50 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Dec. 14-17 🧚‍♀️🐈

When more than half of this list are holiday events, you know Christmas is near.

Here's what's in store this weekend: lots of holiday lights, an illuminating parade through downtown, Barrio Viejo tradition Las Posadas, a free screening of "Elf" and tons of chances to shop local gifts.

Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!

Winterhaven Festival of Lights

A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is back for the holidays. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays. 

When: 6-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 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.

ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023

Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is here! Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and visits from Santa Claus. 

When: 6-8:30 p.m. through Dec. 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.

Find the food bank at every Winterhaven entrance this holiday season

Join the Community Food Bank at one of Tucson’s favorite holiday traditions, Winterhaven Festival of Lights! Bring a canned food or monetary donation to help neighbors facing hunger this holiday season, or donate online here.

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

Celebrate the holidays with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights 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.

Enjoy a special evening of fine dining with a never-to-be-forgotten live magical mystery theatrical performance

Celebrate the holidays at the Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater's "Murder at the Magic Show II" this Dec. 22-23 and 29-30 at Dante's Fire. Tucson's Iron Chef will prepare a 3-course dinner while you experience close-up table magicians, a murder mystery whodunit and a comedy magic act as performed at the White House. Get your tickets here!

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.

Marana's Christmas Tree and Musical Light Show

Experience nightly light shows at Marana's 45-foot Christmas tree. The show includes 13 minutes of holiday music synchronized to 100,000 twinkling lights. You can walk up to the tree or listen to the show from your car by tuning into the radio station listed on signage. 

When: 5-9 p.m. on the half hour through Dec. 27

Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

#ThisIsTucson's holiday merch is back for the season!

If you’re in search of a very Tucson gift, or you’re just looking to treat yourself, we have good news. We have desert-themed holiday merch in our online shop! 🌵🎄 We now have ornaments, hoodies, greeting cards, coffee mugs, T-shirts, phone cases and hats! Shop here! (Please allow 14 days for shipping.)

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.

Planetarium Shows at Flandrau

Flandrau Science Center is hosting a month of planetarium shows, including holiday screenings and laser shows themed with Daft Punk and Pink Floyd music.

When: Various times and days through December. 

Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.

Cost: Varies based on show. $12.95 for adults, $8.95 for kids ages 3-15 for some; $18.95 for laser shows and admission to science exhibits.

Visit the event page for more information.

#ThisIsTucson worked with 3 local shops to curate amazing gift boxes for the holidays

Our team visited three local shops — Di Luna Candles, Creative Kind and Yōlia Botánica — and picked out our favorite items for gift boxes for the holidays, available for in-store pickup or shipping. Creative Kind's box is now SOLD OUT and there are only SIX left at Di Luna and SEVEN at Yōlia Botánica. Get one before they sell out! Shop here! 💕

Concerts in the Courtyard

Head to Marana for this monthly concert series. This month, enjoy music from Good Trouble. Food trucks will be onsite and you can get a free photo with Santa. Bring your own chairs or blankets!

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14

Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food

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.

Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul

Walk through a wonderland of lights at Tohono Chul, set to also include live entertainment and a holiday vendor market.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16

Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte

Cost: $20 for adults, $6 for kids

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, through Dec. 23. Closed Dec. 24.

Where: Marana Pumpkin Patch, 14950 N. Trico Road

Cost: $20

Visit the event page for more information.

The Mercado Holiday Bazaar

The annual Holiday Bazaar in the Mercado District is set to feature more than 60 local artists and collectors. 

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17.

Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

87th Annual Las Posadas

Las Posadas has been a neighborhood tradition at Carrillo Magnet School for more than eight decades. The main part of the event is a procession from the school through the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, which commemorates the journey Mary and Joseph made in search of a place for Mary to give birth to baby Jesus. 

When: Friday, Dec. 15; food and drinks will be sold beginning at 5:30 p.m. The procession starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Carrillo Magnet School, 440 S. Main Ave.

Cost: The procession is free to watch

Visit the event page for more information.

Free Outdoor Screening of "Elf"

Presented by Galeria Mitotera and Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, The Loft Cinema is putting together a free outdoor screening of "Elf" at the John Valenzuela Youth Center.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: John Valenzuela Youth Center, 1550 S. Sixth Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Queen Astara's Fairy Lights

Take a walk through local fantasy-themed park Valley of the Moon for an evening of fairy lights and music. 

When: 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 15-16

Where: Valley of the Moon, 2544 E. Allen Road

Cost: $7 for adults, $5 for teens, free for kids ages 7 and under

Visit the event page for more information.

Local Love Presents: Festivus

Enjoy a lineup of local music at The Rialto this Friday. The concert includes Znora, ZeeCeeKeely, Sophia Rankin & The Sound and more.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

Cost: $5

Visit the event page for more information.

Merry-Achi Christmas

This annual mariachi-filled tradition is back for another holiday season at The Fox. 

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.

Cost: $20-$52.50

Visit the event page for more information.

TKMA Presents: Holiday Fundraiser

The Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, aka the folks who put on the Tucson Folk Festival each spring, are hosting a concert this Friday featuring six musicians. Proceeds support the upcoming festival!

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Festive Fridays

Trail Dust Town is hosting an evening 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.

Queer Speed Dating 

Find your next date or make a new friend at this queer speed dating event!

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15

Where: Bawker Bawker Cider House, 400 N. Fourth Ave.

Cost: Free to participate with the purchase of one drink. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Cat events at El Jefe Cat Cafe

Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe! This weekend's events include sound bath meditation, yoga and bingo.

When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 for sound bath; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 for bingo.

Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.

Cost: $25 for sound bath; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required

Visit the event page for more information.

