Oro Valley Holiday Festival brings artists, food trucks and glowing 35 foot tree

The Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration returns to Oro Valley Marketplace on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. The free two day event fills the open air center with art, music, food, and holiday traditions.

More than 150 juried artists and artisans plan to line the Marketplace walkways with ceramics, jewelry, textiles, painting, and photography. Over 500 student and community performers join them, turning the plaza into a constant rotation of music and movement.

The Town of Oro Valley and Art State Arizona present the festival in the heart of the shopping center. Guests can wander between Fork and Fire and the former Red Lobster site. They can then follow the glow toward the 35 foot holiday tree.

Saturday hours run 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Artisan booths close at 5 p.m. Sunday hours run 10 a.m.-4 p.m., leaving time for browsing and snacking.

Art, music and performances all weekend

Stages at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration spotlight student bands, choirs, theater groups, and community ensembles. The schedule includes returning favorites like TUBACHRISTMAS, Tucson Girls Chorus, and City Psalms Choir.

Jazz, folk, and mariachi fill the weekend program. Sets include the Oro Valley Jazz Band and Mariachi Innovación.

Families can watch the Santa arrival parade with the Ironwood Ridge High School Nighthawk Vanguard Marching Band. Carolers like What the Dickens and Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus stroll through the Marketplace with classic holiday tunes.

Winter Wonderland around a 35 foot tree

The festival’s north end features the towering Oro Valley Holiday Tree and its surrounding Winter Wonderland activities. Organizers plan the official lighting for Saturday evening, followed by snowfall effects and more live entertainment.

Families can snap free photos with Santa near the Golder Ranch Fire District truck and the glowing tree backdrop. Kids can also draft letters to Santa at the Winter Wonderland Post Office before heading back to the artists’ booths.

Around the tree, scavenger hunt clues lead visitors across the Marketplace. Completed stamp cards unlock small prizes at the Art State Arizona information booth. Staff also answer festival questions there.

Hands on fun for kids and teens

Younger visitors will find plenty to do between shopping stops. Face painting, glitter art, strolling jugglers, and interactive performers keep the kids area buzzing all afternoon.

Santa’s Workshop activities focus on crafting, color, and play. Expect ornament and cookie decorating, snowman themed projects, painting stations, and bracelet making tables.

The Storytelling Station gives families a chance to sit and reset. Local authors and the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library share folktales and holiday stories. Kids flip through books and simple crafts nearby.

Food trucks, treats and nearby eats

Festival organizers highlight festive food trucks and seasonal treats alongside the art and performances. Guests can follow the scent of barbecue, hot cocoa, and fair style snacks as they move between stages.

• Col. Mustard’s Hot Dogs & Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice
• Cook’s Kettle Corn
• Greater Faith Word Church International (barbecue and burgers)
• Gus’s Gyro & Lemonade
• I & C Kitchen
• KoolSips
• La Bufadora
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
• Oh Wow Mini Donuts
• Quesadillas & More
• Sweet Rolls and More

Getting there, parking and planning your visit

Oro Valley Marketplace sits at 12155 N. Oracle Rd. at the southwest corner of Oracle and Tangerine. The open air center offers free parking throughout, with thousands of spaces spread around the property.

Festival maps place the main action between Fork and Fire and the former Red Lobster site. Guests can enter from several lots, then follow signs toward the artists, stages, and Winter Wonderland zone.

Comfortable shoes help, since the event stretches across much of the Marketplace. Dress for changing desert temperatures and keep a reusable bag handy for art finds. Arrive early for the Saturday tree lighting.

Free admission, performances, and family activities keep the Oro Valley holiday festival buzzing. Organizers treat it as a signature holiday celebration for Southern Arizona. The weekend offers one more reason to stay hungry, stay curious, and celebrate the season in Oro Valley.

Oro Valley Marketplace is located at 12155 N. Oracle Rd. For more information, visit artstateaz.org.