gary hickey

While the rest of downtown continues its day to day hustle, the whimsical paradise of lights, jingle bells, festive songs, adoptable pets, and cocktails are brightening up the corner of Congress St. and 5th Ave.

Also, did you know Santa Claus is hanging out, waiting to greet you?

Well, he’s had his list and he has checked it more than twice because this year’s display is as joyous as ever. Each weekend, the entire family can meet up with Santa and his elves, create arts and crafts, munch of some sweet treats, and even donate to local charities.

Aside from that, the festivities also cater to those 21 years and older. The bar inside will be utilizing holiday spirits from the holiday-inspired cocktail menu.

Take a glance at the hours, so that you plan your experience accordingly.

Miracle on Congress St. Schedule

Santa’s Hours

• Fridays from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sundays from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Bar Hours

• Fridays from 4 p.m. – Midnight
• Saturdays from 11 a.m. – Midnight
• Sundays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

This festival is perfectly placed on the calendar as the holiday season coincides with the cravings for tamales. Perhaps the biggest gift of all is the fact that the event is totally free.

What a gift, right?

Everyone’s invited to celebrate the rich tastes, scents, and the vast variety of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico. For weeks, tamale aficionados have been crafting the perfect tamale to enter in the contest, which gives everyone an opportunity to raise funds.

Overall, there’s going to be a Tamale Contest, live local entertainment, food vendors, artisan vendors, a farmers market, and plenty of other family fun.

During the class, Jackie will be covering composition, lighting, and techniques he commonly uses when out on a shot. In addition, there’s going to be bites from one of Tucson’s great food trucks, and beer available from Public Brewhouse.

It’s $229 per person or $210 for non-alcoholic drinks. The 50% nonrefundable deposit is due by Wednesday, December 25, and the remainder is due by Sunday, January 5.

Tuition includes:

• The three-hour class
• Lunch from a local food truck (TBD)
• Two pints of beer from Public Brewhouse
• One-on-one feedback from Jackie

When it comes to prerequisites for the class there’s nothing you need to complete beforehand, and all levels of photographers with no specific kind of equipment are welcomed. In other words, you can bring in any type of camera, like a DSLR or a smartphone.