The holidays are here, and downtown Tucson is buzzing with festive cheer! From twinkling lights to live performances and markets, the heart of the city grows three sizes, transforming into a winter wonderland — Tucson style, of course.
Here are just a few of the events you can catch in downtown Tucson this holiday season.
Also, if you’re looking for Christmas dining options in downtown and other areas of Tucson, check out this year’s roundup here.
Downtown Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 14
Downtown Tucson/Armory Park
Coming up on Saturday, December 14, The Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival hits the streets! The festivities, which are sponsored by Rio Nuevo District, Arizona Bowl, Visit Tucson/Vamos a Tucson, and more, begin at 4 p.m. with food trucks and vendors. Then, the parade kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Keep in mind that the parade route is new this year, starting at 17th Street and Fourth Avenue and ending at Armory Park.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Now until Sunday, January 5
260 S. Church Ave.
Tucson Holiday Ice is located downtown at 260 S. Church Avenue, in front of the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office. And YES — it’s real ice!
19th Annual Holiday Express at The Historic Depot
Saturday, December 21
414 N. Toole Ave.
Highlights Include:
- Meet & Greet with Santa: Capture a memorable photo with Santa in front of Locomotive 1673, the star of the movie “Oklahoma.”
- Museum Exhibits: Explore our bilingual exhibits and new live-action displays featuring operating model trains.
- Story Time: Enjoy a special reading of The Polar Express.
- Letters to Santa: Write your letter to Santa with help from the Tucson Postal History Museum elves.
- Holiday Music: Join in singing your favorite seasonal songs.
- Climb the Locomotive: Get up close with steam Locomotive 1673.
- Gift Shop: Shop for unique holiday gifts at our museum gift shop.
- Free Parking: Plenty of free parking available!
AC Hotel’s Winter Wonderland
Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14
151 E. Broadway Blvd.
Friday, December 13 | 4 – 8 p.m. (Family-Friendly)
Photos with Santa, holiday coloring contests, and storytime with cookies and milk.
Bring a new, unwrapped toy for local charities to spread the holiday spirit!
Saturday, December 14 | 3 p.m. – Midnight (21+ Celebration)
Festive cocktails served by Santa, live jazz from 6 – 9 p.m., and a photo backdrop for holiday snapshots.
Admission: FREE
Both evenings feature festive décor, holiday music, and opportunities to make cherished memories. Parking is available in the hotel’s garage and nearby lots. Families are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages to donate to local charity organizations, ensuring that children in need also experience the joy of the season.
Holiday Performances at The Century Room
Saturday, December 14
311 E. Congress St.
“Our holiday programming starts in earnest this Saturday with Ted Rosenthal’s ‘Wonderland’ Trio. Sunday is Christian Sands ‘Christmas Stories,’ followed by Pete Swan’s Swinging Holiday Big Band on Monday night! Liz Cracchiolo performs with the Cool Yule Trio next Thursday.”
Holiday Movies at Hotel Congress Plaza
Thursday, December 12 and Thursday, December 19
311 E. Congress St.
“Cozy up on the Plaza for Holiday Movie Nights every Thursday until Christmas! Enjoy a family-friendly film at 6 p.m. and a cult classic at 8 p.m. Hot drinks and popcorn are available in the Taproom.”
Holiday Movies & Shows at Fox Tucson Theatre
Now until Saturday, December 28
Downtown Tucson/Armory Park
The historic downtown theatre will be playing films like ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “It’s a Wonder Life” on select dates. Also, live holiday-themed shows are in full swing like “A Drag Queen Christmas” and “Festival of Trees.”
Chanukah Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 25
160 W. Alameda St.
“Join the annual Chanukah lighting ceremony of Tucson’s tallest Menorah at El Presidio Park, with songs, holiday treats, crafts, and personal Menorahs to take home.”
Krampus Nacht Market
Friday, December 13
236 S. Scott Ave.
Going down on the patio next to Owls Club in downtown Tucson, the Krampus Nacht Market is bringing at least 30 vendors, flash tattoos, music, and drag performances from 3 – 8 p.m. on Friday, December 13. Plus, Talega Coffee will be open, serving hot beverages, and food will be provided by Mr. Bulgogi (Korean barbecue) and Brucedog (a popular hot dog stand that’s been around since the ’80s).
Also, Krampus will be on the premises taking free photos with whoever dares.
Learn more.
Desert Haze Market
Saturday, December 21
311 E. Congress St. (Hotel Congress Plaza)
Stop by the local vintage clothing market from 11 – 4 p.m. This month’s event is actually a Winter Solstice-themed market! You know, ’tis the season.
Gin & Jammies at Juniper
Thursday, December 12
222 E. Congress St.
“Bring a toy and enjoy a complimentary Still Gin cocktail or Gin & Juice Seltzer — just don’t wait too long! Complimentary drinks are available while supplies last.
Miss out? Extra toys still earn you 30% off cocktails all night. Throw on your coziest pajamas, sip on something special, and help spread holiday cheer with us!”
Winter Tiki Takeover at Monsoon Room
Saturday, December 21
201 N. Court Ave.
“Saturday, December 21st is our Winter Tiki Takeover! Try out our take on tiki classics with a Monsoon twist. You can have a single or make it a punch bowl for a group. We’ll also have food specials from JoJo’s to make the spirits bright.”
Ugly Sweater Party at Unicorn Zebra
Saturday, December 21
82 S. Stone Ave.
“We’re so excited to celebrate with you! DJ starts at 8p.m.and prizes will be awarded at 11 p.m.”
Scavenger Hunt + Hot Cocoa at the Alfie Museum
Saturday, December 21
115 N. Church Ave.
“Explore our galleries in search of gems and minerals and discover fun facts along the way.
Adults: $5 admission, kids are free. All ages are welcome! Complimentary Hot Cocoa Cart will be available for museum guests with an assortment of toppings!”
Christmas Posada at Tabu
Saturday, December 21
128 E. Congress St.
“Christmas has arrived at Tabu! Join us for our first annual Christmas Posada, for an unforgettable night of drinks, dancing, and brand new holiday cocktails. You DON’T want to miss it!”
At the University of Arizona
The Nutcracker with Ballet Tucson
Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 22
200 S. Tucson Blvd.
“A world of wonder awaits you at Ballet Tucson’s The Nutcracker in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra! Treat your loved ones to Tucson’s favorite holiday tradition. This award-winning production brings the enchanting story of The Nutcracker to life with sensational dancing, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score performed by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians.”
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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.
