There’s nothing like the thrill of a live performance, or a special outing shared with family or close friends. The excitement before a show or event is electric! You might dress up in your holiday finery to go to the theater, pull on boots to walk through a winter wonderland, or gather together to check out a fancy light show. However you choose to celebrate the season, attending a special event will make it even more memorable!
Holiday Nights 2023 at Tohono Chul
Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the illuminated garden pathways. Families will enjoy the twinkling, colorful lights, holiday music and kids will get to visit Santa. Dec. 2, 8 & 9 and Dec. 15 & 16. See website for specific ticket information.
www.tohonochul.org/holiday-nights/
Holidays at the Fox Theatre
Make the season musical with a show at the Fox Theatre.
“The Midtown Men–Holiday Hits Show. Dec. 9. Members from the Broadway show Jersey Boys will perform classic Christmas and Holiday songs.
“World Ballet Series: Nutcracker.” Live performance by a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers. Dec. 4 & 5.
A Swingin’ Little Christmas starring Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis and the Tony Guerrero Quintet. Classic Christmas songs along with some comedy will put you in the holiday spirit. Dec. 13.
“Merry–Achi Christmas.” Presented by Mariachi Sol De Mexico with Jose Hernandez audiences will enjoy this Tucson annual holiday tradition, part of the romance of Mariachi songs is that all things are possible. Dec. 15.
Making Spirits Bright: Canadian Brass. Making Spirits Bright includes original arrangements and signature takes on beloved holiday classics. Dec. 16.
Squirrel Nut Zippers will perform songs from their Christmas Caravan as well as other tried and true holiday favorites; the Squirrel Nut Zippers awaken the spirit of the season. Dec. 23.
For more information about these and other shows visit www.foxtucson.com/events/
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting
Live music, crafts, activities for kids, cookie decorating holiday caroling and photos with Santa and the Golden Ranch Fire Truck. Ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree with the Mayor and Santa. Dec. 2–3. www.orovalleyaz.gov
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
For over 80 years, the Tucson Boys Chorus has been entertaining families in Arizona and around the world. Celebrate at the annual Holiday Concert with traditional songs. Dec. 16 at UA Crowder Hall. www.boyschorus.org
Zoo Lights at the Reid Park Zoo
it’s the most wonderful time of the year at ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power will be back at Reid Park Zoo this year from Nov. 22–Jan. 14.
Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the twinkling lights of Tucson’s favorite holiday tradition. Thousands of glittering lights illuminate the beautiful Zoo grounds with sounds of the season flowing throughout the Zoo. www.reidparkzoo.org
18th Annual Holiday Express
Celebrate the holidays at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum. Visit Santa and get your picture taken with Santa in front of Locomotive 1673, the train from the movie Oklahoma. Listen to a reading of The Polar Express, sing holiday songs and see the new model train exhibits. Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located in downtown Tucson, 414 N. Toole Ave. (Next to the Amtrack Station) 520-623-2223.
Matilda–The Musical
The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Matilda the Musical is a joyous romp packed with high-end dance numbers and catchy songs.
Matilda the Musical will run December 22 to January 7 at the Berger Performing Arts Center, located at 1200 W Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745. Tickets are available at www.saguarocity.org.
Wee Winter Wonderland
at the Mini Time Machine of miniatures features more than a dozen miniatures representing holiday celebrations from all over the world. See the Christmas village display and peer through a snow globe–like window in the floor of the Enchanted Realm.
Nov. 21–Jan 7. www.theminitimemachine.org
Scrooge: The Musical
Presented by the Arizona Theatre Company. Based on Charles Dickens’ character Ebenezer Scrooge, this is the inaugural showing of the musical that will become an annual holiday tradition at ATC. Nov. 7–Dec. 2. www.atc.org
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
See the 74th annual festival of lights. You can walk-through, ride the trolley or hayride to see the lights. There are no drive-through nights for 2023. Dec. 9–25 from 6–10 p.m. Bring donations for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. www.winterhavenfestival.org
Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival
Saturday, December 16 at Armory Park, 220 S. 6th Ave. This is a free event for the family. The festival goes from 4–6:30 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. www.downtownparadeoflights.com
Fox Tucson Theatre
presents the Picture Palace Series. Watch classic holiday movies on the big screen. Nov. 25–Planes, Trains And Automobiles, Dec. 2–The Muppets Christmas Carol and Dec. 22–White Christmas Sing-Along. A holiday bundle is available with discounts and free popcorn. www.foxtucson.com/events/
Winter Wonderland at the Quincie Douglas Center
Saturday, Dec. 16 from 4–6:30 p.m. 1575 E. 36th Street
Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a "Winter Wonderland" event to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy FREE family fun that includes hot chocolate, carnival games, arts and crafts and a visit from Santa! Live entertainment will be provided by Barbea Dance Studio, Quincie Douglas Center Tap Dance class and headliner band, In the Zone.
Sunrise Chapel Luminaria Desert Walk
Enjoy a quiet, meditative walk with Christmas story narration. Free event with cookies and fire pit at the end. Donations accepted. 8421 E. Wrightstown Rd. www.sunrisechapel.org
