Tucson Holiday Events
For many people the holiday season is about gathering with family and friends to continue traditions, start new ones and make memories. The excitement of dressing up to attend a live performance or bundling up to stroll through venues with dazzling lights and holiday music are what many families look forward to each year. You might also use the winter break as a chance to take the family on an adventure! There are many events happening around the Old Pueblo! Here are some popular places to go and things to do.
Tucson Holiday Ice • Located in front of the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Nov. 23–Jan. 4 Enjoy this outdoor ice skating rink, back for its 6th year! Tickets
include skate rental. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Wee Winter Wonderland at the Mini Time Machine Museum
Nov. 25–Jan. 4
The Mini Time Machine of Miniatures features more than a dozen
miniatures representing holiday celebrations from all over the world. See the Christmas village display and peer through a snow globe-like window in the floor of the Enchanted Realm.
Enchanted Snowfall Nov. 28–Dec 20 • La Encantada Courtyard, 2905 E. Skyline Drive It’s wintertime … let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Come enjoy our Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Sip on complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of Blanco. There will be live entertainment, and don’t miss a chance to visit Santa!
Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Reid Park
Nov. 29–30
Find unique, handmade goods from over 150 vendors. West side of park near Country Club Road. Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Zoo Lights at the Reid Park Zoo
Dec. 4–23
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Reid Park Zoo! ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, features thousands of glittering lights illuminating the grounds and sounds of the season flowing throughout the Zoo. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the twinkling lights and visit with St. Nick.
Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival at Armory Park
Dec. 6
Celebrate the holidays at this free community event. Parade starts
at 6:30 p.m. at 4th Avenue & 17th Street and ends at Armory Park.
Joy to the Herd at Shamrock Farms
Dec. 6 & 7 • 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with the moo-vers and shakers—the 10,000 cows that produce the milk for your shakes—at the Joy to the Herd event. The Welcome Center Barn is transformed into a winter
wonderland with crafts, face painting and more. Visit with Santa and Roxie the spokescow, and enjoy the cow lounge and the interactive play area. Learn how fresh milk gets from the farm to your table! Reservations required.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Dec. 12–14
One of the premier community celebrations in the Southwest! Enjoy live entertainment, vendors, food and more!
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus: Annual Holiday Concert
Dec. 13
For over 80 years, the Boys Chorus has been entertaining families in Arizona and around the world. Celebrate at the annual Holiday Concert with traditional songs at 3 p.m. at UA Crowder Hall.
World Ballet Company: Nutcracker at Fox Tucson Theatre
Dec. 13
Celebrate the season with this festive, family-friendly ballet full of holiday magic, whimsical characters and unforgettable music. Performances at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Dec. 13–27
Since 1949, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights has grown to become a Tucson Tradition. Enjoy the lights and celebrate the holiday season. Event is free, but visitors are asked to bring a donation of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
SnOV: An Oro Valley Holiday Event
Dec. 18 • 5–8 p.m.
Celebrate the season with games, crafts, a cast of holiday characters, REAL snow and a visit from Santa at the OV Community & Recreation Center. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Ballet Tucson: The Nutcracker at Mountain America Stadium
Dec. 19–21
This holiday classic comes alive on stage in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss the spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, lavish sets, and iconic music at one of five performances at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
Merry-Achi Christmas at Fox Tucson Theatre
Dec. 20 • 7:30 p.m.
Grammy nominated Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández brings its signature holiday spectacular to the Fox Theater. This year Hernández celebrates 50 years sharing iconic Mexican music.
20th Annual Holiday Express at Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Dec. 20
Celebrate the holidays at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit Santa and get your picture taken with Santa in front of Locomotive 1673, the train from the movie “Oklahoma.” Listen to a reading of “The Polar Express,” sing holiday songs, write a letter to Santa and enjoy the exhibits and model train displays.
Annie presented by Saguaro City Music Theater
Dec. 20–Jan. 4
The sun will come out for the optimistic orphan, Annie, and her beloved dog Sandy in this classic family musical. All performances at the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway.
The Wiz presented by Broadway in Tucson
Jan. 6–11
This groundbreaking twist on ‘The Wizard of Oz’ changed the face of Broadway with its soul, gospel and rock inspired soundtrack. Ease on down the road to Centennial Hall to see Dorothy and the gang and enjoy this energetic revival!
