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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.
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
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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!
First Thursday at Tucson Museum of Art
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every first Thursday of the month for pay-what-you-wish admission. There will be art and gallery activities, live music and a cash bar, plus a star party with Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
Ponderosa Cactus is hosting its fifth annual wreath-making workshop! Take a look at how beautiful those succulent wreaths are. A portion of the proceeds go to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
When: 3-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Ponderosa Cactus, 3751 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: $65
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.
Tarot Con
Bookmans is hosting a tarot con at their Speedway and Wilmot location. The event will feature tarot readings, aura photography and more.
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: Bookmans East, 6230 E. Speedway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for readings and more
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Card Party
Just Communities Arizona is hosting a Holiday Card Party, where you can write letters to incarcerated people throughout the state. Las Mujeres Verdes will be there to set up a mercado, plus there will be free tamales and music from a DJ.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: YWCA Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Moon Market
Stop by this Moon Market where there will be tarot readers, astrology readers, vendors selling items like essential oils and soaps, and zodiac-inspired flash tattoos.
When: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: Spark Project Collective Events Center, 4349 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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.
Live music at Steam Pump Ranch
Enjoy a night of live music at Steam Pump Ranch. There will be food trucks on-site, plus beer and wine available for purchase. Bring your own chair or blanket!
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, food and drinks available for purchase
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.
Kitty Haha Comedy Night
Lady Haha will be center stage at this comedy show surrounded by the cats at El Jefe Cat Lounge. You can bring your own food and drinks!
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2
Where: El Jefe Cat Lounge, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
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: 3-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
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.
17th 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. 3
Where: AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
Check out Southern Arizona artists at this two-day festival, all while enjoying performances and a tree lighting. There will be more than 130 artists, kid-friendly art activities, food vendors and photos with Santa.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Spaghetti Club Takeover at MOCA
Spaghetti Club, the pop-up nightclub at the MSA Annex, is heading to the Museum of Contemporary Art! To celebrate MOCA's 25th anniversary, for one night only, the museum will be turned into a multi-floor dance club. There will be DJs, pasta from Locale, cocktails and photo opportunities. Proceeds go toward artists and the museum's exhibits and programs.
When: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at the door
Visit the event page for more information.
Las Mujeres Verdes Mercados
Las Mujeres Verdes, a group of four women looking to uplift small businesses, are putting together two markets this holiday season. Follow their Instagram page to see vendors as they're announced.
When: Saturdays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17. The Dec. 3 market is 3-7 p.m.
Where: Flowers & Bullets Midtown Farm, 3538 E. Ellington Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Tuxon Holiday Market
Check out more than 80 makers at The Tuxon at this market organized by maker Lilith & Daughters. In addition to vendors, there will be carolers, a hot chocolate bar and visits with Santa.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Asian Holiday Party
The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center is celebrating the holidays with a visit from Santa, gifts for the kids, activities for the adults and a free light dinner for the family.
When: 4:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Road
Cost: Free to attend, RSVP in advance
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.
Holiday Local Magick Market
The Ninth House and By and By are putting together a market with more than a dozen local artists, bone and tea leaf readings, and Filipino food from Tita Tita.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: By and By, 2569 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Gingerbread Workshop at Children's Museum Tucson
Decorate a gingerbread house at Children's Museum Tucson! Your ticket includes a preconstructed house, icing, candy and access to a photo area.
When: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 3-4
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: $50, includes up to four guests
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party featuring music videos from the '80s. Dress in your best '80s attire.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
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.
Free First Saturday: The Season of Magic
Tucson's fantasy park Valley of the Moon is hosting Free First Saturday this weekend. You'll get to decorate trees for fairies and go on a lantern walk.
When: 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Kid's Night Out
Drop off the kids for a night at We Rock The Spectrum. There will be pizza, crafts, games and open play such as a zipline and a trampoline.
When: 4-7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17
Where: We Rock The Spectrum, 4811 E. Grant Road
Cost: $35 per child in advance, $45 day of
Visit the event page for more information.
Drag Queen Bingo
Roxi Starr is hosting at least two Drag Queen Bingo events this month!
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at Button Brew House. 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18 at Bawker Bawker.
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin. Bawker Bawker Cider, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to play
Visit the event page for more information on the Button Brew House bingo. Visit the event page for more information on the Bawker Bawker bingo.
12th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt
Head to Desert Sky Community School for a German-style market featuring artisan vendors, performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and food.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Desert Sky Community School, 1350 N. Arcadia Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Beer + Bikes
This bike ride goes along The Loop to 1912 Brewing Co. for a beer or two, followed by a bike ride back to Button Brew House for food truck bites.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for brews and food
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.
Tucson Nordic Fair
Each year, the Tucson Nordic Fair is held as a fundraiser to benefit Scandinavian clubs in Tucson. There will be performances, Scandinavian food and vendors with collectibles, clothing and antiques.
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Streams of the Desert Lutheran Church, 5360 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with this class at Udall Park!
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Bazaar
Tucson Hop Shop is hosting another Queer Bazaar, where you'll be able to shop from local artists and watch a drag show. The market will benefit The Thompson House, Mariposas Sin Fronteras, and the victims of the Club Q attack.
When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Medella Vina Antique and Vintage Fair
Once a month, Medella Vina Ranch hosts an antique fair where you can shop vintage items from more than 100 vendors, plus take a break at an onsite food truck.
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
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.
Tie Dye at Borderlands
Enjoy a beer at this tie-dye workshop hosted by Borderlands Brewing Company. You'll get a "Beer Me" Borderlands shirt, a pint a beer, and access to tie-dye supplies.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $20. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa Marana Farm Fair
Shop from vendors, get a bite to eat from food trucks, and pick out a Christmas tree. There will also be activities for kids including animal exhibits, visits with Santa, and crafts.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: Santa Marana Xmas Tree Ranch, 13645 W. Sagebrush Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food. Parking is $5 per car.
Visit the event page for more information.
Nature at Night drag show
Miss Nature frequently hosts drag shows at Bumsteds with several performers. No two shows are the same!
When: 5 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18
Where: Bumsteds, 1003 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: $12, tickets available online
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Card to Tucson
Ring in the holidays with this Holiday Card to Tucson concert, featuring Arizona and Symphonic Choirs, University Community Chorus, Collegium Musicum, Tucson Boys Chorus and Tucson Girls Chorus.
When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4
Where: St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: $25
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.
