When this weekend is over, December will be at its halfway point.
That means holiday festivities are in full swing — see all the twinkling lights you can imagine during Saturday's Downtown Parade of Lights, not to mention light shows at Reid Park Zoo and Tohono Chul, among others. The Winterhaven Festival of Lights also kicks off this weekend, in addition to the Fourth Avenue Street Fair.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
Visitors pass a series of lights near the zoo's Pollinator Garden for Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, Ariz., December 7, 2022.
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. through Dec. 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.
Watch the Tucson Roadrunners twice this weekend 🏒
Calling all Swifties! On Friday the 13th, the Tucson Roadrunners are turning the rink into a Taylor Swift wonderland for Swiftie Night. Get ready to shake it off and cheer on the Roadrunners as they take the ice for an unforgettable night! The next day is the Teddy Bear Toss, when fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to throw onto the ice to be donated to kids. Get your tickets for Dec. 13 here and Dec. 14 here!
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where 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.
Marana's Christmas Tree & Musical Light Show
Marana will have nightly light shows at its 45-foot Christmas tree that include 13 minutes of holiday music synchronized to 200,000 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: 6-9 p.m. on the half-hour nightly through Dec. 28
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.
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!
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. 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.
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.
Wigney: A Britney Spears Drag Variety Show
Queen Iona Hoya is kicking off the weekend early with a Britney Spears-themed drag variety show.
When: 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: R Bar, 350 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
PACC Fundraiser Paint and Sip
Painting & Vino will guide you during this paint-and-sip class of a desert-themed pet painting. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Pima Animal Care Center.
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12
Where: Tandem American Eatery, 8864 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $45
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. Thursday-Friday, Dec. 12-13
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.
Fourth Avenue Street Fair
The biannual Fourth Avenue Street Fair is back! Shop from more than 350 artists from around the world, plus eat all the food of your dreams and listen to live music.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Indoor singer Riley Gradillas and the cast sing after the shrine was placed outside a neighborhood home in the 87th Annual Las Posadas at Carrillo Elementary School, Tucson, Ariz., December 15, 2023.
88th 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: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13
Where: Carrillo Magnet School, 440 S. Main Ave.
Cost: The procession is free to watch
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.
Krampus Naucht Market
Bloodless Tattoo Studio and Desert Designed Co. are back again for another night market, this time featuring Krampus, who might be Santa's evil counterpart. Take photos with Krampus all while shopping from 30 vendors. Flash tattoos, drag performances, music and food are also part of the fun.
When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13
Where: Bloodless Tattoo Studio, 236 S. Scott Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Queen Astara's Fairy Lights
Take a walk through fantasy-themed park Valley of the Moon for an evening of fairy lights, music and mythical creatures.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14
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.
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.
Tasting History: Quince
Learn about the origins behind quince and how it became part of Tucson's agricultural and culinary traditions. Demonstrations and tastings are part of the fun.
When: 9-11 a.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 13-14
Where: Mission Garden, 946 W. Mission Lane
Cost: Free to attend, donations accepted
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.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for 75 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 14. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 14-28. There are no drive-thru nights.
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, bring a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa gets some hand shakes from the crowd along Stone Avenue in front of the St. Augustine Cathedral, the last entry of the 39th Downtown Parade of Lights, Tucson, Ariz., December 16, 2023.
Downtown Parade of Lights
Tucsonans line the streets to watch the annual Downtown Parade of Lights as it snakes through the Armory Park area with its hundreds of participants, floats and twinkling lights.
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Armory Park area, see the route here.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Balloon Glow
Head to Pima Air and Space Museum where four hot air balloons will be glowing in a static display. Crafts, an inflatable maze and circus performances are part of the fun. You'll also spot Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves while you're there.
When: 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road
Cost: Admission is included with a parking spot reservation, which is $45 per car
Visit the event page for more information.
Retro Game Show Night
Enjoy an evening of off-the-cuff (and sometimes NSFW) comedy that pays homage to old TV game shows with a funky twist.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: $19.06. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Button Brew House Annual Rib Cook-off
Six local chefs will compete in this St. Louis-style rib competition. Attendees will get to try six ribs and six sides and then vote for their favorite.
When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin
Cost: $29
Visit the event page for more information.
The Omni Tucson x The Happy Hive
The Happy Hive is partnering with The Omni Tucson for a holiday brunch market, complete with breakfast plates, cookie decorating and a local vendor market.
When: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Omni Tucson National Resort, 2727 W. Club Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturdays Family Fest
The Play District is hosting a free family-friendly event at Trail Dust Town, slated to feature music from Mr. Nature, family yoga, bilingual story time, crafts and resources.
