For the family
Storytime at UA Bookstores
Take your little one to an hour-long storytime at one of two UA bookstores. There are two story hours at the main bookstores in the Student Union on Saturday and one at the A-Store on Sunday for kids ages 2-5.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m.
Where: UA BookStores, Student Union Memorial Center, 1209 E. University Blvd. and A-Store at Main Gate, 814 E. University Blvd.
Cost: Free
The Wizard of Oz at The Loft Cinema
Get the family together for a free showing of The Wizard of Oz with activities before the show.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:15 a.m.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost: Free
Kids Holiday Workshop
Leave your kid at Creative Juice for painting and crafts.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Creative Juice, 6530 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #160
Cost: $40
December Primary Colors Playtime at MOCA
Children get crafty with primary colors while adults learn about art and its history.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 1-2 p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave.
Cost: Free for children under 8. Check admission prices here.
Tiny Tales for Tots with Mother Goose at The Mini Time Machine
Bring your preschooler to The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures for a story and a sing-along.
Find more information here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10:30-11 a.m.
Where: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost: Included in the admission; general admission is $9, seniors (65+)/military pay $8, children (4-17) pay $6 and children 3 and under and museum members are free.
General admission is $9, seniors (65+)/military pay $8, children (4-17) pay $6 and children 3 and under and museum members are free.
For the over 21s
Fall Wine Tour: Old World Reds at Maynards
Enjoy this pretty good deal with friends. Try five hand-selected Old World Reds for only $10. Stay for happy hour while you’re there.
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Maynards Market & Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave.
Cost: $10
Brew Lights at Reid Park Zoo
Beer, twinkly lights and live animals come together for Brew Lights — it’s like Zoo Lights for adults. There will also be local vendors, entertainment and Santa. Beer tickets are $6 for a 12-ounce pour.
Find more information here.
When: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.
Cost: $9.50 for adults, $5.50 for children (2-14), free for children under 2 and members get $2 off admission. Buy your tickets here.
Paint a saguaro sky at Cafe a la C'Art
Unleash your inner artist with a guided art class. You’ll be painting a saguaro sky.
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Cafe a la C’Art, 150 N. Main Ave.
Cost: $30 per person. Register here.
Drink a classy drink at Loews Traveller Bar
Take your friends to sit in an old elevator car and sip on a vintage drink before the bar goes away.
Find more information here.
When: Every Friday through December, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Dr.
Cost: Everyone over 21 is welcome but the drinks will cost you.
Bring your ID and some money for cocktails
December bonfire at Creative Tribe Workshop
It’s not what it sounds like. Here’s your chance to collaborate with other Tucson professionals and maybe get some help finishing that project you’ve been working on. There will be brainstorming exercises, coffee and snacks. PS: You don't have to be 21!
Find more information and sign up here.
When: Monday, Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Creative Tribe Workshop, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $7 if your ticket in advance and $10 on day of event.
Collaborate and listen.
Type-in Tuesday at Public Brewhouse
You get to type on a typewriter or something that’s not a computer or cell phone. Bring something that need typing up. Enjoy a beer while you’re there.
Find more information here.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Public Brewhouse, 209 N. Hoff Ave.
Cost: Free
Wine, Chocolate, Desserts and a Film at Stables Ranch Grille
During Tubac’s Dipped in Chocolate event, Stables Ranch Grille invites people to enjoy the finer things in life. They will be showing the documentary "Earth."
Find more information here.
When: Thursday, Dec. 8, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Stables Ranch Grille, 65 Avenida de Otero in Tubac.
Cost: $30 per person and reservations are required. Call (520) 398-2678 to make a reservation.
Cardboard Ball 2016
Go dressed up in your best cardboard or recycled outfit. Yes, cardboard. It’s the fifth year of the Cardboard Ball and this year’s theme is Invoking the Trickster. There will be DJs, refreshments, and live entertainment. Get your tickets at Yikes Toys and at Pop Cycle.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. to midnight.
Where: Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. 6th St.
Cost: $10 per ticket
Elf Party & Ugly Sweater Contest at Casa Film Bar
Take your ugly sweater to Casa Film Bar for beer and a showing of "Elf."
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 16, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Casa Video and Casa Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost: Free
Get in the holiday spirit
Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada
It doesn’t snow in Tucson but you can still experience it without going too far. La Encantada has snow falling in their courtyard, hot chocolate from Blanco Tacos and Tequila and live music.
Find more information here.
