It's officially the last weekend of 2024. How will you celebrate?
It's not too late to stroll through light shows like the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. The pop-up ice rink in downtown Tucson is still around, as are a final few Christmas festivities like fake snow flurries and Old Tucson's Yuletide. The calendar also includes Hanukkah happenings, live music and the big Arizona Bowl.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A festive motorized Star Wars stormtrooper gestures and talks to passersby near at Kleindale Road and Fox Avenue during the 75th Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Tucson, Ariz., December 19, 2024.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for 75 years, walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.Β
When:Β 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 28. There are no drive-thru nights.
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, bring a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Marana's Christmas Tree & Musical Light Show
Marana hosts 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.Β
When:Β 6-9 p.m. on the half-hour nightly through Dec. 28
Where:Β Marana Municipal Complex,Β 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Introducing our holiday favorites from Le Buzz Caffe @ Plaza Palomino π₯
#ThisIsTucson curated a holiday menu at Le Buzz's midtown location. Choose from gingerbread pancakes, a gingerbread latte and a peppermint white chocolate scone, among many other goodies at Le Buzz. Find the brunch hotspot at 2930 N. Swan Road, open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. These specials are available through Jan. 1 π
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2024
Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and a giant gingerbread house at Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights.
When:Β 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-5
Where:Β Reid Park Zoo,Β 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost:Β $12 for general admission; $7 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 theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is in town for the holidays! 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.Β
When:Β Now through Jan. 5; closed ChristmasΒ
Where:Β Tucson Convention Center,Β 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost:Β 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.Β
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
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LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When:Β 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 12; closed Christmas
Where:Β Tucson Botanical Gardens,Β 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost:Β $23 and up, depending on the day
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting its last Festive Friday of the season, complete with snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides, a kid-friendly dance party and a holiday-themed stunt show.
When:Β 4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β Trail Dust Town,Β 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Old Tucson is getting in the ho-ho spirit with "Yuletide."
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:Β Select dates through Jan. 4
Where:Β Old Tucson,Β 201 Kinney Road
Cost:Β $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Indigenous Takeover
Indigenous bands and musicians will take the 191 Toole stage at this event.Β
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β 191 Toole,Β 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost:Β $10-$12
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichΒ advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.Β
When:Β 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β El Pueblo Center,Β 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.Β
'90s Alternative Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party featuring all alternative music.Β
When:Β 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β Surly Wench Pub,Β 424 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β $5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Games and Gadgets is also home to Short Rest Tavern at the Tucson Mall.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside Tucson Mall's Tucson Games and Gadgets. This Friday, hit rewind for a "2024: Year in Review" trivia night.Β
When:Β 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β Short Rest Tavern in Tucson Mall,Β 4500 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.Β
When:Β 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Β Sky Bar,Β 536 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost:Β Free to attend
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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 show you the Santa Cruz River, Congress Street and Barrio Viejo, along with a "Death After Dark" tour.
When:Β Various dates, check out the calendarΒ here.
Where:Β Locations vary based on tour.
Cost:Β $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Kym Adair, Arizona Bowl executive director, left, takes a selfie with Kate Brock-Calhoun, a board member, before the introduction of the new sponsor for the Arizona Bowl during a press conference on May 6, 2024.Β
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
Saturday's Arizona Bowl, now sponsored by Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop, will be a matchup between the Colorado State Rams and the Miami Redhawks. AllΒ proceeds go to Southern Arizona nonprofits.
When:Β 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Arizona Stadium, 1 N. Championship Dr.
Cost:Β $23 and up
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Tucson Community Cover Fest
Listen to nine bands cover nine other bands at Tucson Community Cover Fest, which is a benefit show for the Community Food Bank. You'll hear covers of music by Radiohead, David Bowie, Tracy Chapman and more.
When:Β 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost:Β $10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Sparkling Wine Tasting Event
New beer and wine bar The Broadway is hosting a mixer-style wine tasting, featuring sparking wine. Expect three tasters, one full pour and charcuterie.Β
When:Β 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β The Broadway, 2559 E. Broadway
Cost:Β $30
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
TKMA Fundraiser at Monterey CourtΒ
Head to Monterey Court for a fundraiser in support of Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, the group who organizes the annual Tucson Folk Festival. Dance the night away to Latin fusion band Santa Pachita, along with Tesoro who will bring flamenco sounds to the stage.Β
When:Β 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Monterey Court, 505 W. Miracle Mile
Cost:Β $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Chanukah Game Night
Chabad Tucson is hosting a game night complete with a menorah lighting and refreshments.Β
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Chabad Tucson, 2443 E. Fourth St.
Cost:Β $10
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
So Long, 2024
Say goodbye to 2024 with an evening of family-friendly improv at Unscrewed Theater.
When:Β 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost:Β $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Holiday Hahas Double Feature
Tucson Improv Movement is hosting a festive night of comedy, including Christmas Carol-oake that turns carols into improv.Β
When:Β 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Tucson Improv Movement, 414 E. Ninth St.
Cost:Β $9
Visit theΒ event pageΒ 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:Β 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
Where:Β Foothills Mall,Β 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.Β
When:Β 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:Β Tucson Creative Dance Center,Β 3131 N. Cherry Ave.
Cost:Β $15, cash or Venmo
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
The Northwest Chanukah Festival
Chabad of Oro Valley is putting together a Chanukah celebration with music, free latkes and doughnuts and a menorah lighting.Β
When:Β 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:Β Oro Valley Marketplace,Β 11695 N. Oracle Road
Cost:Β Free to attend, bring money for food
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Play bingo alongside adoptable cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe.
When:Β 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:Β El Jefe Cat Cafe,Β 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost:Β $14,Β reservations required
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.Β
When:Β 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:Β Dante's Fire,Β 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost:Β $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit theΒ event pageΒ for more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Childrenβs Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
CMOV@TCΒ has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,Β teaching all about the culture, animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
What does "supported by" mean?Β Click hereΒ to learn more.
