The holidays are here! December is usually a jam-packed month full of parties, events, family gatherings, and memorable activities. And if you’re looking for even more fun, we’ve rounded up our top 14 things to do in Tucson this December.
There are fun outdoor activities like an enchanted snowfall, skiing, live theater and music, and plenty of twinkling holiday lights to see!
As fun as all these events are, you might be looking for some R&R over the holidays too. If you’re just planning to relax in front of the fireplace and watch some holiday movies with your loved ones, we get it.
Whatever you end up doing, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a wonderful new year!
1. Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada
Date and Time: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: November 25 – December 23; 6:00pm – 6:15 pm & 6:45pm – 7:00pm
Location: In the center courtyard of La Encantada Mall at 2905 E. Skyline Drive (Campbell Rd & Sunrise Drive)
Cost: $0
What’s going on: Adults, children and families are all welcome to attend the annual enchanted snowfall event. Beginning this year, local performing groups, such as high school musicians, will take part in the festivities in effort to bring our local residents together and support school booster programs.
While enjoying the enchanted snowfall, Blanco Cocina + Cantina will be serving FREE hot chocolate to all visitors!. By the way, the “snow” is kid friendly and non-toxic, according to the La Encantada spokesperson, and this year they have added additional snow machines to cover a larger area of the courtyard for instagram family moments!
2. Ice Skating in Downtown Tucson
Date and Time: All month (open from November 20th to January 8th)
Location: In front of the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: $20.00/adults, $14.00/under 12 for a 90-minute session
What’s going on: Open all month long, you can go ice skating as much as you want this holiday season. You must book a 90-minute time slot online and skates are available for rent.
3. LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Date and Time: All month (runs from November 25th to January 15th); daily at 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 North Alvernon Way
Cost: $30.00/adult, $26.00/under 17
What’s going on: Be dazzled by this famous installation of over 3,000 luminarias and millions of lights! There are six thematic zones to explore with custom exhibitions, including a 50-foot light tunnel.
4. Elf by Arts Express
Date and Time: Multiple show times from December 2-18
Location: Arts Express, Park Place #214, 5870 E Broadway Blvd.
Cost: Tickets start at $35.00
What’s going on: You’ve seen the family classic movie, so it’s now time to see your buddy, um, Buddy, up on the big stage! It’s a great show for the whole family and the best way to spread Christmas cheer far and wide.
5. In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular
Date and Time: December 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fox Tucson Theater, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.00
What’s going on: Back in the 60s and 70s, holiday specials were a time for families to gather around the TV and watch great artists of the time sing the classics. With a nod to those specials, you can get in the holiday spirit with this musical spectacular—perfect for the whole family.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Date and Time: Various showtimes from December 9-24
Location: Saguaro City Music Theatre, 10240 N Valle Del Oro Drive
Cost: Prices start at $20.00
What’s going on: Travel back in time to the 1940s and enjoy this play adaptation of the beloved holiday film. It’s a story with heart and a lesson to appreciate all the good and beautiful things in life.
7. An Irish Christmas
Date and Time: Friday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $32.00
What’s going on: This celebration of family and community showcases award-winning dancers from Riverdance, Celtic Wings, and more. You’ll love the high-energy dancing combined with all your favorite holiday carols.
8. Flashlight Night by Christmas Lights at International Wildlife Museum
Date and Time: December 16 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: International Wildlife Museum, 4800 Gates Pass Road
Cost: Regular admission prices—$10/adults, $5/under 12
What’s going on: Explore the museum after-hours, when it’s lit only by Christmas lights. Bring your flashlight to explore in the dark and see all the exhibits. Candy canes and hot chocolate will be served.
9. Chanukah in Downtown Tucson: Lighting the Menorah
Date and Time: Sunday, December 18 from 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: El Presidio Park, 160 W Alameda St.
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Come out for the 39th annual lighting of Tucson’s tallest Menorah. There will be a light show, music, a Kosher food truck, and personal Menorahs to take home.
10. All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Date and Time: Sunday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $35.00
What’s going on: Be immersed in this remarkable true story of the Christmas truce of 1914. Out of the violence on the Western Front, a soldier steps out into No Man’s Land and sings “Silent Night,” sparking a temporary ceasefire and period of peace.
11. Christmas in the Desert Buffet
Date and Time: December 25th at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m.
Location: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road
Cost: $79.00/adult, $35.00/under 10
What’s going on: Forget about cooking this year! Come out to the fabulous Christmas in the Desert buffet. With menu items like 48-hour dry brined prime rib, chipotle pumpkin risotto, and mini peach and brie tarts, it’ll be a meal like no other.
12. New Year’s Eve Party at Hacienda Del Sol
Date and Time: December 31 from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location: Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N Hacienda Del Sol Rd.
Cost: Buffet, dessert, and dancing for $125.00 or just $35.00 for dessert and dancing
What’s going on: Ring in the new year with great food, amazing music, delicious desserts, and a fabulous dance party! There will be live music by Connie Brannock and the Little House of Funk, so you can dance right into 2023.
13. 2022 Taco Bell New Year’s Eve Downtown Bowl Bash
Date and Time: December 31 from 6:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Tucson at 5th Ave. and Toole
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Ring in the new year in downtown Tucson. There will be live music, headlined by Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, a silent disco, food trucks, beer stations, and more. Make sure you stay up to catch the fireworks to ring in the new year!
14. Noir Year’s Eve
Date and Time: December 31 from 8:00 p.m.
Location: Hotel Congress, 311 E Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $60.00
What’s going on: Ring in 2023 in style at the historic Hotel Congress. There will be a complimentary welcome drink, live music, DJs, two dance floors, tarot card readers, and more.
As you can expect, there are tons of amazing things to do in Tucson over the holidays! Whether it’s a family night out or a romantic date night, there is something for everyone. Make sure you let us know what you get up to this holiday season. We regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!