Can you feel it? The holidays are here! For many, it’s a magical time of year when you can rest, relax, and spend time with loved ones.
And, luckily, there are a ton of amazing events and activities around town for the holidays. Here are 18 awesome things to do in Tucson this December 2023.
1. Tucson Holiday Ice
Date and Time: November 19-January 7
Location: 260 S. Church Avenue
Cost: $22.00 for adults and $15.00 for children under 12 per 90-minute session
What’s going on: Bring out your family and friends for some ice skating this holiday season. You can book a 90-minute session and skate rentals to enjoy some on-ice fun.
2. LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Date and Time: November 24-January 7, Tuesdays-Sundays from 6:00-9:30 p.m.
Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 North Alvernon Way
Cost: $18.00/adult
What’s going on: Stroll through six themed light areas and be dazzled by over one million lights, sculptures, and luminaria displays. Open six days a week; must book a time slot to enter the festival.
3. Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada
Date and Time: November 24-December 23 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)
Location: La Encantada Courtyard, 2905 E. Skyline Drive
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Sip on some hot chocolate, enjoy some live entertainment, and see the snowfall at the La Encantada Enchanted Snowfall event happening every weekend. There will be various live music performances, so check the schedule and come out to celebrate the season.
4. 13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting
Date and Time: December 2-December 3
Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd.
Cost: FreeWhat’s going on: Start the season right by joining the tree lighting celebration with a 35-foot Oro Valley Holiday Tree. There will be hot tea, homemade fudge, and plenty of other vendors, musicians, and performances to enjoy.
5. Lessons & Carols by Candlelight
Date and Time: December 7-10
Location: Multiple locations
Cost: Tickets start at $23.00
What’s going on: Experience the magic of the season through a musical performance of holiday favorites like A Christmas Carol or the Nutcracker.
6. 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair
Date and Time: December 8-10
Location: 4th Avenue; recommended parking along the Modern Streetcar line and using the Sun Link Streetcar
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Come out for the 54th annual winter street fair. This family-friendly event will have live entertainment, 40+ food and drink vendors, and original art from over 350 artists.
7. Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Date and Time: December 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Boulevard
Cost: Tickets start at $34.00
What’s going on: Bring your family and friends out for a dazzling and whimsical holiday spectacular. The Broadway-style production includes contemporary circus arts, original music, and lots of fun memories to be made!
8. 9th Annual Old Pueblo Holiday Radio Show
Date and Time: December 9th at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street
Cost: Tickets start at $22.50
What’s going on: Featuring the Arroyo Cafe Players, Mindy Ronstad, Comedian Dave Mebrila, and more guests, this variety show is back for the 9th year. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. for this general admission show.
9. Ben’s Bells Studio Workshop
Date and Time: December 9th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: 40 W Broadway Boulevard
Cost: $100.00/person.
What’s going on: Create your own stepping stone in this two-hour workshop. You’ll choose the color of the tiles and style to create a unique piece for your home. Ben’s Bells is one of the amazing local charities we profiled in our guide on how to give back in Tucson for the holidays as a small business.
10. Christmas at Empire Ranch
Date and Time: December 9th at 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: Off Scenic Highway 83, Empire Ranch Road, Sonorita
Cost: $10.00 donation requested
What’s going on: Celebrate the holidays at the festively decorated Empire Ranch House for shopping, music, food and beverages, and a holiday raffle.
11. Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Date and Time: December 9-25, 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: 3235 N Country Club Road
Cost: Free to attend; donations of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is highly encouraged.
What’s going on: See the twinkling holiday lights by taking a hayride, hopping on the party bikes, or taking a trolley tour. This is the 74th year of the festival and serves as a fundraiser to support the community through food bank donations.
12. Mercado District Holiday Bazaar
Date and Time: December 15-17; 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Location: 267 S Avenida del Convento
Cost: Free entrance
What’s going on: Featuring 60+ makers, artists, and collectors, this event is a great way to find some unique, last-minute holiday gifts.
13. Merry-Achi Christmas
Date and Time: December 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
Cost: Tickets start at $20.00
What’s going on: Mariachi Sol de Mexico with Jose Hernandez presents this fun, spirited, and colorful holiday event. Enjoy the mariachi music with songs that tell a story to inspire us to live out our dreams.
14. Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival
Date and Time: December 16 from 4:00 p.m. onwards
Location: Catalina United Methodist Church, 2700 E. Speedway Boulevard
Cost: Free
What’s going on: Come out for live music, entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and more at the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival. The parade starts at 6:30 p.m., but come early for the festivities.
15. Desert Voices Solstice Serenade
Date and Time: December 16 and December 17 at 4:00 p.m.
Location: The parade starts at 17th Street and Stone Avenue, heads north on Stone Avenue, east on Ochoa to 12th Street, and turns south on 6th Avenue, ending at Armory Park, 220 S. 6th Avenue.
Cost: $20.00
What’s going on: Enjoy an evening of beautiful music from Desert Voices, Arizona’s Premier LGBTQIA+ Community Chorus.
16. Story Time with Santa
Date and Time: December 17th at 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.
Location: Timeless Play, 1880 E Tangerine Road, Oro Valley
Cost: $35.00
What’s going on: Bring out your little ones for a day with Santa Claus! Tickets include story time, milk and cookies, photos with Santa, and a keepsake craft.
17. Nutcracker!
Date and Time: December 21st at 2:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial Hall, 1020 E University Boulevard
Cost: Tickets start at $35.00
What’s going on: Experience the beloved family tradition of the Nutcracker. The international cast of classical ballet dancers, jaw-dropping acrobatics, puppets, and stunning costumes make this a night to remember!
18. The Clairvoyants Holiday Spectacular
Date and Time: December 23rd at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Desert Diamond, 1100 W Pima Mine Road
Cost: Tickets start at $30.00
What’s going on: Amélie van Tass and Thommy Ten are “The Clairvoyants,” and they’re back in Tucson for a holiday-themed show. Their magic and illusion show has toured around the world and they have also been featured on America’s Got Talent. It’ll be a night to remember!
What are you adding to your holiday calendar this year? From our family at The Post to yours—happy holidays!
We also regularly host fun events for our community at The Post—contact us today to learn more and get set up with a tour!