When: Now through Dec. 17, 2016, every Friday and Saturday at 6 and 6:45 p.m.
Where: La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
Cost: Free
Luminaria Nights at Tucson Botanical Gardens
The gardens come to life with holiday spirit for two weekends only in December. Purchase your tickets online on Dec. 1 and at the gift shop or door after that. It will be lit up and packed full with entertainment.
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Two weekends: Dec. 2-4 and Dec. 9-11 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: (Non-member) adults pay $13, (non-member) children between 4-17 pay $7.50, (member) adults pay $10 and (member) children pay $4.
Reid Park’s Zoo Lights
Every December the Reid Park Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with lights covering the exhibits and the paths. There will even be live entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 23, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.
Cost: Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $5.50 for children (2-14), children under 2 are free, members get $2 off.
Walk through Winterhaven
This is one of the greatest and most magical Tucson traditions. Get your friends and family together for a stroll through Christmas-lit Winterhaven. Bring a donation for the Community Food Bank.
Find more information here.
When: Dec. 10-26, 6-10 p.m. every night. The last night is the drive-through night.
Where: Winterhaven
Cost: Free
Check out the map here.
Patronato's Christmas at San Xavier 2016
Enjoy a fancy holiday show at the already-gorgeous mission. Tickets fill up fast so get them soon. There are two shows: one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m.
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 13-15, 6-10 p.m.
Where: San Xavier Mission, 1950 W. San Xavier Rd.
Cost: Regular performances are $100 per person.
Las Posadas
Watch Carrillo K-5 Magnet School students reenact Las Posadas with a procession through Barrio Viejo neighborhood. Enjoy food and entertainment before the procession.
When: Friday, Dec. 16, event starts at 5 p.m. and the procession begins at 7 p.m.
Where: Barrio Viejo
Cost: Free
Barrio Viejo
Tucson Downtown Parade of Lights
Another event with a bunch of holiday lights but this one is only happening for one night so it’s a can’t-miss.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Check the route here.
Cost: Free
Check the route here.
"Elf" at Fox Tucson Theatre
Everyone's favorite elf is coming to the big screen. Get the family together for a Christmas classic.
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Regular Price is $7 and $5 for students, seniors and active military.
Tree lightings
Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at Star Pass
Kick of the holidays with the first tree lighting of the season at JW Marriott Star Pass. There will be caroling, family-friendly activities and hot chocolate. Give back by bringing a new and unwrapped toy to benefit Casa de los Niños or donate $1 to decorate an ornament to add to their community giving tree.
Find more information here.
When: Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Holiday Festival of the Arts & Oro Valley Tree Lighting
Look at art from 150 artists and exhibitors, enjoy life music, food, family-friendly activities and a tree lighting. The art festival runs on Saturday and Sunday with the tree lighting on Saturday.
Find more information here.
When: The art festival runs on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tree lighting is on Saturday at 6 p.m.
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Meet Santa, watch live performance, participate in family-friendly activities at the kids zone, eat some food, drink some hot chocolate and then watch a Christmas tree come to life.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 3-8 p.m.
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Third Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Dove Mountain
Mix hot chocolate/apple cider, holiday cookies, Santa and a lit Christmas tree for a magical evening. This event benefits Casa de los Niños.
Find more information here.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, 15000 N. Secret Springs Dr.
Cost: $20 per vehicle.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Loews Ventana Canyon
There will be chestnuts … and hot chocolate and Santa and a gorgeous Christmas tree! Donate a new and unwrapped gift to benefit Toys for Tots.
Find more information here.
When: Monday, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Dr.
Cost: Free
Winter Festival & Light Parade in Sahuarita
Go to the parade and stay for the event after. There will be photos for Santa, kid-friendly activities, food and a Christmas tree lighting. Donate non-perishable food items for the Sahuarita Food Bank.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 6-10 p.m.
Where: 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Cost: Free and open to all. Bring money for food, check out the vendors here.
375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Meet Santa
Miracle on Congress Street
Santa and his elves will camp out at the former Pizzeria Bianco space every weekend through Christmas Eve. There will also be crafts, cocktails and snacks.
Find more information here.
When: Every weekend until Christmas Eve
Where: Between Playground and Hub, 272 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free
Old West Holiday Celebration
Santa, a petting zoo and live entertainment with the Old West as a background is everything you need this season.
Find more information here.
When: Nov. 25, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
Where: Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd.
Cost: Adults (12 and older) pay $18.95, children between 4 and 11 pay $10.95 and children 3 and under are free.
