For many people the holiday season is about gathering with family and friends to continue beloved traditions, start new ones and make memories. The excitement of dressing up to attend a live performance or bundling up to stroll through venues with dazzling lights, winter snow, and holiday music are what many families look forward to each year. There are many events to choose from across the Old Pueblo! Here are some popular places to go and things to do.
Scrooge! presented by Arizona Theatre Company
Nov. 3–30 • www.atc.org
This holiday musical extravaganza returns to the desert for its second year! Based on Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story, the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is brought to life on stage by Tony award winning actor Shuler Hensley. He is joined by a host of talented actors and live musicians. Performances are at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Nov. 26–Jan. 4 • oldtucson.com/yuletide/
Old Tucson is transformed into a western winter wonderland. Sip hot cocoa, ride a horse drawn carriage, sing along with the carolers, and enjoy the holiday stunt shows. Check out the “West Pole” at 201 S. Kinney Rd.
ZooLights at the Reid Park Zoo
Dec. 5–Jan. 5 • www.reidparkzoo.org
It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Reid Park Zoo! ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, features thousands of glittering lights illuminating the grounds and sounds of the season flowing throughout the Zoo. Sip hot chocolate as you stroll through the twinkling lights and visit with St. Nick through Dec. 23.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Dec. 6-8, 13-15 & 20-22 • tohonochul.org/holiday-nights/
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. See website for ticket information.
Dog Man: The Musical at the Fox Tucson Theatre
Dec. 7–8 • www.foxtucson.com/events/
Enjoy the season with man’s best friend in this funny family show at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre. Check out the hilarious musical adventure based on Dav Pilkey’s best-selling books. It is sure to be a (dog) treat for the entire family!
Tucson Symphony: Frozen In Concert
Dec. 7–8 • tucsonsymphony.org
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra plays the iconic “Frozen” score live while Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and the other denizens of Arendelle are projected on the big screen. “Let It Go” with your family and friends and enjoy this magical holiday event! Saturday performance is at 6 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting
Dec. 7–8 • www.orovalleyaz.gov
Enjoy holiday-themed performances, family art activities, food trucks, live music, holiday caroling and photos with Santa and the Golden Ranch Fire Truck. Ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree happens Saturday, Dec. 7. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Joy to the Herd at Shamrock Farms
Dec. 7 & 8 • www.shamrockfarms.net
Shamrock Farms wishes you and your family a dairy merry Christmas! Celebrate this holiday season with the moo-vers and shakers—the 10,000 cows that produce the milk for your shakes— from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Welcome Center Barn is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday crafts, face painting and more. Meet the herd on a guided tram tour and visit with Santa and Roxie the spokescow. Reservations and prepayment are required.
The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays
presented by Broadway In Tucson
Dec. 13 & 14 • broadwayintucson.com
Celebrate the holidays with some magic! The jaw-dropping illusions will delight and amaze audiences of all ages. Performances at Centennial Hall are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m.
Mariachi Sol De Mexico de José Hernandez at the Fox Tucson Theatre
Dec. 13 • www.foxtucson.com/events/
Enjoy mariachi favorites and Christmas music led by the master of mariachi, José Hernandez. The world-renowned group brings its holiday tour to the Fox Tucson Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
75th Annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Dec. 14–28 • winterhavenfestival.org
Since 1949, Winterhaven has invited the community to enjoy the light displays and celebrate the holiday season. Walk through, ride the bus trolley or group bike, or take a hayride each night from 6–10 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus Annual Holiday Concert
at UA Crowder Hall • Dec. 14 • www.boyschorus.org
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 at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival
Dec. 14 • www.downtownparadeoflights.com
Due to construction, there is a new parade route this year! Please see the website for the parade map. Food trucks will be Armory Park and along the parade route. This is a free event for the family. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at 4th Avenue and 17th Street and ends at Armory Park at 220 S. 6th Ave.
Ballet Tucson: The Nutcracker
Dec. 20–22 • ballettucson.org
The traditional holiday classic ballet comes alive on stage in partnership with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Don’t miss the spectacular dancing, beautiful costumes, lavish sets, and iconic live music! There will be five performances at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
The Wizard of Oz • Saguaro City Music Theatre
Dec. 20–Jan. 5 • saguarocity.org
Follow the yellow brick road to the Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway Blvd. Saguaro City Music Theatre invites you to travel over the rainbow this holiday season!
19th Annual Holiday Express at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
Dec. 21 • www.tucsonhistoricdepot.com
Celebrate the holidays at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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, write a letter to Santa and enjoy the exhibits and model train displays.
The SpongeBob Musical • CYT Tucson
Feb. 6–8 • www.cyttucson.org
He lives in a pineapple under the sea—and he’s coming to the Berger Performing Arts Center this February. Don’t be a square! Be a SquarePants and see all your favorite Bikini Bottom characters singing and dancing on stage at “The SpongeBob Musical!”
Golf N’ Stuff
Challenge yourself on the two 18-hole miniature golf courses, or check out Lazer Tag, bumper boats, batting cages, go karts, arcade games and more! Rides will open at 10 a.m. during winter break, Dec. 20 through Jan. 5.
Children’s Museum Tucson
childrensmuseumtucson.org
Wee ones can celebrate the wonder of the season with exhibits that engage and activities that amaze! Visit the Children’s Museum Tucson, downtown, or the Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul. Free Discovery Nights every Thursday (downtown location) from 5 to 7 p.m.
Pinspiration
www.pinspiration.com/locations/tucson/
Get inspired this holiday season! Choose a current craft project and try your hand at the latest DIY trend. Pick a project or plan a party. No hassle, no mess—just make your art then take it home!