Downtown Parade of Lights

Back for its 29th year, the Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area this holiday season. Last year's parade had more than 30 floats and 1,000 participants. Before the parade starts, a festival will take place at 4 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and music.

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. Festival begins at Armory Park at 4 p.m.

Where: Armory Park area, see the route here.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

The Winter Queer Bazaar

Featuring 40 LGBTQ+ vendors, find everything from plants and jewelry to prints and glasswork during this market at Tucson Hop Shop.  

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Retro Game Show Night

Retro Game Show Night, an evening of off-the-cuff comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist, returns this weekend.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: $12.36. This event is for ages 21 and up.

Visit the event page for more information.

Winter Wonderland

Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a free family-friendly event with carnival games, crafts, live entertainment, hot chocolate and visits with Santa. 

When: 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Quincie Douglas Center, 1575 E. 36th St.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Desert Haze Market

This market features 20 vendors who curate vintage clothing. 

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Las Mujeres Verdes Mercado

Las Mujeres Verdes is a group with a goal: helping other minority-owned small businesses thrive through frequent artisan markets. You can typically find food, candles, jewelry and more. This market will also feature a food drive for South Tucson Community Outreach!

When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Coalition Space, 311 E. Seventh St.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food

Visit the event page for more information.

Creative Kind Holiday Mini Market

Maker shop Creative Kind is hosting a mini market with artists selling items like jewelry and desert-inspired kids clothing.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Creative Kind, 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Cat Video Fest

Cat Video Fest, a compilation of kitty videos, is back at The Loft Cinema! This time, The Loft says it's a holiday encore presentation. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter.

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

16th Annual Holiday Express

Head to the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum for a free family-friendly event that includes visits with Santa and a reading of "The Polar Express."

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.

Make N Take at Pima Air and Space

Kids ages 6 and up will receive a quick-build model aircraft kit that they'll be able to put together, all while learning about the aircraft itself. Kids will also get to visit the aircraft they're set to build.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Pima Air and Space Museum's administrative building north of the parking lot, 6000 E. Valencia Road

Cost: $20 per child. An adult is required to be present with the child during class. Admission to the museum is not included and admission is not needed to participate in the class.

Visit the event page for more information.

Southern Arizona Cat Rescue Pasta Benefit Dinner

Southern Arizona Cat Rescue is throwing a benefit dinner with pasta catered by the culinary club at Sahuaro High School. There will also be a raffle, live music, a silent auction, cookie decorating and photos with Santa. Proceeds will go toward the Southern Arizona Cat Rescue's medical fund.

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Armory Park Center, 220 S. Fifth Ave.

Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 10 years old.

Visit the event page for more information.

Old Pueblo Cellars Christmas Market

Local winery Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a market with local vendors and wine tastings.

When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. St Patrick Road

Cost: Free to attend the market, reservations are required for wine tastings

Visit the event page for more information.

Traditional O'odham Agriculture at Mission Garden

Attend this event to learn about Tohono O'odham agricultural practices, including demonstrations and talks about traditional crops like corn, beans and squash.

When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane

Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted

Visit the event page for more information.

Sweets with Santa Fundraiser for Youth On Their Own

Enjoy pastries while you meet Santa, all while supporting local nonprofit Youth On Their Own. 

When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Park Place Mall food court, 5870 E. Broadway

Cost: Free to attend. For every person registered, $5 will be donated to Youth On Their Own.

Visit the event page for more information.

Lights of Love

Purchase lights and luminarias from the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary for this event that honors lost loved ones.

When: 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter and Sanctuary, 5278 E. 21st St.

Cost: $5 for lights; $15 for a luminaria to stay at the sanctuary; $5 extra for your luminaria to be mailed to you after the ceremony

Visit the event page for more information.

'80s Dance Party at Surly Wench

Surly Wench Pub is hosting an '80s-themed dance party. Wear your best '80s attire!

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

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.

Skate Country Late Skate

Skate Country after hours! The local roller rink is hosting Late Skate with an '80s theme, for adults only.

When: 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16

Where: Skate Country, 7980 E. 22nd St.

Cost: $15, skate rental included. This event is for ages 18 and up.

Visit the event page for more information. 

Solstice Serenade

Desert Voices, an LGBTQ+ chorus, is hosting a concert featuring holiday tunes and music with a social justice theme. 

When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 16-17

Where: Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway

Cost: $20 for adults, kids enter for free

Visit the event page for more information. 

Di Luna Saturdays

Di Luna, 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. Saturday, Dec. 16

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.

Ramon's Miracle on 31st Street 

The Miracle on 31st Street Christmas party and toy giveaway has grown from a backyard barbecue to a seasonal celebration gifting toys to local kids for more than five decades. Expect a car show, entertainment, face painting and free toys for kids in attendance. Note: toy donations are still needed!

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: Greyhound Park, 2601 S. Third Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring an unwrapped toy to donate

Visit the event page for more information.

First Avenue Flea

There's a new antique market in town — and it's indoors!

When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Where: 3239 N. First Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" Movie Party

Catch a screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at The Loft Cinema, dressed in a movie- or holiday-themed outfit to enter the costume contest. There will be props to use during the movie, plus a sing-along! 

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Barrio Bargains

Shop from 20 local vendors when Strikes and Gutters Vintage brings Barrio Bargains to Screwbean Brewing this weekend.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.

Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping

Visit the event page for more information.

Ceres Holiday Pasta Ornaments

Decorate your own pasta ornaments all while sipping hot cocoa.

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: Ceres, 77 W. Washington St.

Cost: $10

Visit the event page for more information.

Visit with Santa in Main Gate Square

Santa will be visiting Main Gate Square!

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17

Where: Main Gate Square, 814 E. University Blvd.

Cost: Free to attend

Visit the event page for more information.