2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)

What to Eat at Marana’s Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting


November 25, 2024
By Matt Sterner

The Town of Marana is kicking off the festive season with its annual Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting from 2 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 7.

In partnership with Cemex, the highlight of the evening at the Marana Municipal Complex (MMC) will be the lighting of the Town’s 45-foot Christmas tree, sparkling with 100,000 lights and ornaments. This tree is a whopper — about the size of a four-story building. It would take about 360 pizza boxes to reach the top of the 45-foot tree. It’s big.

2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)

Plus, an additional 100,000 lights twinkle from other trees in the MMC Plaza at 11555 W. Civic Center Dr. The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. with an encore at 8:30 p.m., marking the official start of the holiday festivities. 

“This year’s festival promises to be our most magical yet,” said Shelby Scheer, Special Events Supervisor. “We can’t wait to bring the community together to celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season.”

2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)

Also, you need to eat!

Here is the list of more than 30 food and beverage vendors pulling up to the 2024 Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 7.

  • Al Gusto Coffee Co.
  • Bar Down Fitness
  • Big Sexy Chicken Wangs & Thangs
  • Black Jack Citrus Infusions
  • Botanas Remix
  • Bugaloo’s Ice Cream
  • Churros El Rey
  • Cody Coyote Kettle Corn
  • CowPig
  • DC Jumbie
  • Dirty Dough
  • El Bebos Street Tacos & Hot Dogs
  • Friesy
  • Haus of Brats
  • Hibachi Heat
  • Jackie’s Food Court
  • Kettlelicious
  • Kona Ice of Marana
  • La Bufadora
  • Malta Joe’s Baked Goods
  • Marana Heritage Conservancy
  • Mrs. Emily’s Sweet Treats
  • Nautical Bowls
  • Ol’ Pot Hole
  • Rae’s Burgers
  • Ry’s Snacks
  • Special Eats
  • Sweet Rolls AZ
  • Taco Rico
  • The Coffee Cure
  • Wiki-licious Tucson
2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)
2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)
WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT
  • Marana Food Bank: Guests are encouraged to bring a can or box of non-perishable food to donate to the Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center.
  • Live Entertainment: Enjoy performances by local choirs, bands, and dance groups on TWO stages. Close the night out with a special concert from nationally recognized and award-winning band, Znora, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Santa’s Stage. 
  • Family Fun: All ages can enjoy Free Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, a Meet & Greet with the Grinch himself, free ornament crafting at the Creation Station, jumping castles, a 12-foot public art project, a photo booth, glitter tattoos, and more.
  • Mistletoe Market: Shop for unique gifts and treats from a curated selection of local artisans and vendors.
New This Year
  • Guest Shuttles: Parking is limited in the event vicinity so the Town will offer TWO shuttles running continuously from offsite locations nearby to the event from 2 – 10 p.m. 
    • Shuttle Stop One departs from Marana Middle School (11285 W Grier Rd, Marana, AZ)
    • Shuttle Stop Two departs from Gladden Farms Community Park (12270 N Heritage Park Dr., Marana, AZ)
2023 Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting ( Photo by J.D. Fitzgerald Photography)

Marana’s Holiday Festival is FREE and open to the public.

“Bring your friends, family, and holiday cheer as we light up the night and create merry memories in Marana!”

Marana’s Holiday Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting is happening at Marana Municipal Complex (MMC), 11555 W. Civic Center Dr. For more information, including performance schedules, vendors, and an event map, visit MaranaAZ.gov/events.

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