Click here to head back to the giant list of December events.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2024
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music, a giant gingerbread house and visits from Santa Claus.
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5-23; encore nights are Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-5
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $14 for general admission; $9 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.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is back in town! 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. 5; closed Christmas
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.
We put together 3 gift boxes filled with items from local artists for the holidays
To encourage the community to shop local, #ThisIsTucson collaborated with three Tucson shops to curate gift boxes for the holidays. They're packed with all kinds of fun finds, from monsoon-scented perfume to hand-poured candles to spicy candy. Check 'em out and place your order here!
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 12; closed Christmas
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $23 and up, depending on the day
Visit the event page for more information.
First Thursday at TMA
The Tucson Museum of Art offers pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Thursday of the month. Expect live music, gallery activities, a couple local vendors and a history social.
When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Odyssey Live Storytelling
Attend this live storytelling event to hear stories surrounding the theme of "upcycle."
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5
Where: The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St.
Cost: $12
Visit the event page for more information.
Creative Kind & Friends Holiday Markets
Local shop Creative Kind had to close their brick-and-mortar space over the summer, but they'll offer in-person shopping for the holidays, also featuring other vendors.
When: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays; through Dec. 22
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
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. 21, plus Sunday, Dec. 22. Snowfall is 6-6:15 p.m. and 6:45-7 p.m.
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 13
Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase
Cost: $25
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.
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: Select dates through Jan. 4
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 another round of Festive Fridays this season, complete with snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides, a kid-friendly dance party and a holiday-themed stunt show.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 27
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa's Village
St. Demetrios Church and the Tucson Greek Festival will be hosting a holiday event this weekend set to feature Christmas tree displays, a Grinch-themed room, baked goods, hot cocoa, Greek food, local vendors and visits with Santa.
When: 3-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7
Where: St. Demetrios Church, 3939 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
La Peña del SurCo
The University of Arizona's Applied Intercultural Arts Research is hosting a free gathering of Latin American folk music. Empanadas will be available for purchase!
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: 6:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays in December; 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 22-29
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
19th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
This festival celebrating all things tamales is back for another year at Casino Del Sol. Attendees will enjoy a tamal contest, live entertainment and vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for vendors
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 30 food vendors, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like crafts, train rides and inflatables. At 6 p.m. Marana will light their 45-foot Christmas tree.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
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.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
Check out more than 150 Southern Arizona artists at this two-day festival, all while enjoying performances, a marching band parade, carolers, food trucks, art activities and the lighting of Oro Valley's tree.
When: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The tree lighting is 6:15 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul all while enjoying live entertainment, vendors, crafts and visits with Santa.
When: 6-9 p.m. Begins Saturday, Dec. 7 and runs Thursdays-Sundays until Dec. 22.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12
Visit the event page for more information.
Vegan Night Market
The seventh Vegan Night Market is happening Dec. 7, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. Expect 60 vendors with plant-based cakes, pupusas, ice cream, pizza and more.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit the event page for more information.
Makers Market at The Tuxon
Local maker Lilith & Daughters puts together this seasonal makers market at The Tuxon. The holiday event is set to include more than 80 vendors across two days (around 40 each day).
When: 1-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8
Where: The Tuxon, 960 S. Freeway
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Tanque Verde Market
This market brings local creatives to the far east side! Find more than 60 vendors offering handmade and curated items, plus food and live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Tucson Country Day School, 9239 E. Wrightstown Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Queer Bazaar
Tucson Hop Shop has long been a hub for local community. It should come as no surprise that the bar and bottle shop is also the scene of the biannual Queer Bazaar, this time featuring about three dozen vendors alongside a live DJ set.
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
"Home Alone" at Children's Museum Tucson
Children's Museum Tucson, in collaboration with The Loft Cinema, is screening "Home Alone" in the courtyard. Expect snacks and holiday-themed activities while you're there. The museum will have pay-what-you-wish admission.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Children's Museum Tucson, 200 S. Sixth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring your own seating
Visit the event page for more information.
Frozen In Concert: Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform the "Frozen" soundtrack while the movie plays on a screen at the back of the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall stage.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $19-$79
Visit the event page for more information.
Winterfest in Sahuarita
Shop from a vendor market, watch a light parade and a tree-lighting ceremony, order a bite to eat from food trucks and more at Winterfest in Sahuarita.
