Click here to head back to the giant list of December events.
On Wednesday, Dec. 21, 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. 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.
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. Tuesday, Dec. 20
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Free Mead Tasting
Superstition Meadery will be at 1912 Brewing Company for a free mead tasting! Also on the agenda: live music from Flatlander Jim.
When: 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23
Where: 1912 Brewing Company, 2045 N. Forbes Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for additional drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
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.
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.
