Click here to head back to our giant list of December events.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 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.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 9. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 9-25
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.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Ring in the holiday season 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
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.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is almost here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2-23; 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.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays, 1 million twinkling lights and dancing sculptures 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.
Live storytelling with F*ST Female Storytellers
F*ST, Female* StoryTellers, is back with a night of live storytelling. This time, the night will be centered around the theme "Ho Ho Ho."
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12
Where: The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
PJ Library Latkes + Laughter for Parents
This afternoon at the Tucson J is for Tucson parents. Expect mocktails, food and games.
When: 4-5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
Where: Tucson J, 3800 E. River Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Creative Kind Workshops
Maker shop Creative Kind has four artsy events on its roster: make your own mini saguaro-shaped soaps on Nov. 30, embroider an ornament on Dec. 9, watercolor a winter wreath on Dec. 14 and enjoy a holiday art night on Dec. 21.
When: Various times and dates.
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: $45-$48 for the soaps, ornament and watercolor workshops; $15 for holiday art night.
Visit the event page for more information.
Planetarium Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau Science Center is hosting a month of planetarium shows, including holiday screenings and laser shows themed with Daft Punk and Pink Floyd music.
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.
Concerts in the Courtyard
Head to Marana for this monthly concert series. This month, enjoy music from Good Trouble. Food trucks will be onsite and you can get a free photo with Santa. Bring your own chairs or blankets!
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
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.
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.
The Mercado Holiday Bazaar
The annual Holiday Bazaar in the Mercado District is set to feature more than 60 local artists and collectors.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17.
Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
87th Annual Las Posadas
Las Posadas has been a neighborhood tradition at Carrillo Magnet School for more than eight decades. The main part of the event is a procession from the school through the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, which commemorates the journey Mary and Joseph made in search of a place for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus.
When: Friday, Dec. 15
Where: Carrillo Magnet School, 440 S. Main Ave.
Cost: The procession is free to watch
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Speed Dating
Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!
When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15
Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting a holiday experience that will highlight "the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
When: Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 24, plus Dec. 14 and Dec. 20-21
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting five 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.
Marana Christmas Express
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. Fridays-Sundays, Dec. 8-23. Closed Dec. 24.
Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road
Cost: $20
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.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul, set to also include live entertainment.
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, plus Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16. Member-only night is Dec. 1!
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $20 for adults, $6 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Downtown Parade of Lights
Back for its 29th year, the Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area this holiday season. Last year's parade had more than 30 floats and 1,000 participants. Before the parade starts, a festival will take place at 4 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and music.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Festival begins at Armory Park at 4 p.m.
Where: Armory Park area, see the route here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Haze Market
This market features a lineup of about a dozen vendors who curate vintage clothing.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Winter Queer Bazaar
This event typically happens a couple times a year, hosted by Tucson Hop Shop. Vendor list TBA!
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Creative Kind Holiday Mini Market
Maker shop Creative Kind is hosting a mini market. The full vendor list is TBA but for now it includes four artists selling items like jewelry and desert-inspired kids clothing.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat Video Fest
Cat Video Fest, a compilation of kitty videos, is back at The Loft Cinema! This time, The Loft says it's a holiday encore presentation. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter.
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Wonderland
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a free family-friendly event with carnival games, crafts, live entertainment, hot chocolate and visits with Santa.
When: 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Spooky Rave
Who says spooky season is over? The folks behind the TikTok-famous Shrek Rave are bringing a Spooky Rave to Tucson this December. The event is described as a "super fun horror movie visual music experience."
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: $17.68. This event is for ages 18 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Make N Take at Pima Air and Space
Kids ages 6 and up will receive a quick-build model aircraft kit that they'll be able to put together, all while learning about the aircraft itself. Kids will also get to visit the aircraft they're set to build.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Pima Air and Space Museum's administrative building north of the parking lot, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: $20 per child. An adult is required to be present with the child during class. Admission to the museum is not included and admission is not needed to participate in the class.
Visit the event page for more information.
Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser for Youth On Their Own
Enjoy breakfast and meet Santa, all while supporting local nonprofit Youth On Their Own.
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Park Place Mall food court, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: $5 for kids ages 10 and under, $10 for adults
Visit the event page for more information.
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue Pasta Benefit Dinner
Southern Arizona Cat Rescue is throwing a benefit dinner with pasta catered by the culinary club at Sahuaro High School. There will also be a raffle, live music, a silent auction, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Proceeds will go toward the Southern Arizona Cat Rescue's medical fund.
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Armory Park Center, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 10 years old.
Visit the event page for more information.
Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden
Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.
When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
Skate Country Late Skate
Skate Country after hours! The local roller rink is hosting Late Skate with an '80s theme.
When: 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16
Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St.
Cost: $15, skate rental included
Visit the event page for more information.
Di Luna Saturdays
Di Luna Candles, known for its beautifully scented candles, recently opened a brick-and-mortar with candles and lots of other gift items and goodies. Every Saturday, a handful of makers pop up with their own creations in and around the Di Luna storefront.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; Local maker Mi Corazón de Mexico will be popping up Dec. 1-2.
Where: Di Luna Candles, 3061 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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. Saturdays, Dec. 2-23
Where: Northeast of the Udall Pool building at Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $25
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.
Ramon's Miracle on 31st Street
The Miracle on 31st Street Christmas party and toy giveaway has grown from a backyard barbecue to a seasonal celebration gifting toys to local kids for more than five decades.
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: Greyhound Park, 2601 S. Third Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
First Avenue Flea
There's a new antique market in town — and it's indoors!
When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.
Where: 3239 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" Movie Party
Catch a screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at The Loft Cinema, dressed in a movie- or holiday-themed outfit to enter the costume contest. There will be props to use during the movie, plus a sing-along!
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! December events include bingo, trivia, sound bath meditation and yoga.
When: Various dates in December.
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Prices vary based on event.
Visit the event page for more information.
