Entertainment Magazine: Tucson: Events

Tucson Holiday Events: Christmas and Hanukkah

Many annual Christmas and Hannukah celebrations in Tucson will be held again this winter.

This year, Hanukkah (also spelled as Hannukah or Chanukah) falls on the night of Christmas, December 25, 2024 through January 2, 2025.

Dates and times for some of these Tucson holiday events have not been finalized yet. Since they are annual events, follow the links for updated information. More events will be posted as they are announced.

Expect that any indoor or outdoor holiday events in Tucson still may require face masks and social distancing.

These are some of the popular holiday activites and upcoming family daily and weekend winter events in Tucson. Submit your free Tucson holiday event to events@emol.org.

Today in Tucson Calendar

2024 Holiday Events in Tucson

The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus Tree Lot “Home for the Holidays!” The lot will be located on the grounds of the Boys Chorus building at 5770 E. Pima Street between Craycroft and Wilmot. The tree lot is staffed by Chorus members and their parents and has been a traditional holiday fundraiser for the non-profit group. The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus Tree Lot will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 29 through December 23. Hours of operation are Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 9pm and Sundays 10am to 7pm. The lot features fresh cut trees at competitive prices. Trees available include Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Grand Fir and Nordmann Fir. Deliveries are available.

Through January 2025

Tucson Holiday Ice Skating Rink outside of the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church. Skate sessions run 90 minutes. Prices are $22 for adults, $15 for children under 12 years old. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Skates, ranging from size 8 for kids to 15 for men, included in admission. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.

LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination stroll through Tucson Botanical Gardens with one million twinkling lights and dancing sculpture. 6 nights a week, Tuesday-Sunday, 6-9:30om. Cost: $20-50 for adults; $18-$5 for kids depending on the day.

ZooLights Holiday Magic 2024 Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the twinkling lights during one of Tucson's favorite holiday traditions. Thousands of glittering lights illuminate the beautiful Reid Park Zoo grounds, with sounds of the season filling the air. Throughout the evening, you will enjoy Falling snow, Photo opportunities with Santa. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court. Tickets: $13 general admission. $8 for kids ages 2014. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy or an unwrapped children's toy and receive $1 off admission.

Through December 25: Winterhaven Festival of Lights is one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the country. The Festival of Lights celebrates its 70th holiday season in Tucson and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people from all over southern Arizona. Free event. Walk-through from 6-10pm. Winterhaven neighborhood  is located north of Ft. Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Blvd. Free,

Through December 24: Yuletide at Old Tucson with a comedy stunt show. Christmas tree lighting ceremony, horse drawn wagon rides, appearance by Santa, seasonal food and drink. Friday through Sunday, 5-10pm. 201 S. Kinney Road. 520-883-0100.

Through December 16: Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul Park with music, home-baked cookies, shopping, holiday dining, stroll through thousands of twinkling lights throughout the Park, live music. Dec. 2, 8-9 and 15-16  from 5:30-8:30pm. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, 520-742-6455.There is an admission fee.

December Day-by-Day Holiday Events in Tucson

November 30: Desert Diamond Casino & Entertainment presents the “Desert Diamond’s Holiday Celebration” event on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in the Plaza of the Sahuarita location on Pima Mine Road. This event is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free to attend. The Holiday Celebration includes live entertainment, concessions, artisan vendors, ice sculpting, and family activities in a winter wonderland atmosphere. A live DJ will be playing holiday music and vendors will be selling goods, including traditional food, quesadillas, kettle corn, churros, and more. The highlight of the Desert Diamond’s Holiday Celebration is the lighting of the 24-foot holiday tree.

December 1: The 12th Annual Santa Claus Toy Run returns Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free to attend. Participants and guests are encouraged to donate toys for underprivileged children during the holiday season, benefiting the Salvation Army. Guests can purchase a $20 buffet, visit on-site vendors, and listen to live entertainment by local band, OnesAll.

December 2-3: Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration showcases over 100 Southern Arizona artists during a two-day festival . The 13th Annual Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration is the region's largest shopping event, kicking off the Holidays in the Oro Valley, AZ community. This highly attended annual juried marketplace features one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods and holiday gifts, specialty foods, and the most beloved Holiday entertainment event of the year. The tree lighting ceremony is at 6pm. Held at Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd. Free to attend.

December 2: Marana Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is the biggest Christmas tree and light show in Southern Arizona. 30 food vendors, Santa photos, kid-friendly activities like crafts, inflatables and train rides. Held at Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Circle Drive. Free event. 40-foot Christmas tree lighting at 6pm.