When: 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Movie Night with Cats
Tucson's newest cat lounge is hosting movie nights! Watch "Elf" on Dec. 7 and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on Dec. 21, both alongside adoptable cats.
When: 7-9 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21
Where: Hunter's Kitten Lounge, 5319 E. Speedway
Cost: $25, includes a drink and candy
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Art Auction
Local nonprofit BICAS is hosting its 27th 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. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Free First Saturday
Valley of the Moon is opening its doors for free this Saturday. Expect crafts, performances from the Haggs of Tucson Dance Troupe and a donation drive of warm clothes.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Etcetera Vintage Market
Shop from local vintage vendors and fashion curators at Saturday's market, also featuring hot dogs from Dog Kartel.
When: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Sonoran Snowfall
Snow will fall at Park Place Mall's center court through Dec. 22! The snowfall will last around 10 minutes, accompanied by holiday music.
When: Noon, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Proper Shops' Anniversary
Proper Shops, which houses multiple local businesses under one roof, is turning two years old. Expect an anniversary celebration with local art, live music and small bites.
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Proper Shops, 300 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s dance party. Wear your best '80s-themed attire!
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
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.
Laser Shows at Flandrau
Flandrau is hosting several different music-themed laser shows this December. Expect shows paired to the music of Queen, Tool, Pink Floyd and Taylor Swift, along with a show that centers Disney hits.
When: Saturdays, Dec. 7 and Dec. 21
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $20.95, admission to science exhibits is included
Visit the event page for more information.
Silent Adventures
Silent disco meets flash mob with Silent Adventures! Put on your headphones and dance your way through both downtown Tucson and Winterhaven.
When: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 downtown; 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 19-23 in Winterhaven
Where: Downtown Tucson and Winterhaven neighborhood
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
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 ride back to Button Brew House.
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
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.
Desert Voices: Winterludes
Desert Voices, a nonprofit LGBTQ+ chorus whose mission is to "foster community through song," is hosting a holiday concert with three showings.
When: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Forty Niner Holiday Car Show
The Forty Niner Country Club is hosting a holiday car show. If you want to show off your car, admission is an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Forty Niner Country Club, 12000 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find all kinds of vintage and antique home and garden items at this market.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 300 S. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Art Events with Caroline Martin
Local artist Caroline Martin recently started an art cart, where she brings craft supplies to different locations around Tucson. Choose from three self-guided crafts to complete at each spot!
When: Various dates for art cart
Where: Various locations
Cost: Crafts at the art cart range from $5-$15
Visit the event page for more information.
BICAS Crafternoons
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: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays except Dec. 28
Where: BICAS, 2001 N. Seventh Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, donation suggested
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. There's a long list of tours on the calendar for December, including the Fort Lowell Neighborhood, Mainly Murals, the Turquoise Trail and Mansions of Main Avenue.
When: Various dates, check out the calendar here.
Where: Locations vary based on tour.
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Mercado Flea
Check out more than 50 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.
Fiesta de Guadalupe
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is hosting its annual Fiesta de Guadalupe with music and dancing, plus food and art vendors.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Road
Cost: Free to attend
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. Activities include art-making, photos with Santa, performances and a ballet class.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Visit the event page for more information.
Sonoran Sundays
Bruja shop Yōlia Botánica is hosting laid-back market most Sundays in December, expected to include 8-12 vendors bringing items like clay earrings, stickers and prints.
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 22
Where: Yōlia Botánica, 1307 W. Saint Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
14th Annual Weihnachtsmarkt
Head to Desert Sky Community School for a German-style market featuring artisan vendors, performances, crafts, carriage rides and food.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
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.
Dinner with Santa
After you get your tie chopped off by the folks at Pinnacle Peak, join Santa for dinner! The evening also includes crafts and a free ride on the train.
When: 4-7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 8-15
Where: Pinnacle Peak, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $41.99 for adults, $19.99 for kids. Reservations are required.
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas in the Barrio Market
This Sunday, enjoy a market featuring more than 30 vendors alongside coffee, tacos and a toy drive.
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8
Where: 405 W. 32nd St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
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: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where: Ward 1, 940 W. Alameda St., on Dec. 8; El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road, on Dec. 27
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, all while playing bingo or enjoying a yoga session.
When: 6-7 p.m. Sundays for bingo; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 for yoga
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TC has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul, teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean? Click here to learn more.
