Saturdays in December
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $14.94 for general admission, $28.33 to participate. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Hike in Sabino Canyon
Local artist Stephanie Daniels, of Brushes and Boots, is leading an art hike to Seven Falls in Sabino Canyon with company Kula Cloth. Bring your art supplies of choice and go hiking, stopping to draw surrounding scenery. Daniels will provide some artistic guidance.
When: 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road
Cost: Free to attend, register online
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Wonderland at International Wildlife Museum
Ring in the holidays with the International Wildlife Museum's Winter Wonderland, where there will be games, themed crafts and Santa.
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road
Cost: $10, $5 for kids ages 4-12.
Visit the event page for more information.
Kitten yoga with Barefoot Studio
Take this beginner's yoga class surrounded by kittens! Proceeds go to Southern Arizona Cat Rescue. Bring your own blanket, mat or towel!
When: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Barefoot Studio, 7053 N. Oracle Road
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Cars and Coffee
Head to this car show centered around Mustangs, hosted by Obsessions Car Club.
When: 7-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10
Where: Lowe's, 4075 W. Ina 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. Upcoming tours include the Turquoise Trail downtown; Barrio Viejo; Armory Park; and Public Art and Murals. There's also a Presidio District Gastronomy Tour.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $25 for nonmembers, $20 for members for walking tours. Gastronomy tour is $120 for nonmembers, $100 for members. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
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.
Holiday movies at The Fox
Fox Tucson Theatre will be screening "Elf," "Polar Express" and "It's A Wonderful Life" this December. Also check out other holiday concerts and shows at The Fox, like "A Drag Queen Christmas," "Nutcracker" and "Merry-Achi Christmas."
When: Several dates
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Movies are $8
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Lounge
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge at these weekend events, including cat yoga, cat bingo and cat trivia.
When: Several days in December.
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $15 for trivia, adults only; $14 for bingo, reservations required; $18 for yoga.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
The Mercado Flea is back, complete with more than 45 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.
La Fiesta de Guadalupe
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is hosting its annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe with music and dancing, plus food and art vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Hanukkah Pot Luck Party
Bring some food to share at this Hanukkah pot luck at kids gym We Rock The Spectrum!
When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: We Rock The Spectrum, 4811 E. Grant Road
Cost: $25 per child in advance, $35 day of
Visit the event page for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 11; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30
Where: Ward 1 City Council Office, 940 W. Alameda St. on Dec. 11; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road on Dec. 30.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the Dec. 11 event page or the Dec. 30 event page for more information.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Check out art-making activities and performances.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish, reserve tickets in advance.
Visit the event page for more information.
Comet Collectibles Holiday Toy Show
Find the perfect toys or collectibles for your loved ones this holiday season at this local toy show with over 30 vendors.
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11
Where: ENCORE, 5851 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for toys and collectibles
Visit the event page for more information.