December 5: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas,7:30pm at Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress. Ticket prices range from $45-$85. Ticket Link – https://bit.ly/4b3kzEg. You know “Christmas Time’s A Coming” when 15-time GRAMMY winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs and his ace backing band Kentucky Thunder play in their refreshing acoustic style all your favorite Christmas songs in this delightful tour along with a few of their special friends. This heartwarming show features a reason to listen to the season of songs both old and new as Skaggs and his band perform their own perfect blend of tight harmony. Celebrate the beauty and majesty of this time of year with first class vocalists and musicians, singing and playing their finest for Christmastime. Box Office (520) 547-3040.

December 7-8: Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration is the annual Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration, December 7-8, 2024, at Oro Valley Marketplace. This year’s festival brings an extraordinary winter wonderland to life, with support from Town of Oro Valley and sponsors including Pima County Attractions and Tourism, Town West Properties, Lisa Bayless Realty, Pima Federal Credit Union, Arizona Daily Star, and 94.9 Mix FM. This year’s festival holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Town of Oro Valley. This milestone highlights five decades of a thriving community built on shared values, cultural enrichment, and innovation. The festival celebrates this legacy by uniting residents and visitors in a joyful holiday experience, embracing the town’s vibrant history and forward-looking spirit.

December 8-10: Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair is held the first weekend of December all along 4th Avenue near Downtown between Ninth St. and University Blvd. Join tens of thousands of Tucsonans and visitors to see more than 350 arts & craft booths, food, entertainers & musicians from around the US, 2 stages & street performers. Free from 10 am - 6 pm. Free event. Friday & Saturday, Dec. 8-9, 10am-5pm; Sunday, Dec. 10, 10am-4pm.

December 14: 42nd Angel Ball: A Starry Night of Dreams and Elegance, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm MST. This is your opportunity to be a part of Tucson’s most celebrated formal event. Mark your calendar: December 14th promises an unforgettable night of elegance and entertainment. Recognized as Tucson’s Best Formal Event by Tucson Lifestyle, the Angel Ball is truly an event you don’t want to miss.

December 14: The Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus  annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, December 14 at 3:00pm and 7:30pm at the UA School of Music Crowder Hall. The choristers will perform music of the season including Christmas carols, sacred songs, and Hanukkah selections.

December 15: Radiant: Sounds of Winter 2024,  2:00 pm - 5:00 pm MST at UA Crowder HallThe TGC provides outstanding choral education that fosters leadership, a sense of belonging, and affirmation that each girl’s voice matters.TGC’s signature concert of the season. Come be inspired by the girls’ radiance. Featuring Tucson’s Rezonators Brass Band for extra fun! TWO CONCERTS!

December 16: Downtown Parade of Lights celebrates it 29th year. Parade goes through Armory Park this year. Last year, more than 30 floats and 1,000 people participated. Starts at 4pm with food trucks, vendors and music. Festival begins at 6:30pm.

Reid Park Zoo Lights may be open with Santa, entertainment, hot chocolate, food and snow. 6pm-8pm. Check web site for updates. Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court. reidparkzoo.org/event/zoo-lights-2019

Wednesday, December 25, 2024: Christmas Day in Tucson.

• New Year's Eve Events in Tucson

Tucson Chanukah Events in 2024

• Jewish Community Center (JCC) Upcoming Tucson Hanukkah events

Today in Tucson Calendar

Submit your free Tucson holiday event to events@emol.org.

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Holiday Festivals in Southern Arizona

• CASABEL: The Annual Cascabel Community Fair is held on the banks of the San Pedro River.
• TUBAC: Luminaria Nights: Fiesta de la Navidad - Village of Tubac, hundreds of luminarias line the streets and artist studios, shops open until 9 pm, carolers, homemade food, Santa, free, 520-398-2704.
• TUMACACORI: Annual La Fiesta de Tumacacori - celebrating the many cultures that were historically and presently associated with the Santa Cruz Valley, traditional creations of all the cultures including 50 food and craft booths, continuous live entertainment on stage and children’s activities, a Mariachi Mass preceded by a traditional procession on Sunday, free, 520-398-2341.

Christmas Tree Lots

• Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus Christmas Tree Lot is staffed by Chorus members and their parents, and has been a traditional holiday fundraiser for the non-profit group. The lot will be open through from 12:00 noon to 9:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00AM to 9:00PM Fridays and Saturdays and 10:00AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays through December 23, 2024.

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