Tucsonans know how to spend the holidays: Dance, theater, music, and lights, lots of lights. But we know how difficult it can be to figure out where to go when. We've made it easy for you with a day-by-day calendar of holiday-themed events.
We didn't include Santa sightings - which happen at almost every mall. Or church events - Christmas figures prominently in most of them. What we have is every arts-related holiday happening we could find in the Old Pueblo during the month. Plus a few extras that shouldn't be missed.
Remember: Things change. So be sure to check Caliente every Thursday, and the Star's online calendar at dailystarcalendar.com - and be sure to have a safe and wonderful December.
December 1
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
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• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: 3620 N. First Ave.
• Cost: $18.
• Information: 260-6442.
• Holiday cheer and then some: What would the holiday season be without "A Christmas Carol"? James Gooden performs his adaptation of Charles Dickens' tale.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Where: 7010 E. Broadway.
• Cost: $17.95.
• Information: 886-9428.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Gaslight will help us sing and laugh our way through the holidays.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 7:30 p.m. (preview)
• Where: Atria Bell Gardens' Academy Hall Theatre, 6653 E Carondelet Drive.
• Cost: $10 preview; regular shows $12-$18.
• Information: 1-800-838-3006, Ext. 1 or 616-8584.
• Holiday cheer and then some: A manger on the grounds of the town hall causes quite an uproar. Get there 30 minutes early for the pre-show.
John Waters Christmas Show
• Who: Rialto Theatre.
• When: 8 p.m.
• Where: Rialto, 318 E. Congress St.
• Cost: $101 VIP, $36 reserved seats.
• Information: 740-1000 or www.rialtotheatre.com
• Holiday cheer and then some: The cult film director puts the X in Xmas with his rapid-fire, profane and critically acclaimed one-man show. Proceeds benefit the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
December 2
Luminaria Nights
• Who: Tucson Botanical Gardens.
• When: 5:30-8 p.m.
• Where: 2150 N. Alvernon Way.
• Cost: $9 adults, $5 children.
• Information: 326-9686.
• Holiday cheer and then some: We admit to a big weakness for this annual event, with decorated trees, thousands of luminarias and twinkling lights.
Luminaria Nights: Fiesta de la Navidad
• Who: The Village of Tubac.
• When: Sunset to 9 p.m.
• Where: 29 Tubac Plaza, Tubac.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: 1-520-398-2704.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The town will be ablaze and the streets will ring with music. TaliasVan's Bright and Morning Star Choir & Orchestra perform.
Fiesta Feliz Navidena
• Who: CHISPA (Celebrating Hispanic Performing Arts) Foundation.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Fox Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
• Cost: $15 advance; $17 day of show.
• Information: 547-3040.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Julie Gallego created and directed this show about holiday traditions in Mexico and the United States. There will be mariachis and more than 100 dancers from Ballet Folklorico.
The Nutcracker Ballet
• Who: Ballet Continental.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: 350 W. Sahuarita Road.
• Cost: $17; $15 advance.
• Information: 326-7887.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The Mouse King with seven heads is back for another season.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• When: 6-8 p.m.
• Where: 1100 S. Randolph Way.
• Cost: $5 for adults; $3 for children 2-14.
• Information: 881-4753.
• Holiday cheer and then some: It really is all happening at the zoo, where you can wander through the light-filled grounds and get right in the spirit.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
Holiday Nights 2011
• Who: Tohono Chul Park.
• When: 5:30 p.m.
• Where: 7366 N. Paseo del Norte.
• Cost: $15
• Information: 742-6455.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The desert will be all aglow while music from the likes of Way Out West, Gabriel Ayala, and Southern Arizona Women's Chorus fills the air.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Reckless"
• Who: Live Theatre Workshop.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: 5317 E. Speedway.
• Cost: $15-$18
• Information: 327-4242.
• Holiday cheer and then some: This dark comedy by Craig Lucas isn't your typical holiday fare, but we loved it anyway.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 7:30 p.m. (opening)
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 3
"A Winter Night's Dream"
• Who: Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance.
• When: 4 p.m.
• Where: St. Philip's Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: 797-3959.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Rescue Light and Crystal Stark will perform. Also, wine and cocktail tastings and a fashion show.
"A Vintage Christmas"
• Who: Reveille Men's Chorus.
• When: 8 p.m.
• Where: Grace St. Paul's Church, 2331 E. Adams St.
• Cost: $20; $15 in advance.
• Information: 304-1758.
• Holiday cheer and then some: You can bet that there will be a lot of sass mixed in with Christmas classics. Leave the eggnog at home.
Luminaria Nights
• Who: Tucson Botanical Gardens.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Luminaria Nights: Fiesta de la Navidad
• Who: The village of Tubac.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Continental Ballet.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: Noon, 3, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Reckless"
• Who: Live Theatre Workshop.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing. Dessert is offered 30 minutes before Saturday and Sunday shows for an additional charge.
