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.
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.”
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.
Participating Food & Beverage Vendors
- 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
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)
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.
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.
