December is here and you know what that means! The holiday season is here and it’s time to get festive.
If you’re looking for some fun ways to celebrate the holidays, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 festive things happening in the Tucson and Oro Valley area this month.
1. ZooLights: Holiday Magic
Date and Time: December 4 through 23 with admission slots at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (encore nights available December 26 through 30)
Location: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court
Cost: $11 general admission, $9 for seniors, and $7 for kids (click here to purchase in advance)
What’s going on: Take a tour through the zoo as you’ve never seen it before! You can take in thousands of colorful twinkling lights all throughout the zoo grounds and you can even head to the North Pole Village where kids can have a socially distant visit with Santa.
2. A Merry Mariachi Christmas and Tamales
Date and Time: Saturday, December 19, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Location: AZ Hops and Vines, 3450 AZ-82, Sonoita
Cost: Free!
What’s going on: If you’re looking for some live music and delicious food, you’re going to love this. Stop by and celebrate the holiday season with live music from a mariachi band and delicious tamales.
3. Santa’s Calling with Tucson Parks and Recreation
Date and Time: December 8 and 9 between 5:30 p.m. ad 8:30 p.m.
Location: By phone
Cost: Free!
What’s going on: Did you ever dream of getting a call from Santa as a kid? Well, this year, your kids can get one from him courtesy of Tucson Parks and Recreation! Sign up by December 7 to add your kids to the list and Santa will call them to check in, make sure they’re on the nice list, and confirm what’s on their wishlists! Click here to register.
4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Sing-Along Drive-In
Date and Time: Fridays through Sundays, December 11 through 20, with shows at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and at 5:00 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road
Cost: $30 to $45 per vehicle
What’s going on: Hosted by Michael Martinez and Amanda Gremel, the Live Theater Workshop Annual Christmas Show is an outdoor drive-in series that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own vehicle. Join in, be jolly, dance, sing, and rock n’ roll the night away!
5. Wanderland at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Date and Time: Thursday through Sunday, December 3 through January 3, with admission times at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $15 for adults, $8 for kids aged 4 to 17 (discounts available for members, seniors, students, and military)
What’s going on: Take a walk through a winter wonderland featuring more than 3,000 luminarias, more than a dozen large Korean lanterns, and colorful LED lights as well as 400 festiva poinsettias and a 10-foot-tall poinsettia tree. There will also be amazing holiday music and the chance to drop off a letter for Santa! Fill our your letter to Santa before you arrive by clicking here and reserve tickets for entry by clicking here.
6. Drive-Thru Holiday Lights Parade
Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Location: Sahuarita Municipal Complex, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
Cost: Free
What’s going on: While the experience will be a little bit different this year, families can still enjoy the holiday festival from the safety of their own vehicles. Created as a drive-thru experience, you’ll get to see the holiday lights, dazzling ice sculptures, visual entertainment, and even a reverse parade that stays stationary as you drive through.
7. Community Food Bank Distribution
Date and Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays all month from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Location: Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way
Cost: Free
What’s going on: We included this in last month’s edition as well but it’s important so we’ve included it again! This year has been challenging for many people, to say the least. And if you’re looking for a way to give back with the holiday season right around the corner, this is a great opportunity to do so. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is hosting a drive-thru food distribution for those in need.
8. Miracle on Congress Street
Date and Time: Friday through Sunday, December 4 through 19, with appearances from Santa happening between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon until 4:00 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Playground Bar and Lounge, 278 E. Congress Street
Cost: Free but bring money for food and drinks
What’s going on: Miracle on Congress Street returns once again! Stop by, visit Santa, and drop off a letter to him in the mailbox outside in front of the Tucson Together mural. There will also be elves on site dishing out free scoops of peppermint ice cream!
9. Brings Holiday Gift Market
Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, from noon until 4:00 p.m.
Location: Brings Cafe, 236 S. Scot Ave.
Cost: Free but bring money for food and drinks
What’s going on: This year, more than ever before, it’s important to support local businesses and artisans. So, if you’re looking to do just that, then head to the Brings Holiday Gift Market to cross a few items off your holiday shopping list. You’ll find more than 10 vendors offering hand-crafted arts, vintage pieces, and other great finds. Don’t forget your mask!
10. Virtual and In-Person Run Run Rudolph
Date and Time: Sunday, December 13, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park, 7548 N. Silverbell Road
Cost: Free but bring money for food and drinks
What’s going on: Bring the family down and help Rudolph and the other reindeer get ready for their big night with a half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K run, and kids dash. This event is limited to 400 participants, but virtual options are available.
BONUS: Stroll Through Downtown Tucson
Date and Time: All through December
Location: All through downtown Tucson (check out the tree and ornament at Jacome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.)
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Our beautiful city will be illuminated all December long with more than 150 trees, a giant walk-through ornament, and a 25-food holiday tree. You’ll also see several downtown buildings lined with glowing LED lights.
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.