Holiday Nights 2011
• Who: Tohono Chul Park.
• Details: Dec. 2 listing.
December 4
The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller
• Who: UApresents.
• When: 4 and 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University on the University of Arizona campus.
• Cost: $39-$104 with discounts.
• Information: 621-3341.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Mannheim's Chip Davis twists a classic Christmas tune into an epic rock opera aria. This is Christmas music on steroids.
Sugar Plum Tea
• Who: Ballet Tucson.
• When: Seatings at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Where: Marriott Tucson University Park, 880 E. 2nd St.
• Cost: $75.
• Information: 903-1445.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Annual event features strolling carolers, music, an auction and plenty of good cheer.
Winter Concert
• Who: Foothills Philharmonic.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Where: Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.
• Cost: $5; $3 12 and under.
• Information: 209-8313.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Intergenerational ensemble, under the baton of László Veres, performs holiday classics with light symphonic favorites.
Holiday Card to Tucson
• Who: Arizona Choir, University Community Chorus and Symphonic Choir from the University of Arizona, Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and Tucson Girls Chorus.
• When: 3 and 7:30 p.m.
• Where: St. Augustine Cathedral, 192 S. Stone Ave.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: 621-2998.
• Holiday cheer and then some: If you've never seen Tucson's plethora of talented choral ensembles in action, this is a chance to catch them on one stage performing holiday classics.
Holiday Concert
• Who: Pima Community College Chorale & College Singers
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: Proscenium Theatre, PCC Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road.
• Cost: $6.
• Information: 206-6986.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Director Jonathan Ng conducts and crafted the arrangements of some classic holiday gems.
"A Season of Joy"
• Who: Sonoran Bells.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Fort Lowell Road.
• Cost: Freewill offering.
• Information: 577-7816.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Community handbell ensemble creates heavenly harmonies with classic holiday tunes.
"A Christmas Carol with A Tucson Twist"
• Who: 94.9 Mix FM radio station.
• When: 4 p.m.
• Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
• Cost: $5 kids, $10 adults with proceeds benefiting the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona.
• Information: www.mixfm.com
• Holiday cheer and then some: A cast of homegrown entertainers headline this annual fundraiser that provides diapers to the less fortunate throughout Southern Arizona.
Luminaria Nights
• Who: Tucson Botanical Gardens.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"A Vintage Christmas"
• Who: Reveille Men's Chorus.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 3 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: Comedy Playhouse
• When: 3 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Continental Ballet.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing. Saturdays and Sundays, dessert is offered 30 minutes before the show for an additional charge.
December 5
Handel's "The Messiah"
• Who: 35th annual Tucson Sing-In.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Grace to the Nations Church, 6180 E. Pima St.
• Cost: Free; donations appreciated. "Messiah" scores for sale or rent, $12 ($5 refunded if you rent).
• Information: 850-1437.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Jeffry Jahn conducts the audience and several soloists - soprano Lara Wax, alto Kirsten Cook, tenor Brandon Dale and bass Greg Guenther - in Handel's choral masterpiece.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre.
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 6
"Christmas Shopping" and "T'was the Night Before Christmas."
• Who: Old Time Radio Theatre at Beowulf Alley Theatre.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: 11 S. Sixth Ave.
• Cost: $10.
• Information: 882-0555.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Re-creations of classic radio shows bring us back to the holidays of yore.
"A Season of Joy"
• Who: Sonoran Bells.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 1431 W, Magee Road.
• Details: See Dec. 4 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing
December 7
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre.
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 8
Flute and Guitar Christmas Concert
• Who: Silverwood Duo.
• When: 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Oasis at the Junior League, 2099 E. River Road.
• Cost: $10 for members, $22 for non-members which includes $12 membership fee.
• Information: 322-5607.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The pair will perform classical music and Christmas favorites.
Trumpet Spectacular
• Who: St. Philip's in The Hills
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: St. Philip's, 4440 N. Campbell Ave.
• Cost: $15 suggested donation.
• Information: 299-6421.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Trumpeter Ed Reid joins pianist Jeff Haskell for a concert of holiday favorites.
"A Cactus Christmas"
• Who: Beowulf Alley Theatre.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: 11 S. Sixth Ave.
• Cost: $15-$23.
• Information: 882-0555.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Family-friendly holiday story by John Vornholt, directed by Pat Timm. It takes place in the ghost town of Wishbone, Ariz.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre.
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 9
Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
• Who: Tucson Boys Choir.
• When: 6 p.m.
• Where: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, 1 Otero Road, Tubac.
• Cost: $75, which includes plated dinner and tree lighting.
