There’s a heck of a lot of new things to do! Here are some of this month’s highlights. You can always check out our Events section on the website to see what’s going on any day of the week.
Themed Events:
Featured Events
VEGAN TUCSON RESTAURANT WEEK
Sunday, December 1 – Saturday, December 7
4502 N. First Ave.
Tucson Foodie and Death Free Foodie are teaming up to bring you the city’s first-ever Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week, a week-long celebration of Tucson’s vibrant vegan dining scene. From Sunday, December 1 to Saturday, December 7, participating restaurants will offer exclusive vegan dishes or pre-fixe menus, making this the perfect time to explore Tucson’s best plant-based cuisine.
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.
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!”
FALL MADE IN TUCSON MARKET
Sunday, December 1
309 E. Seventh St.
This fall, join more than 300 vendors at this popular local event, featuring dozens of tents and local food trucks where you can meet, greet, and support your talented Tucson maker community. From cookies to crockery, handmade cards to collectible art, bracelets to brownies, lotions to lemonade, find fresh ideas with a local handprint. Come out, connect, and experience true local flavor from a bevy of artists, artisans, and food entrepreneurs, all MADE IN TUCSON!
GINGERBREAD HOUSE UNVEILING & TREE LIGHTING
Monday, December 2
10000 N. Oracle Rd.
Celebrate the season with us at the Gingerbread House Unveiling & Tree Lighting, featuring special guests Mr. and Mrs. Claus! 🤶🎅🎄 Bring your family and friends to kick off the holiday season.
ORO VALLEY HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS & TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION
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.
VEGAN NIGHT MARKET
Saturday, December 7
4502 N. First Ave.
Experience an evening of vegan indulgence at the Vegan Night Market, presented by Death Free Foodie and Tucson Foodie. From mouth-watering food and sweets to innovative cocktails, music, tattoos, permanent jewelry, and a vegan vintage clothing pop-up, you’ll be immersed in a plant-based playground.
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.
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!”
HORSESHOES AND HEROES DINNER
Tuesday, December 10
188 E. Broadway Blvd.
“We are hosting a little dinner at Charro Steak & Del Rey with our friends at Tequila Herradura to benefit Tucson Fire Foundation. While the flavors will be abundant, the seating is limited, so please call 520-465-1922 or email meat@charrosteak.com for advanced seating. Further donations will also be accepted during the event on December 10th. During this time of year, a special THANKS to all of you who go out of your way to support local businesses and community organizations!”
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.”
RIB COOK-OFF
Saturday, December 14
6800 N. Camino Martin #160
“Join us at Button Brew House for our Annual Rib Cook-Off. This is so much fun with all of the good smells, great beer, and even better people; it just gets better & better every year we do it. Tickets Go On Sale December 1st.”
For a full list of every Chinese Chorizo Festival event, read more about it here.
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