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.
We'll also publish a dedicated list of New Year's Eve events later in the month!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Noir Year's Eve at Hotel Congress
Ring in 2023 at Hotel Congress! It'll be a night of live music with two dance floors, tarot card readers and pop-up performances. And yes, the iconic taco drop will happen at midnight (along with tacos and a champagne toast).
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $60 for general admission, $120 for VIP. This event is for ages 21 and up.
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.
Miss Olivia's New Year's Eve Celebration
Local band Miss Olivia and the Interlopers are hosting a New Year's Eve party with live music, dancing, a DJ, five courses of food and a champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight.
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: The Sea of Glass, 330 E. Seventh St.
Cost: $75
Visit the event page for more information.
"Stranger Things" New Year's Eve Snow Ball
Surly Wench Pub is planning a "Stranger Things" party on New Year's Eve. While full details have yet to be announced, there will be a champagne toast at midnight.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: Surly Wench Pub, 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Noon Year's Eve Party for Kids
Kiddos can celebrate New Year's Eve at this party at kids gym We Rock The Spectrum. There will be a balloon drop at noon!
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
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.
New Year's Eve at St. Philip's Plaza
Welcome 2023 at St. Philip's Plaza with free live music by The AmoSphere at St. Philip's Plaza! Visit a host at Union Public House, Reforma or Proof for seating in the plaza.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31
Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