• Information: 1-520-398-3521.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The ensemble will perform holiday classics alongside Hollywood and Broadway show tunes.
"Hope, Light and Peace"
• Who: Arizona Repertory Singers.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Benedictine Monastery, 800 N. Country Club Road.
• Cost: $15
• Information: www.arsingers.org or 792-8141.
• Holiday cheer and then some: That the Arizona Repertory Singers are performing is reason enough to go. But when they do their annual holiday show at the Benedictine Convent, we just can't resist.
"A Holiday Twist"
• Who: Southern Arizona's Women's Chorus.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Magee Road.
• Cost: $18 in advance; $20 at the door.
• Information: 404-3148.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Here's the twist - The 85-voice chorus under the baton of Terrie Ashbaugh presents an eclectic sampling of traditional Christmas music, Hebrew folk songs and Middle Eastern melodies.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre.
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 10
Handel's "Messiah"
• Who: Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
• When: 8 p.m.
• Where: Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive.
• Cost: $40-$50.
• Information: 882-8585.
• Holiday cheer and then some: It takes a good hallelujah choir to truly get into the holiday spirit, and no one does it bolder than the TSO.
"The Magic of Christmas"
• Who: Arizona Rose Theatre Company.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave.
• Cost: $12; $10 in advance.
• Information: 888-0509.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The Rose puts us in the spirit with this holiday show. Book and lyrics by Terry Howell and music by Terry and Brandon Howell.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: The Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• When: 6-10 p.m.
• Where: Winterhaven Neighborhood, bordered by East Fort Lowell Road on the south; East Prince Road on the north; North Country Club on the East, and North Tucson Boulevard on the West.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: www.winterhavenfestival.org
• Holiday cheer and then some: Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a stroll through the neighborhood, which goes all out to put us in the spirit. All nights are walk-through unless otherwise noted.
The Spirit of Christmas
• Who: Tucson Dance Academy and the Tucson Dance Foundation.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University on the UA campus.
• Cost: $24-$28.
• Information: www.uapresents.org or 621-3341.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Broadway-style show is part Radio City Rockettes, part musical theater.
"A Southwest Nutcracker"
• Who: Tucson Regional Ballet.
• When: 2 and 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Tucson Music Hall at the Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
• Cost: $23-$35.
• Information: 885-0862.
• Holiday cheer and then some: There's new scenery, dancers formerly with the Joffrey Ballet, and lots of local flavor in this much-loved "Nutcracker." The Tucson Symphony Orchestra provides the music.
"Eat, Drink and Make Merry"
• Who: Desert Voices.
• When: 6 p.m.
• Where: 6245 E. Bellevue St.
• Cost: $45 in advance; $50 at the door.
• Information: 791-9662.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The annual event includes a silent auction and singing by the strong-voiced chorus. From our experience we can tell you this: Desert Voices knows how to have a good time.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: The Gaslight Theatre.
• When: Noon, 3, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing. On Saturday and Sunday, dessert is offered 30 minutes before the show for an additional charge.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 11
Holiday Concert
• Who: Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 S. Clubhouse Drive, SaddleBrooke.
• Cost: $40; $30 in advance.
• Information: 825-2818.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Now what would the holidays be without a joint concert from the Boys Choir, led by Julian Ackerley and Sons of Orpheus, conducted by Grayson Hirst.
"Hope, Light and Peace"
• Who: Arizona Repertory Singers.
• When: 3 p.m. .
• Details: See Dec. 9 listing.
"A Southwest Nutcracker"
• Who: Tucson Regional Ballet.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"The Spirit of Christmas"
• Who: Tucson Dance Academy and the Tucson Dance Foundation.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Handel's Messiah
• Who: Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"A Holiday Twist"
• Who: Southern Arizona's Women's Chorus.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: University of Arizona Crowder Hall in the Music Building in Fine Arts Complex, near North Park Avenue and East Speedway.
• Details: See Dec. 9 listing.
"The Magic of Christmas"
• Who: Arizona Rose Theatre.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre.
• When: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Away With the Manger"
• Who: Waypoint Theatre Company.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing. Saturdays and Sundays, dessert is offered 30 minutes before the show for an additional charge.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 3 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 12
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 13
A Season of Joy
• Who: Sonoran Bells.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 3738 Old Sabino Canyon Road.
• Details: See Dec. 4 listing.
"Christmas at San Xavier"
• Who: Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
• When: 6 and 8 p.m.
• Where: San Xavier del Bac Mission, 1950 W. San Xavier Road.
• Cost: $90, $70 of which is tax-deductible. (Early performance sold out.)
• Information: 407-6130.
• Holiday cheer and then some: A breathtaking performance by the combined choristers competes for attention from the historic and somber setting inside the colonial mission.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listings. This is a drive-through night; prepare for heavy traffic.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 14
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre.
