We all know Santa is REALLY busy this year, but he still finds time to see all the children of Tucson before the big day.
Check out all the places we found Santa that will add some magic and cheer to your little ones' holidays.
Downtown
Every year since 2016, Santa has set up shop on Congress Street. Families can stop by the holiday pop-up shop for crafts, sweet treats and more. Plus, there are holiday-inspired cocktails available for purchase for the grown-ups.
Miracle on Congress Street
Starting Nov. 23, 2018, Santa and his elves will be downtown. In addition to Santa, the Miracle on Congress Street, located just west of Hub on Congress features free photos on Fridays, free arts and crafts activities, Christmas music, live performances, free sugar-cookie and adult drinks, hot cocoa and coffee will be available for purchase.
When: Starts Friday, Nov. 23 to Dec. 23
Fridays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, 4-8 p.m.
Saturdays, Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Miracle on Congress St., 300 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free
Find more information click here.
The Santa Experience
Book a private photo session for your children with Santa. Your child will spend 15 minutes with the Man in Red and you will receive approximately 30 digital images. Your kiddo can look into Santa’s magic red bag, share milk and cookies, read a Christmas book, find the North Pole on a globe and possibly hear Santa’s reindeer on the roof. Plus, your kiddo will get their name added to the nice list for Christmas.
Where: Something Blue Photography, 312 S. Convent
When: Dec. 1, 2 and 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $199-$250, for registration, pricing and availability call 520-808-9812
For more information click here.
Get a free photo with Santa at Little Anthony's when you bring in a non-perishable food item to donate to Tucson Community Food Bank.
Santa at Little Anthony's Diner
Where: Little Anthony's Diner, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.
When: Friday to Sunday, Dec. 7-9, 14-15, 21-23, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information click here.
Join the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum for photos with Santa and holiday music.
Holiday Express with Santa at the Maynard's train museum
Get a chance to talk and take a photo with Santa in front of 1673 Locomotive. you can enjoy holiday music, write a letter to Santa, see the museum’s bilingual exhibits and live action model trains, listen to the storytelling of the Polar Express, climb into the 1673 Train, and see arts and crafts show.
Where: Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole
When: Saturday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information click here.
Free Pics with Santa in Main Gate Square
Join in the holiday fun and go caroling with families and see Santa at Main Gate Square. Participate in the holiday activities, like the musical performance, crafts, elf balloon artists and face painting.
Where: Main Gate Square, 943 E. University Blvd.
When:
Sundays, Dec. 9, 16, and 23, 2018, 1-4 p.m.; Monday , Dec. 24, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: Free
More information here.
Central
Reid Park Zoo Lights
Enjoy a night at the zoo with beautiful twinkle-light decorations and animal sculptures. Santa will be there for pictures as well as live entertainment, food and snow to play in.
Find more information here.
When: Dec. 6-23, 2018, 6-8 p.m. With encore nights from Dec. 26-30.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.
Cost: $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 2-12. Reid Park Zoo members get $2 off admission.
Rooftop Santa Show(Canceled)
Santa Claus climbs a midtown roof and showers the audience with candy. There will also be treats, hot cocoa, and chance to take photos with Santa.
When: Sunday, Dec. 23(Canceled)
Where: Peter Howell Neighborhood, 4218 E. Irving Circle
Cost: The event is free, but bring nonperishable food to donate to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Santa at the Tucson Mall.
Photos with Santa at the Tucson Mall
Get last-minute holiday shopping and photos with Santa done in one spot at the Tucson Mall.
2018 Themed Days
Pet Nights: Mondays, through Dec. 17, 5-8 p.m.
Holiday PJ Night: Nov. 30 to Dec. 6
Ugly Sweater Night: Nov. 16 to Dec. 13
When:
Mondays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 5-8 p.m.
Thursdays, Dec. 6 and 13, 12-8 p.m.
Where: Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Visiting Santa is free, but the price of photos varies.
More information here.
Free Photos with Santa at the HabiStore
Shop around and visit with Santa at the HabiStore. Get free photos with Santa, light refreshments and some shopping goodies.
Where: Habitat for Humanity, 935 W. Grant Road
When: Saturday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
More information here.
East
Themed Photo Nights with Santa at Park Place Mall
More Santa fun is happening at the Park Place Mall, now until Dec. 24.
More Santa fun is happening at the Park Place Mall, now until Dec. 24. Beat the long lines and reserve a time to meet the big guy here, you can also save some money if you buy your photos in advance.
Where: Park Place, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd.
Hours/Themes:
Nov. 16 to Dec. 24, 2018
Pet Nights: Nov. 12 to Dec. 17, Mondays 5-8 p.m.
Holiday PJ Day: Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, all-day event
Ugly Sweater Day: Nov. 16 to Dec. 13, all-day event
Where: Park Place Mall, 5870 Broadway Blvd.
Cost: Visiting Santa is free, but the price of photos varies.
More information here.
Santa at Harlow Gardens
Bring your kids, pets and camera to take a picture with Santa. Your children also get to make their own Christmas ornament to take home with them.
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
When: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
More information here.
South
Dave & Buster's Breakfast with Santa
If you like gaming and Christmas, then this is the spot for you this season. Enjoy a breakfast buffet, with scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, roasted potatoes, bagels, waffles, beverages, ticket games, unlimited video games and a picture with Santa.
Where: Dave & Buster's, 1390 E. Tucson Marketplace Blvd.
When: Sunday, Dec. 16, 9-11 a.m.
Cost: Starts at $16, kids 2-and-under are free
More information here.
