This year, the holiday season is comin’ in hot!
We’re talking about tree lighting ceremonies, holiday festivals, outdoor markets lined with local vendors (perfect for holiday shopping), and even Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are here, soaking up Tucson’s weather.
Pay attention to dates because some of these are happening sooner than others!
Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8
12155 N. Oracle Rd.
The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is hosting its annual Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8 at Oro Valley Marketplace. With more than 160 artisans and vendors, live performances, and holiday experiences, it’s a great opportunity to support local talent and find the gifts this holiday season.
The first 300 attendees to register at the Information Booth will receive a special gift, including painted snowflake magnets, Limited Edition Oro Valley stickers, or mini canvas painting kits.
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Now until Saturday, January 4
201 Kinney Rd.
There’s going to be all kinds of fun like various holiday-themed shows and performances, Christmas carolers, S’mores stations, tree lightings, festive decor spread all around, hangout sessions with Santa Claus, and plenty of dust to kick around.
Marana’s Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 7
11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
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. 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. 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.
BOB Fest is Back, Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses in Arizona
Saturday, November 30
55 N. Fifth Ave.
The Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival returns on Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at 55 N. Fifth Ave. — the large open lot behind Hotel Congress. The festival is more than just a gathering — it’s a statement of solidarity and a testament to the determination of Black businesses throughout the state. Hosted by Blax Friday, the goal behind the festival is bringing Black businesses together statewide.
300+ Artisans, Food Vendors & More at the Made in Tucson Market
Sunday, December 1
Along Seventh Street between Fourth and Sixth Avenues
From 10 a.m. to dusk, the open-air market will have vendors offering everything from hand-thrown ceramics and unique jewelry to one-of-a-kind prints and artisan goods. But it’s not just about shopping! The market features live music, interactive art installations, and food vendors serving up local eats.
December’s Vegan Night Market
Saturday, December 7
4502 N. First Ave
Vegan Night Market, hosted by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie, is back on Saturday, December 7 from 5 – 8 p.m., returning to the Rillito Park at 4502 N. First Ave. This December, sip on beer, cocktails, and hot cocoa as you enjoy vegan eats under the stars. With flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, and a festive holiday market filled with vintage clothing, makeup, jewelry, and more, it’ll be the perfect night to celebrate the season. Plus, there is a VIP Experience in December (get your tickets).
El Conquistador’s Month-Long Holiday Extravaganza
Monday, December 2 – Wednesday, December 25
10000 N. Oracle Rd.
El Conquistador Tucson is ringing in the holidays with its Holiday Extravaganza — a month-long celebration filled with more than 100 holiday-themed activities for all ages. This December, the resort at 10000 N. Oracle Rd. will become a holiday wonderland with snowfall, a life-size gingerbread house, holiday treats, and experiences featuring Mr. & Mrs. Claus. There’s a total of 95 events! Plus, most of these events are totally FREE for overnight resort guests and the general public to attend (only a small handful of special events are ticketed).
Winter Wonderland at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Multiple Dates in December
3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
“Step into a magical Winter Wonderland at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa, where the beauty of the season transforms our desert oasis into a festive retreat. Discover enchanting experiences for all ages, from cozy outdoor igloos and evenings by the fire with s’mores, to holiday-themed décor that brings the spirit of the season to life. With a range of activities designed to create joyful memories, Winter Wonderland offers the perfect blend of holiday cheer and luxurious relaxation in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.”
Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town
(Fridays) November 29 and December 6, 13, 20, and 27
6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Festivities include:
- Snow at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m.
- Holiday drinks and snacks at the Cowboy Cart
- $8 discounted wristbands good for unlimited rides on the amusement rides and access to the Holiday Hoedown- an outdoor, kid-friendly dance party!
- Santa’s Little Outlaws stunt show at 7 and 8pm with the Pistoleros
- Christmas Express train ride
Festival of Illumination at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Now until Sunday, January 12
2150 N. Alvernon Way
“Thousands of LED lights illuminate the trees and custom-built, oversized structures delight the senses. The light tunnel, dancing cypress trees, traditional punched-tin trees, a brand-new crescent moon, and a dazzling display of luminarias will wow you! Experience a holiday light show unlike any other in southern Arizona!”
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair
Friday, December 13 – Saturday, December 15
Fourth Avenue, from University Boulevard until you reach Downtown
“We invite you to participate in this Tucson tradition, which attracts more than 350,000 visitors. This family-friendly event promotes original, hand-made art, with 350+ artists from around the world. The Fair offers something for everyone including live entertainment, buskers, 40+ food vendors, beer, and our local 4th Avenue merchants.”
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Select Dates from Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 22
7366 N. Paseo del Norte
“Stroll through enchanting paths, revel in live entertainment, and bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. Musicians and artists will captivate you as you savor hot cocoa and festive treats. Don’t miss out on this holiday wonderland!”
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
