Here are the eternal holiday truths:
- A respite from shopping is essential.
- Out-of-town visitors need to be entertained.
- Children are home from school and need to be occupied.
And then there is this: The arts enrich our lives, give us clarity, sooth our souls and make for happy holidays.
With that in mind, we offer a guide — one art-related activity a day to the end of the year.
Dec. 5 The frenzy of the holidays can be instantly calmed with a visit to the Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way. While there, check out the exhibit of photos of Kyoto, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 272-3200 or yumegardens.org
Dec. 7 Speaking of talent at the UA: the musical theater and acting freshmen take the stage with “Encore” and “Freshman Debut.” It offers a perfect chance to get a peek at talent that is only going to grow. It’s at 7:30 p.m. at the Marroney Theatre in the UA Fine Arts Complex, near North Park Avenue and East Speedway. 484-3743.
Dec. 8 December just wouldn’t be right without Borderlands Theater’s production of “A Tucson Pastorela,” the story of the shepherds’ harrowing journey to find the baby Jesus. While the tale is old, the script is updated annually with topical references. It’s 7:30 p.m. at the Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theater, 330 S. Scott Ave. It opened Dec. 1 and plays through Dec. 11. $10-$26. 882-7406 or borderlandstheater.org
Dec. 9 Take a trip back in time with Live Theatre Workshop’s production of “Miracle on 34th St.: A Live Radio Show.” The story about a man who claims to be Santa is heart-warming; watching it as an old radio show is a delight. It’s 7:30 p.m. at LTW, 5317 E. Speedway. It opened Nov. 17 and continues through Dec. 23. $20. 327-4242 or livetheatreworkshop.org
Dec. 10 We can never have too many “Nutcrackers.” Tucson Regional Ballet puts a twist on the holiday classic with its “A Southwest Nutcracker,” setting the story in Tucson in the 1880s. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra provides the music. It’s 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. You can also catch it Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30-$36. 886-1222 or tucsonregionalballet.org
Dec. 11 The Southern Arizona Women’s Chorus, led by Terri Ashbaugh, brings us Vivaldi’s “Gloria” the way the composer intended it: in women’s voices. It’s 2 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Magee Road. $15. 404-3148 or southernarizonawomenschorus.org
Dec. 15 Jazz sax man Dave Koz brings his Christmas Tour to the Fox, along with friends Jonathan Butler, Kenny Lattimore and Valerie Simpson. How cool is that? Tickets are $47-$104. It’s at 7:30 p.m. 547-3040 or foxtucson.com
Dec. 16 And you’ll want to head back to the Fox for the Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez’s “Merry-Achi Christmas” show. They are in such demand the group has planned two shows for the day, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. $24-$70. 547-3040 or foxtucson.com
Dec. 17 Ballet Rincon’s “The Nutcracker Ballet” is at 2 and 9 p.m. at Vail Theatre of the Arts, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way. This will be your last chance to see the group dance the classic this year. $10-$16. 574-2804 or ballet-rincon.com
Dec. 28 Photojournalist Alex Webb snaps shots that reveal the soul of a city, a person, a place. Etherton Gallery, 135 S. Sixth Ave., has an exhibit of his works taken on the streets in Mexico, “Alex Webb, La Calle,” that shows his astounding talent. It opened Nov. 15 and runs through Jan. 7. Etherton is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 624-7370 or ethertongallery.com
Dec. 29 You will likely rub your eyes in disbelief when you check out the “Churches of the Southwest: Wood Sculptures” at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive. Artist Roberto Cardinale has done extraordinarily detailed tiny models of buildings that are packed with history and lore. It opened Oct. 18 and continues through Jan. 8. Hours open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $9. 881-0606 or theminitimemachine.org
Dec. 30 You’ve just one more day to catch “Fanaux” at the Temple Gallery in the Temple of Music and Art. The exhibit, which opened Sept. 17, features work by Tim Mosman and Hank Tusinski. The two artists produce art that is vastly different, but still seems to be in sync. It’s a completely compelling show. The gallery is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and during the evenings where there is an ATC production — which there is on this night.
Dec. 31 is the last day to catch the compelling show.
Dec. 31 Tempest DuJour celebrates her fifth anniversary doing her most- entertaining Retro Game Show Night at the Congress Hotel, 311 E. Congress St. What better way to spend the early evening hours before the new year? Tickets are $10-$12. Doors open at 6 p.m. 622-8848 or hotelcongress.com