Cookies with the Clauses at Reid Park Zoo
On top of an extended visit with Santa, there will be hot chocolate, cookies and treats and a live animal encounter. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your camera.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.
Cost: Non-member adults pay $25; member adults pay $20; and non-member and member children pay $15. Register here.
Storytime with Mrs. Claus
Santa's SO will be at the Carriage House meeting, taking photos with and reading to nice children. There will be hot chocolate and cookies.
Find more information and register here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: The Carriage House, 125 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: $20 per person.
Do your holiday shopping
Cultivate Tucson 2016
Go gift shopping but just end up buying yourself all of the things. With over 40 local vendors, it will be hard to pick just one thing.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 901 S. 6th Ave.
Cost: Free and open to all.
Check out the full list of vendors here.
Vintage Market at Downtown Clifton
This already-hip hotel is transforming into a vintage market. There will be more than 10 vendors there with music, and food.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entertainment will be playing from 2-6 p.m.
Where: The Downtown Clifton Hotel, 485 S. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free
Holiday Market at Steinfeld Warehouse
Buy some local art, sip on some champagne and listen to live music. This event benefits the renovation of the Steinfeld Warehouse.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Steinfeld Warehouse Community Arts Center, 101 W. 6th St.
Cost: Bring money for shopping and champagne.
Gather A Vintage Market
Find that special something at Gather: furniture, knick knacks or home decor. This weekend's theme is Sleigh Bells Ring.
Find more information here.
When: Open Dec. 8-11, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Gather A Vintage Market, 657 W. St. Mary’s Rd.
Cost: Free
Saguaro Market
This pop-up market has major Tucson vibes. Find postcards, glasses, home decor with saguaros or other cacti on it. There’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect gift for an out-of-town friend.
Find more information here.
When: Open Dec. 8-11, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Saguaro Market, 657 W. St Mary’s Rd.
Cost: Free
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Experience a crowded Fourth Avenue filled with local vendors, artists, food and drink vendors, street musicians, and tons of other family fun activities.
Find more information here.
When: Friday to Sunday, Dec. 9-11, all day.
Where: Between University Boulevard and Ninth Street on Fourth Avenue. Check out the map here.
Cost: Free
Between University Boulevard and Ninth Street on Fourth Avenue. Check out the map here.
DIY or with friends
Make paper snowflakes with Carrie Levesque
Relive one of your favorite memories growing up or learn how to make them for the first time. Carrie Levesque, snowflake-making queen, is leading three classes this season.
When and Where:
• Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Exo Roast Co., 403 W. Sixth Ave.
Join Carrie Levesque for a free snowflake workshop.
• Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Cartel, 210 E. Broadway Blvd.
Remember making snowflakes as a kid?
• Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at Johnny Gibson's patio, 11 S. Sixth Ave.
Be a kid again. Create snowflakes.
Cost: Free
Kids Create Family Fun Program at The Mini Time Machine
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is teaching kids how to create their own miniature. They’ll be making elves. Kids Create Family Fun Program happens every second Saturday of the month and the themes change. Explore the museum while you're there.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m.
Where: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost: Included in the admission; general admission is $9, seniors (65+)/military pay $8, children (4-17) pay $6 and children 3 and under and museum members are free.
Admission:
Create your own garland at Quincie Douglas Library
Put your own creative touch on pages from a book to make a unique garland.
Find more information here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 4-5 p.m.
Where: Quincie Douglas Branch Library, 1585 E. 36th St.
Cost: Free
Board Art Class: Whimsical Reindeer at Color Me Mine
Make something to hang up on the wall. At this Color Me Mine class, you’ll mess with wooden boards and stencils. This class is for adults.
Find more information and sign up here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Color Me Mine at Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd.
Cost: $43
Pop-up wreath making workshop at Creative Tribe Workshop
Learn to make a wreath pretty enough to hang up around the house and post on Instagram. Learn from DIY blog editor Lexy Ward, eat treats and sip on holiday cocktails.
Find more information and sign up here.
When: Thursday, Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Creative Tribe Workshop, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $35 per person.
DIY monDAYS at Joel D. Valdez Library
Make something out of duct tape and become an origami master.
Find more information here.
When: Monday, Dec. 12, 3-5 p.m.
Where: Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free
Holiday Bead Ornaments at Quincie Douglas Library
At this class, you’ll make ornaments out of beads. All the supplies are free.
Find more information here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Quincie Douglas Branch Library, 1585 E. 36th St.
