The Winterhaven Festival of Lights returns December 13 to 27 with more illuminated homes, more vendors, and major upgrades. The historic Tucson neighborhood again transforms into the Southwest’s largest free holiday light festival. The event features more than 200 artfully decorated homes and draws over 200,000 visitors each year.
Focus on Community Support
Organizers continue to support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Visitors donated over 34,000 pounds of food and more than $33,000 last year. This year’s goal reaches $60,000 to help local families. Guests can donate at festival entrances or through posted QR codes.
What’s New for 2025
Walking-First Experience
This year’s format centers on walking. Organizers did not receive applications for trolleys, wagons, or hayrides, so pedestrians guide the pace. Two partners, Arizona Party Bike and Silent Holiday Adventures, offer specialty experiences.
Arizona Party Bike offers Holiday Lit Party Bike rides with festive music and stops.
Silent Adventures brings a 60-minute silent disco walk with comedy and choreography.
Assisted Living Drive-Through Nights
Watermark Communities sponsors early drive-through nights for senior living and memory care groups from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on December 15 and 17. These events help residents who cannot walk the route.
Food Vendors for 2025
Festival guests will find food at the center island and the main Ft. Lowell entrance. The complete lineup includes:
- Trucking Good Cupcakes (Center Island)
- Star Kettle Corn (Center Island)
- Prep & Pastry (Center Island)
- Common Grounds (Center Island and Main Ft. Lowell Entrance)
- La Bufadora Fish Tacos (Main Entrance near Ft Lowell)
- Papa B’s Fried Chicken (Main Entrance near Ft Lowell)
- Paco’s Tacos (Center Island)
- You Sly Dog (Center Island)
Expanded Visitor Amenities
This year’s updates improve comfort and safety.
- More accessible restrooms
- Increased walkway lighting
- QR codes for maps and updates
- Enhanced directional signs
- More trash and recycling bins
- A central information and first aid tent on the Center Island
Winterhaven continues partnerships with schools, churches, and businesses to offer official parking lots. A live shuttle and parking map launches December 1. Organizers prohibit parking on neighborhood streets to protect access for emergency vehicles.
The festival adds two roaming security guards each night. Staff also improved access control and expanded safety training for volunteers.
Why Winterhaven Matters
More than a spectacle, the festival strengthens local connections. It features more than 200 illuminated homes, thousands of decorations, and more than 1,000 volunteer hours. “When Tucson chooses to give, Winterhaven becomes more than a festival. It becomes a lifeline,” organizers shared.
Ways to Support Winterhaven
Supporters can donate, volunteer, sponsor, or partner with the event.
- Become a Friend of the Festival
- Sponsor a home, street, or installation
- Donate onsite or online
- Volunteer for nightly operations
- Apply as a parking or shuttle partner
Leadership Perspective
“This is a pivotal year for Winterhaven,” said Kate Marquez, festival chair. “Our changes are rooted in what the community asked for—more amenities, better lighting, safer walkways, less congestion, and exciting new ways to experience the festival—all while keeping the focus on giving back to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and building a sustainable festival that honors the tradition that started over seven decades ago.”
Festival Details
When: December 13-27, 2025
Hours: Nightly from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Historic Winterhaven Neighborhood, Tucson, Arizona
Admission: Free, with suggested donation
Beneficiary: Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona
Website: https://winterhavenfestival.org
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