Note:Β This story was originally posted in 2024 and updated in 2025.
Twinkling lights, saguaros wearing Santa hats, full parking lots near the Winterhaven neighborhood β it must be the holiday season in Tucson. π
Here's where to see the sparkling lights this year.Β
Sightseers line up to get photos with the Christmas tree lighting up Jacome Plaza as darkness closes on a cloudy downtown Tucson, Ariz., December 23, 2023.
Desert Nights Downtown Lights
If you've taken a stroll through downtown Tucson recently, you may have noticed the trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and downtown buildings sporting LED lights. Head to JΓ‘come Plaza and you'll find a Christmas tree glittering against the Main Library. Downtown Tucson Partnership is alsoΒ running a contestΒ to see who can snap the prettiest photo of the tree!
When:Β The tree will remain lit through Jan. 6; the photo contest closes that same day.
Where:Β Downtown Tucson. Christmas tree is atΒ JΓ‘come Plaza,Β 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Harper Wicker exults in one of the last blizzards of the night, playing in the artificial snowfall during ZooLights at Reid Park Zoo in 2023.
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2025
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.Β
When:Β 6-8:30 p.m. select Nights December and January
Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:Β $14.50 for general admission, $9.50 for kids ages 2-14
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Pictured here was part of the Tucson Botanical Gardensβ light show, dubbed Wanderland, in 2021.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through 3,000 luminarias at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be "artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences" through the gardens, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights, plus art pieces and installations.Β
When:Β 6 p.m. β 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, through Jan. 11; closed Christmas
Where:Β Tucson Botanical Gardens,Β 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost:Β $21-$50 for adults and $17-$45 for kids, depending on the day.Β children younger than 4 get in free.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Hundreds gather to get up close to the lighted Christmas tree during the Marana Holiday Festival in 2021.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree LightingΒ
Ring in the holiday season at Marana's holiday festival and Christmas tree lighting. Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of the 40+ food trucks and vendors onsite, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like a snow foam dance party, train rides and inflatables. The tree lighting show happens when the sun goes down!Β
When:Β 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where:Β Marana Municipal Complex,Β 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money to the festival for food and shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Guests rush to take their photo in front of the tree. The lighting of the holiday tree at Oro Valley Marketplace took place on Dec. 4, 2021 as part of the Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting event.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
The 13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is the largest shopping event kicking off the holidays in Oro Valley. Youβll find one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods and holiday gifts from more than 150 artisans, as well as holiday-themed performances on the event mainstage, family art activities, food trucks and more!
When:Β Β 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7
Where:Β Oro Valley Marketplace,Β 12155 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cheyenne Roberts and Erin Roberts take a selfie as they walk through one of three colorful light tunnels during Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul, 7366 North Paseo del Norte, Dec. 15, 2023.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Each weekend in December leading up to Christmas, you can celebrate at Tohono Chulβs Holiday Nights. Wander illuminated pathways through the grounds, enjoy live performances, and browse a curated selection of gifts at the Merry Market!
When:Β 6-9 p.m.Β Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6; Friday-Saturday Dec. 12-14; and Friday-Saturday Dec. 19-21
Where:Β Tohono Chul,Β 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost:Β $20-25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Visitors stroll along Christmas Avenue on the opening night of the 73rd annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights in 2022.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 13. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When:Β 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13-27.Β
Where:Β Winterhaven neighborhood; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Boulevard.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
A decorated ATV makes the turn onto Ochoa Street in front of the crowd closing off Stone Avenue for the 39th Downtown Parade of Lights in 2023.
Downtown Parade of Lights
There are a number of don't-miss Tucson holiday events that have come to define the season, starting with the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival,Β presented by Rio Nuevo. The Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area with more than 30 floats and nearly 1,000 participants.
When:Β 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6
Where:Β Armory Park area, see the routeΒ here.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