Cost: Free
Winter Vignette Class at The Mini Time Machine
Create a winter scene you can put in your room. The museum provides all of the supplies but people are welcome to bring their own supplies to personalize the box a little more. Children must be at least 12 years old and accompanied by a paying adult.
Find more information and register here.
When: Thursday, Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr.
Cost: $33 for non members and $30 for members.
Pallet Garden Class at Green Things
Give your garden a makeover. Learn how to make a hip pallet filled with vibrant plants and succulents. Bring your own pallet or buy one there.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Green Things, 3384 E. River Rd.
Cost: Free but supplies are sold individually.
Holiday Cupcake Decorating Workshop
Take baking to a whole new level: the making-it-beautiful level. Become an icing and fondant expert after.
Find more information and sign up here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Creative Tribe Workshop, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: $50
Winter Workshop: Disney’s Frozen at Color Me Mine
Your preschooler will love making Frozen art.
Find more information here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m.
Where: Color Me Mine at Park Place Mall, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd.
Cost: $25 for canvas or pottery class and $40 for both.
Eat all the foods
12th Annual Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
Tucson’s favorite food during the holidays is being celebrate at this heritage festival.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The AVA at Casino del Sol Resort and Casino, 5655 W. Valencia Road
Cost: Admission is free.
Christmas Eve Dinner at Maynards
Don’t worry about the cooking on Christmas Eve. Enjoy a nice dinner at Maynards Market & Kitchen with three different holiday entree options. Make reservations soon because they fill up fast.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 4-8 p.m.
Where: Maynards Market & Kitchen, 400 N. Toole Ave.
Cost: Entrees range from $32-38. Call (520) 545-0577 to make a reservation.
Cup Cafe Christmas Specials
Again, don’t worry about the cooking this year. They will be serving Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day brunch.
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 5-8 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Cup Cafe, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Prices range per meal. Call Cup Cafe at (520) 798-1618 to make a reservation.
Then do some exercises
Hiking boots and yoga mats
Grab your hiking boots and yoga mat for an evening hike and yoga session and snacks. Register as soon as possible because these classes fill up fast.
Find more information and register here.
When: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:45-10 p.m.
Where: Romero Pools, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737
Cost: $25 before Dec. 5 and $35 after.
Romero Pools, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737
Puppies and Poses at Oracle
Do some downward dog with puppies and then adopt one when the class is over. Bring some cash and a toy to donate to the rescue group. Sign up before they run out of space.
Find more information here.
When: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Barefoot Studio, 7352 N. Oracle Rd.
Cost: $8 donation
Acro yoga at Movement Culture
Take trust to a whole new level with acro yoga. This class will teach you technique to build skill and trust, no experience is required. Sounds like the best thing to do before Christmas festivities.
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 23, 5-6:15 p.m.
Where: Movement Culture, 435 E. 9th St.
Cost: $5
Kids capoeira classes at Movement Culture
Get your kids moving with capoeira. New students (children 5 and older) can take advantage of the $30 for two months.
Find more information here.
When: Monday, Dec. 26, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Movement Culture, 435 E. 9th St.
Cost: Review pricing here.
Review pricing here.
Ring in the new year
Celebrate the end of the new year the right way with all of these end-of-the-year celebrations around Tucson.
End of the Year Bachata Social
Although this isn’t on New Year’s Eve, you should still go to get you in the mood to party. Get your dancing shoes, a partner and dance a sensual bachata. Go for the class and then stay for the social.
Find more information here.
When: Friday, Dec. 30, 8:50 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $10 for the class and social and $7 for the social only.
New Years Eve at JW Marriott Star Pass
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
Cost: $209-269
New Years Eve Winter Formal at Five Palms
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Five Palms Steak & Seafood Restaurant, 3500 E. Sunrise Dr.
Cost: $25-60
New Year’s Eve Bash at Hotel Congress
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $25-125
Fight Club New Year’s Eve Party at Casa Film Bar
Find more information here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: Casa Video and Casa Film Bar, 2905 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost: Free
Mad Max: Fury Road at The Loft Cinema
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Three days: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 30-31 at 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 1 at 2 p.m.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost: General admission is $6 and $5 for Loft members.
Labyrinth New Year's Eve Party & Masquerade Ball at The Loft Cinema
Find more information and purchase tickets here.
When: Saturday, Dec. 31, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. The costume contest will be at 11:15 p.m. and the movie begins at 11:45 p.m.
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Cost: General admission is $10 and $8 for Loft members.