December may be a bustling month, but Tucson offers a fantastic lineup of experiences to help you slow down, savor the season, and connect with those who matter most.
From holiday festivities and art markets to live music, Broadway hits, Disney classics, business gatherings, and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Curious about what’s happening around Tucson this December 2024? Check out our chronological list of events and make the most of the season in our vibrant city.
1. Reid Park Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
Date and Time: November 30th and December 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 920 S. Concert Place, Tucson, AZ
Cost: Free
What’s going on: The City of Tucson presents the annual Reid Park Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair for two days of 140+ vendors from all over the Southwest. Get all your holiday shopping done with gifts from local artists, crafters, photographers, painters, potters, and jewelers.
2. Beetlejuice: The Musical
Date and Time: December 3rd – 8th, starting at 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $45+
What’s going on: Experience the afterlife like never before in this new Broadway musical. Based on the unforgettable Tim Burton film, Beetlejuice brings his chaos and madness to the stage. Enjoy a mix of off-the-wall humor, tuneful music, wicked lyrics, and a carnival-like set design.
3. Jake Shimabukuro
Date and Time: December 6th at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fox Theater 17 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $50+
What’s going on: Don’t miss Holidays in Hawaii with Jake Shimabukuro, who takes the humble ukulele to new levels. Sink into the sounds of bluegrass, flamenco, and classical techniques in a lightning-quick flurry of fingerpicking. This Hawaiian-born musician has been dubbed a “hero” by Rolling Stone.
4. Frozen In Concert: Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Date and Time: December 7th at 6:00 p.m. and December 8th at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $19+
What’s going on: Disney’s iconic Frozen is presented by the TSO, led by conductor Evan Roider. Enjoy the inspiring score live while the film is projected. Hear ‘Let it Go’ with Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and all of your Arendell friends in this perfect introduction to winter family fun!
5. Arizona Business Networking Conference
Date and Time: December 10th at 5:30 p.m. – December 12th at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Casino del Sol, 5655 W Valencia, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $75 – $349 attendance (sponsorship opportunities available)
What’s going on: This conference presented by Tucson Business Networking is a first-of-its-kind three-day networking event for Tucson’s business community. Join the opening reception and cocktail party on Dec. 10th, followed by breakfast, lunch, keynote speakers, and breakout sessions with 35 speakers on Dec. 11th – 12th. Session topics will include networking and relationship building, finance and economic development, leadership and team building, marketing and customer engagement, and health and wellness.
6. Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Date and Time: December 13th – 15th from 10:00 a.m. to dusk
Location: Fourth Avenue between 4th St. to 7th St. and surrounding streets
Cost: Free
What’s going on: This free, family-friendly fair takes place twice a year in the Historic Fourth Avenue shopping and dining district. It’s grown over the years to 300,000+ visitors and 350 artists, including fine arts, country crafts, 40 food vendors, and two entertainment stages. Disability parking and a free shuttle are available. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.
7. Phoenix Festival of the Arts
Date and Time: December 14th at 11:00 a.m. – December 15th at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St., Tucson, AZ
Cost: $20 – $45
What’s going on: Celebrating its 12th year, the Phoenix Festival of the Arts is a community event featuring vibrant art, music, and food in downtown Phoenix. Attend a weekend of free arts and culture activities, vendors, demonstrations, and live performances.
With over 150 art vendors, local music, Arizona wineries, Arizona beers, and food trucks, it’s the perfect occasion to see local talent on display with two full days of art demonstrations, dance ensembles, spoken word poets, and choral groups. Kids can be part of the festival with a variety of interactive arts activities and games in the family zone and free family activities all day long, including training with the circus and coloring.
8. Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Date and Time: December 14th at 6:00 p.m. – December 28th at 10:00 p.m.
Location: Follows the Sun Tran bus routes along East Prince Rd., North Country Club Rd., and East Ft. Lowell Rd.
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Celebrate the 75th anniversary of this glittering event that has become a Tucson tradition! It’s an important event for the Community Food Bank in Tucson, raising more than $50,000 in recent years. Local companies offer a popular way to see the lights by hayride, bus trolley, or a pedal-powered group bike. Book directly with each ride company.
9. Tucson Marathon
Date and Time: December 15th, races start between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
Location: Shuttle pick up at Oro Valley Marketplace, 11695 N Oracle Rd., Oro Valley, AZ
Cost: $119 – $299
What’s going on: Arizona’s classic marathon and half-marathon road race returns in mid-December, with ultra and relay races, too! Residents and visitors put their endurance to the test in this net downhill course along the foothills of the Santa Catalina mountains. Longer races start around Oracle and run down to Catalina. The Half Marathon starts on Biosphere Road and runs down to Catalina. All runners must take a race shuttle to their starting points.
10. Ballet Tucson: The Nutcracker
Date and Time: December 20th – 22nd with shows at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Location: Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $34+
What’s going on: Ballet Tucson, in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, presents the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. The VIP package includes limited-availability prime seating, a post-performance meet-and-greet with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier with a photo opportunity, and a signed pointe shoe or photograph from the Sugar Plum Fairy.
11. Cozy Penguin Paint and Pints
Date and Time: December 21st at 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Button Brew House, 6800 North Camino Martin #Suite 160 Tucson, AZ
Cost: $45
What’s going on: Sign up for a creative, fun-filled evening of painting and socializing at this Cozy Penguin holiday art event! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun night out, this event is an approachable, artistic activity for friends, family, and couples.
12. The Arizona Bowl
Date and Time: December 28th with 2:30 p.m. start
Location: 1 N National Championship Dr, Tucson, AZ
Cost: $49+
What’s going on: This event is a Tucson tradition where fans come together to watch teams from the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences come together for a nationally recognized college football competition, presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop. A pep rally is happening on December 28th, with the official tailgate party on game day.
End the Year with a Celebration of Your Own
Looking to host a personal or professional holiday event this year? We’ve got the perfect venue for you. At The Post, we have a Flex Space that can be booked for events of any size or kind. Plus, our space comes with top-tier hospitality service and amenities, including complimentary specialty coffee and filtered water. We also can arrange catering and other food and beverage services for all meeting and event space bookings.
The Post Workspaces is not just a coworking space. It’s a hub where we welcome our neighbors and a resource for the growing small business community in Tucson. We offer meeting rooms, virtual offices, and even day passes for the ultimate in workspace flexibility. Want to learn more? Contact us for a tour of The Post today!