Last updated: November 11, 2024
Holiday excitement is in the air, Tucson! Let our guide show you all the festive happenings. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, our guide helps you enjoy the holiday spirit in Tucson.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Downtown Parade of Lights, where dazzling floats and festive music fill the streets, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Another delightful experience is ZooLights: Holiday Magic, where the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights. And the Tucson Holiday Ice is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a charming ice skating experience in a picturesque outdoor setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Tucson Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Parade of Lights
- What to Expect
- Spectacular display of light and festive decorations.
- Description
- The Downtown Parade of Lights is a vibrant holiday event featuring hundreds of thousands of lights, floats, and festive decorations in downtown Tucson. It brings together local businesses, community organizations, and families to celebrate the holiday season with a spectacular display of light and cheer.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Downtown Parade of Lights
Tucson’s Christmas Tree at Jácome Plaza
- What to Expect
- Largest Christmas tree in Southern Arizona.
- Description
- Tucson's Christmas Tree at Jácome Plaza is a 46-foot tall, beautifully adorned tree with thousands of white LED lights and over a thousand ornaments, making it the largest in Southern Arizona.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Tucson’s Christmas Tree at Jácome Plaza
ZooLights: Holiday Magic
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Reid Park Zoo presents ZooLights: Holiday Magic, featuring thousands of lights, mesmerizing light shows, and holiday displays. Visitors can enjoy falling snow in the Arctic Zone, listen to festive music, and savor hot cocoa while exploring a colorful zoo setting. Special appearances by the Grinch and visits with St. Nick add to the holiday cheer.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : ZooLights: Holiday Magic
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display with various transportation options.
- Description
- The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a beloved Tucson tradition featuring elaborate Christmas light displays, hayrides, and trolley tours. It celebrates the holiday season with hundreds of thousands of visitors from Southern Arizona, promoting community support and donations to the Community Food Bank.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Tucson Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tucson Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Magic With Cirque De La Symphonie
- What to Expect
- International cirque stars performing alongside the TSO.
- Description
- The Tucson Symphony Orchestra presents a special holiday performance featuring international cirque stars and symphonic classics, creating a delightful experience for the entire family.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Tucson Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Magic With Cirque De La Symphonie
Michael W. Smith - Every Christmas
- What to Expect
- Iconic Christmas music performances by Michael W. Smith and Riley Clemmons.
- Description
- Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith presents his EVERY CHRISTMAS concert, featuring a blend of traditional classics and his critically acclaimed holiday albums, with special guest Riley Clemmons.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Michael W. Smith - Every Christmas
Irish Tenors - A Family Christmas
- What to Expect
- Powerful vocal performance by classically trained singers.
- Description
- The Irish Tenors bring their signature harmonies and festive spirit to a family-friendly Christmas concert, featuring a repertoire of classic and modern holiday songs.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Irish Tenors - A Family Christmas
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
- What to Expect
- Acoustic holiday music performance by 15-time GRAMMY winner Ricky Skaggs.
- Description
- Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder present a heartwarming Christmas show featuring a blend of old and new holiday songs performed in their refreshing acoustic style. The event includes joyful bluegrass tunes, beloved classics, and sing-alongs, making it a delightful celebration of the season.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas
Jake Shimabukuros Holidays in Hawaii
- What to Expect
- Ukulele master's unique blend of traditional and holiday classics.
- Description
- Jake Shimabukuro's Holidays in Hawaii is a heartwarming holiday performance featuring the ukulele virtuoso. The show combines his signature show favorites with a vibrant catalog of holiday classics, including "We Three Kings," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and "O Holy Night." Alongside bassist Jackson Waldhoff and singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young, Jake Shimabukuro will spread good cheer with his world-renowned live show.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Jake Shimabukuros Holidays in Hawaii
Ballet Tucson: The Nutcracker
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- Ballet Tucson presents The Nutcracker, a world-class ballet performance featuring sensational dancing, lavish sets, and Tchaikovsky's magnificent score performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Ballet Tucson: The Nutcracker
Tucson Other Holiday Activities
Tucson Holiday Ice
- What to Expect
- Real ice skating experience in downtown Tucson.
- Description
- Tucson Holiday Ice is an outdoor ice rink located in front of the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office, offering 90-minute skating sessions from November 19, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Admission includes skate rentals, and sessions are available for adults and children.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Tucson Holiday Ice
Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada
- What to Expect
- Snowfall and live entertainment in a shopping center courtyard.
- Description
- La Encantada transforms into a winter wonderland with snowfall, live entertainment, and complimentary hot chocolate.
- Where
- Tucson | More Info : Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada