The Best of Tucson Holiday Edition: 10 Festive Events in December

Chelle Peterson
Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson

The most festive month of the year is here again! And it brings with it a ton of fun, holiday-themed activities for people of all ages.

So, if you’re looking for the best holiday events taking place in Tucson this month, we’ve got some suggestions for you. 

1. La Encantada’s Enchanted Snowfall

La Encantada's Enchanted Snowfall

Date and Time: Fridays and Saturdays, now through December 18 from 6:00 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Location: The La Encantada courtyard, 2905 E. Skyline Drive

Cost: Free!

What’s going on: Watch faux flurries fall in the open-air shopping center courtyard at La Encantada shopping mall. During these snow-filled weekends, there will also be live music, hot chocolate provided by Blanco Tacos + Tequila, and caroling. Bring the kids or make it a date night.

2. BrewLights 2021 

Brewlights 2021

Date and Time: Friday, December 3, at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.

Cost: Tickets range from $7 to $35 and ages 2 and under are free

What’s going on: This holiday event at Reid Park Zoo will have beer tastings from more than 10 breweries, plus holiday lights and live music performed by the After 7 Band. Remember to get a ticket for your designated driver, too!

3. ZooLights 2021: Holiday Magic

ZooLights 2021: Holiday Magic

Date and Time: Daily until December 30 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct.

Cost: Tickets from $7 to $11 (Zoo members get $3 off admission.)

What’s going on: Speaking of lights, enjoy a night at the zoo with beautiful twinkle-light decorations and animal sculptures. Sip hot cocoa as you stroll through a lit wonderland filled with falling snow, visits with Santa, scheduled entertainment, and sweet treats.

4. Miracle on Congress Street

Miracle on Congress Street

Date and Time: Weekends December 3 through December 19. Friday and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Playground Bar & Lounge, 278 E. Congress St.

Cost: Everything is free but bring money for cocktails! You’re also encouraged to leave donations for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

What’s going on: Every weekend before Christmas, kids can visit Santa and enjoy ice cream from Hub Ice Cream. Adults can purchase festive drinks from the bar.

5. Tree Lighting and Holiday Market in Sierra Vista

Tree Lighting and Holiday Market in Sierra Vista

Date and Time: Friday, December 3 from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Blvd.

Cost: Free!

What’s going on: Join Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club of Sierra Vista for their annual tree lighting event. This two-day event will include a tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, a parade, music, a holiday market, and kids’ activities.

6. Oro Valley Virtual Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting

Oro Valley Virtual Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting

Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, December 4 and 5, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road

Cost: Free to attend with food available for purchase

What’s going on: The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting is a two-day festival with live music, art, food, kid-friendly activities, and, of course, the lighting of the tree.

7. Vail Fest

Vail Fest 2021

Date and Time: Saturday, December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road

Cost: Parking is $5 per car, admission to the event is free

What’s going on: It’s time for shopping, music, food, and fun! Vail Fest will have family-fun events such as go-kart races, a petting zoo, horseback riding, corn hole, horseshoe tournaments, and more.

8. Deck the Halls at AZ Hops and Vines

Deck the Halls at AZ Hops and Vines

Date and Time: Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location: AZ Hops and Vines, 3450 AZ-82, Sonoita

Cost: $27.25 per person (book online)

What’s going on: Enjoy six wines paired with cookies, plus enjoy live music, a holiday market, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, and a visit with Santa.

9. Holiday Ornament Workshop

Holiday Ornament Workshop Reindeers

Date and Time: Saturday, December 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location: 946 W. Mission Ln.

Cost: Free!

What’s going on: Learn to make holiday ornaments out of devil’s claw, gourds, and okra pods at Mission Garden. The garden’s volunteers will guide you in this fun holiday workshop.

10. Food Truck Night on the east side

Food Truck Night on the east side

Date and Time: Saturday, December 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: 7777 E. Speedway

Cost: Free to attend but bring money for shopping and food

What’s going on: Grab some food and shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, arts, clothing, vintage items, antiques, and more.


We also host a ton of great social and professional events at The Post Workspaces each month. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in learning more about, or if you’d like to book a tour of our space, get in touch with us today. Our team is available to speak with you.