When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend
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 Friends of PACC.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Santa at Harlow Gardens
Kids can meet with Santa at Harlow Gardens, plus make their own ornament to take home.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Harlow Gardens, 5620 E. Pima St.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Curious Holiday Market
Woolly Fern is hosting a holiday market at Screwbean Brewing, set to include oddities, antiques and plants, in addition to gift wrapping, holiday pet photos and candle decorating.
When: 11 a.m. to dusk Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 14-15
Where: Screwbean Brewing, 103 N. Park Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Ryder Yastek pours colored sand into a bulb while making a custom Christmas tree ornament at the kids zone craft tables during Park Place mall’s Sonoran Snowfall.
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.
Christmas Market and Wine at Old Pueblo Cellars
Old Pueblo Cellars is hosting a craft fair featuring local artists, charcuterie boards and wine tastings.
When: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Old Pueblo Cellars, 10088 N. Saint Patrick Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping, food and drinks. Reservations are required for wine tastings, which are $18.
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 Winterhaven.
When: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14-15 and Dec. 19-23
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood
Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for kids
Visit the event page for more information.
Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch
The second Saturday of every month is special at Steam Pump Ranch. Find historic tours of the grounds, live music, crafts for kids, vendors selling their artwork and a farmers market.
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
A Frontier Christmas at the Presidio Museum
Experience Christmas traditions spanning from the 18th century Spanish fort to the 19th century American Territorial period. Expect musket and cannon demonstrations, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" readings, photos with Santa, a Virgen de Guadalupe discussion and crafts.
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave.
Cost: Included in admission, which is $9 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-14
Visit the event page for more information.
Desert Artisans Market
Shop from local makers when this market returns to Tucson Mall.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: CATALYST in Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Free Succulent Saturday
Although kids always get to plant for free at Four Arrows Garden, the nursery hosts "Free Succulent Saturday" each quarter where everyone can take home a free succulent.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Four Arrows Garden, 13499 E. Success Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Goat yoga
Enjoy an hour of yoga and goats with these classes!
When: 10 a.m. Saturdays, Dec. 14 and Dec. 28; Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Udall Park, 7290 E. Tanque Verde Road, on Saturday dates; and Silverbell Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road, on Sunday dates
Cost: $25
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.
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. This weekend's tours will take you through the Turquoise Trail, Barrio Viejo and Main Avenue to look at mansions.
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.
Bachata & Salsa Christmas Glow Party
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: Tucson Creative Dance Center, 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost: $15, cash or Venmo
Visit the event page for more information.
Moviegoers browse the concession counter at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway.
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" Movie Party
Catch a screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at The Loft Cinema, dressed in a 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. 15
Where: The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway
Cost: $10
Visit the event page for more information.
Soul Food Sundays
Blax Friday is teaming up with local caterer Cortnie Smith for this weekend's Soul Food Sundays. The event is set to feature Black-owned businesses with treats by three vendors, along with a full menu of Cajun chicken and fried wings from Smith. Expect an open mic, a DJ and a pajama contest while you're there.
When: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Brick Box Brewery, 220 E. Broadway
Cost: $10 suggested donation to Blax Friday, bring money for 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. Sunday, Dec. 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.
Sip: Themed Musical Experience
Roux Events is hosting its next event inside Sonora Moonshine's speakeasy Prohibicion. Dress in black and red and listen to live holiday music by local musicians, all while sipping festive drinks.
When: 9-11 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Sonora Moonshine Company, 124 E. Broadway
Cost: $25 for table seating, $10 for bar seating, must RSVP in advance. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit the event page for more information.
Blues and Vines
During this monthly celebration at Medella Vina Ranch, guests can expect live blues music, local wine, food trucks and art vendors.
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Medella Vina Ranch, 4450 S. Houghton Road
Cost: $6-$25, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
One of the new parts of Yōlia Botánica’s expanded shop is a DIY salt bar.
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.
Tea Ceremony at Yume Japanese Gardens
Yume Japanese Gardens is hosting a Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, in which guests will watch demonstrations on how tea has been prepared, served and enjoyed in Japan for centuries.
When: 11 a.m. to noon and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson, 2130 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $25, advance registration is required
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Advent Wreath Workshop
Decorate a fresh pine wreath at this workshop taught by Luna's Paper Designs. You'll have the chance to paint cotton mushrooms and figurines, and use pinecones, dried oranges, ribbons and other materials to decorate your masterpiece.
When: 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
Where: Arizona Poppy, 150 S. Fourth Ave.
Cost: $65
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.
