The holiday season is upon us which brings twinkling lights, familiar tunes, family filled nights and activities all across town. Get into the holiday spirit with unique shopping experiences, family friendly festivals, parades and events happening this month and next around Tucson. Mark your calendars and make festive plans! These are the top holiday events around Tucson!
Holiday Artisans Market
When: Nov. 20-22, 2015 (10am-5pm)
Where: Tucson Museum of Art (140 N. Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701)
What: Admission is free to the Holiday Artisans Market that hosts more than 100 of the Southwest’s finest artists and artisans. Shop through their incredible works, and wares to find unique and beautiful holiday gifts. The event will be in the courtyard of the Tucson Museum of Art and presents an opportunity to buy local, handmade items.
Bisbee Small Town Holiday
When: Nov. 28, 2015 (10am-8pm)
Where: Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum (5 Copper Queen Plaza, Bisbee, AZ 85603)
What: Kick off the holiday season in Bisbee at the Festival of Lights Ceremony (Fri Nov 27, 2015) and then come down to “Small Town Holiday†in historic Bisbee on November 28th. There will be 30 shops and galleries open for you to explore, plus free horse and wagon rides all day, carolers walking through the streets and a visit from Santa from 2pm-4pm. Fun for the whole family!
Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair – Reid Park
When: Nov. 28 – 29, 2015 (9am – 4pm)
Where: Reid Park (900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716)
What: The Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at Reid Park is another great opportunity for unique holiday shopping. Find unique items from over 100 vendors from all over the Southwest! There will be work from crafters, artists, photographers, painters, jewelers, potters and more. Plus there will be food and refreshments from local vendors.
Tohono Chul Park Holiday Nights
When: December 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19
Where: Tohono Chul Park (7366 N. Paseo del Norte Tucson, AZ 85704)
What: Walk through the paths of Tohono Chul Park and be mesmerized by over a million twinkling lights and enjoy performances for local musicians and artists performing the gardens. Plus you can do some unique holiday shopping in the museum shop! Admission is: $12 for members | $16 for nonmembers | $3 for children 12 & under.
Tucson Botanical Gardens: Luminaria Nights
When: Dec. 4, 5, 6 & 11, 12, 13 (5:30pm – 8:30pm)
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712)
What: In its 29th year, Luminaria Nights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens has become a holiday tradition for many in Tucson. Wander the garden paths while enjoying live holiday music and viewing the thousands of luminarias and twinkling lights. Plus there will be hot chocolate and holiday events available from local vendors. It is a great way to get into the holiday spirit in Tucson. Admission is: $18 for Adults, $9 for Children, $10 for Adult Members, and $5 Child Members. But if you purchase your ticket by Nov. 27th you’ll get early bird prices with $3 off each ticket!
Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts
When: Dec. 5-6, 2015 (Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM & Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM)
Where: Oro Valley Marketplace (Southwest corner of Oracle Road and Tangerine Road)
What: The Oro valley Holiday Festival of the Arts is a family friendly event that will get you feeling festive. The two day holiday festival features up to 150 artists and exhibitors, live music on the main stage, plus yummy food vendors and family arts activities that you can enjoy with the kids. Don’t miss the tree lighting ceremony on Saturday December 5th from 4pm -6pm! Admission is FREE!
Tucson Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
When: Dec. 12, 2015
Where: Reid Park (900 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716)
What: Get dressed up in your best holiday themed costume and head down to Reid Park to get moving and spread the spirit of giving this holiday season. Create a team with friends, family or co-workers and come out to this all ages event. It will be festive fun and there will even be a visit from Santa Claus for the little ones. The nonprofit organization, The Arthritis Foundation is hosting this event and all funds raised will support arthritis research, education and outreach, advocacy for access to optimal treatments and juvenile arthritis.
Luminaria Festival
When: Dec. 13, 2015 (5pm-9pm)
Where: Tucson Presidio (133 W Washington St, Tucson, AZ 85701)
What: The Luminaria Festival at the Tucson Presidio is a favorite tradition for many in Tucson. Enjoy luminarias lighting up the Presidio, along with live music, hot chocolate, cookies and more. Cannon fires at dusk will kick off the festivities and holiday season.
Downtown Tucson Parade of Lights
When: Dec. 19, 2015 (Starts at 5:30pm)
Where: Downtown Armory Park neighborhood
What: The Downtown Tucson Parade of Lights is in the Downtown Armory Park neighborhood. Spend the afternoon with friends and family grabbing a bite to eat, shopping at Downtown shops, and visit the holiday festival in Armory Park that opens at 4pm. Don’t miss the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:45pm and then enjoy the holiday parade that starts at 6:30pm. It is holiday fun for the whole family!
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
When: Dec. 12-26, 2015 (6pm – 10pm everyday)
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood (Entrances into the neighborhood during the Festival are of Ft. Lowell and Prince)
What: Benefiting the Community Food Bank in Tucson, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights takes you through the Winterhaven neighborhood and features beautiful Christmas light displays. You can tour the lights on foot, on a hayride wagon, a bus trolley or a pedal-powered group bike! (If you want to do the bike tour, you will need to make the reservation directly with the bike ride company) Winterhaven has been putting on this festival for 65 years and it has become a tradition for many to come and view the lights.
