Click here to head back to our giant list of December events.
On Wednesday, Dec. 6, 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.
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.
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, gallery activities, live music and a cash bar. This month's event will also feature a trunk show with textile crafts, a panel on weaving and memory, and Gigi's Fusion food truck.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
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.
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.
Chanukah at Downtown Tucson
Celebrate Chanukah at the 40th annual lighting of what's dubbed Tucson's tallest Menorah. In addition to the lighting, there will be music, crafts and treats.
When: 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: El Presidio Park, 160 W. Alameda St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Startup Tucson Downtown Holiday Market
Shop from local makers at Startup Tucson's upcoming mini market, all while mingling with fellow entrepreneurs.
When: 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: FORGE at Roy Place, 44 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Safe Shift Store 3-Day Sale
The Safe Shift estate store, which helps raise funds for firefighters and first responders through the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation, opens its doors for three days each month. Past items for sale have included furniture, home decor, kitchen items, books and more.
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 7-9
Where: Safe Shift, 2801 E. Grant Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "winterizing."
When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.
Cost: $15
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.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair is back this December! Shop from more than 350 artists, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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.
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.
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.
BICAS Art Auction
Local nonprofit BICAS is hosting its 26th annual art auction filled with bicycle-themed art. Enjoy a night of art, music, drinks and food. This is BICAS' largest fundraising event of the year.
When: 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9. Bidding ends Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.
Where: Splinter Collective, 901 N. 13th Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tasting History: Squash
Learn about the origins behind squash and how it became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
Visit the event page for more information.
A Happy Hive Holiday Market
Shop from 50 local makers and creatives at the upcoming Happy Hive market. Beyond the market, you can get tickets for a charcuterie boat or a gingerbread house workshop.
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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.
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.
Community Self-Defense
Jenna Herder teaches self-defense classes for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
When: 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 for Female Friday; 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 for the LGBTQ+ class.
Where: Combat Krav Maga, 3273 N. Freeway
Cost: Pay what you can
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. 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.
Art After Dark at Children's Museum Tucson
Each month, Children's Museum Tucson hosts Art After Dark with local arts groups and free admission! This special edition of Art After Dark features an outdoor screening of "The Grinch," thanks to The Loft Cinema.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Bark in the Barrio
This dog-friendly event features adoptable dogs, games, food, music and local vendors. Your dog can even get a photo with Santa himself.
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Armory Park, 220 S. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Anime Wonder Festival
This two-day festival celebrates anime and Japanese culture through vendors, food, car displays, cosplay, music and more.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: $35
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.
Saturday with Santa
Celebrate the holidays with the Arizona Diaper Bank's Saturday with Santa event, set to include a jumping castle and climbing wall, face painting and visits with Santa.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Arizona Diaper Bank, 1050 S. Plumer Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa at Harlow Gardens
Kids can meet with Santa at Harlow Gardens, plus make their own ornament to take home.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Cirque du so-Gayla
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce is hosting this upcoming Gay-la featuring cirque performances, tattoos, live music, food and local queer icons.
When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: $125
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: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Xerocraft Makerspace, 101 W. Sixth St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
2nd Saturdays
Check out food trucks, live music and local makers during this monthly outdoor street festival.
When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Downtown Tucson along East Congress Street
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, demonstrations led by Archaeology Southwest, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Vail Vendor Fair
Hosted by Vail Coffee Stop, this market will feature vendors, food and music.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9
Where: Vail Coffee Stop, 13105 E. Colossal Cave Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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
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.
Second SundAZe at TMA
Visit the Tucson Museum of Art every second Sunday for pay-what-you-wish admission. Enjoy art-making, gallery activities, family yoga and performances. In this edition of Second SundAZe, you'll also find a Nutcracker ballet class and photos with Santa.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Fruit Cocktail Lounge
Head downtown for an LGBTQ+ cocktail party and social at The Century Room at Hotel Congress! Enjoy cocktails, small plates and entertainment.
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: The Century Room, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 45 vendors selling antique and vintage items at the Mercado Flea.
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.
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: 8-10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Dec. 10; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Dec. 29
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
The Northwest Chanukah Festival
Chabad of Oro Valley is putting together a Chanukah celebration with music, free latkes and doughnuts, Jewish art, crafts, inflatables, cookie decorating, challah braiding and a menorah lighting.
When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 11695 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Grand Chanukah Celebration
Chabad of Vail is hosting a community menorah lighting with doughnuts, latkes and a chocolate gelt drop.
When: 5-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Where: Purple Heart Park, 9800 E. Rita Road
Cost: Free to attend
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.