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas at San Xavier"
• Who: Sons of Orpheus and Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
• When: 6 and 8 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 13 listing.
December 15
"A Tucson Pastorela"
• Who: Borderlands Theater.
• When: 7:30 p.m. (preview performance)
• Where: Leo Rich Theatre in the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
• Cost: $6-$10.
• Information: 882-7406.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Every year, Borderlands makes us laugh and puts us in the spirit with its "Tucson Pastorela." It's written in rhyme, weaves in local and national news from the past year, and has angels and devils you'll just love.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas at San Xavier"
• Who: Sons of Orpheus and Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus.
• When: 6 and 8 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 13 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing. A drive-through night. It gets jam-packed with cars.
December 16
"A Tucson Pastorela"
• Who: Borderlands Theater.
• When: 7:30 p.m. (opening)
• Cost: $22; children 12 and under, $6.
• Details: See Dec. 15 listing.
"Hope, Light and Peace"
• Who: Arizona Repertory Singers.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 Clubhouse Drive, SaddleBrooke.
• Cost: $18 in advance; $20 at the door.
• Information: 825-2818.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The chorus is skipping around town with its concerts. There's no excuse to miss one.
Christmas with Aaron Neville
• Who: Fox Tucson Theatre.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
• Cost: $25-$55 at www.foxtucsontheatre.com
• Information: 547-3040.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The man with the silky smooth pipes will mix in some of his soulful hits along with holiday favorites.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"The Magic of Christmas"
• Who: Arizona Rose Theatre.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 17
Holiday Spectacular
• Who: TSO Pops.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
• Cost: $22-$65.
• Information: 882-8585.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Music, dance, mariachis, sing-alongs and the TSO Carolers. Conducted by Michael Hall.
"A Tucson Pastorela"
• Who: Borderlands Theater.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: $19.75; children 12 and under, $6.
• Details: See Dec. 15 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Christmas Concert with Dolan Ellis
• Who: Dolan Ellis
• When: 2 p.m.
• Where: Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, 1 Burruel St, Tubac.
• Cost: $20.
• Information: 1-520-398-2252.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Limited seating, call for reservations.
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Arizona Dance Theatre.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Where: Pima Community College Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road.
• Cost: $25; discounts available.
• Information: 206-6986.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Featuring guest artists from the University of Arizona school of dance.
"Follow the Star"
• Who: Arts Express.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Sahuaro High School, 545 N. Camino Seco.
• Cost: $15.
• Information: 319-0400.
• Holiday cheer and then some: This family-friendly Tucson tradition is a staging of the Christmas story interpreted through music, drama and dance.
Sounds of Winter
• Who: Tucson Girls Chorus.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Drive
• Cost: $15.
• Information: 577-6064.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Under the musical leadership of Artistic Director Marcela Molina, the chorus showcases all five choirs in ensemble and individual performances.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"The Magic of Christmas"
• Who: Arizona Rose Theatre.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"A Cactus Christmas"
• Who: Beowulf Alley Theatre.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 8 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: Noon, 3, 6 and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 18
"Baile de los Cascanueses" (The Nutcracker Ballet)
• Who: Dancing in the Streets Arizona.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
• Cost: $13-$50
• Information: 547-3040.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The Civic Orchestra of Tucson joins the fun this year. We admit to a weakness for this dance group, which teaches ballet to at-risk youth. And the annual "Nutcracker" is a big, leaping bundle of joy.
Community Messiah Sing-A-Long
• Who: LDS Tucson North Stake Center.
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: 939 W. Chapala Drive.
• Cost: Free.
• Information: 742-3696.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Any chance we get to sing out "Hallelujah" with a chorus of people, we take it.
"A Tucson Pastorela"
• Who: Borderlands Theater.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Cost: $19.75; children 12 and under, $6.
• Details: See Dec. 15 listing.
"Hope, Light and Peace"
• Who: Arizona Repertory Singers.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Where: Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 710 S. Kolb Road.
• Details: See Dec. 9 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
"The Magic of Christmas"
• Who: Arizona Rose Theatre.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Holiday Spectacular
• Who: TSO Pops.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 17 listing.
"Nutcracker"
• Who: Arizona Dance Theatre.
• When: 2 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 17 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: Noon, 3 and 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 3 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 19
"My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, and I'm Home for the Holidays"
• Who: Invisible Theatre.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: The Berger Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Speedway.
• Cost: $42.
• Information: 882-9721.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Steve Solomon's one-man show is a sequel of sorts to his long-running (in New York) "My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish & I'm in Therapy."
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 20
"My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish, and I'm Home for the Holidays"
• Who: Invisible Theatre.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 19 listing.
"It's a Wonderful Life"
• Who: Old Time Radio Theatre at Beowulf Alley Theatre
• When: 7 p.m.
• Where: 11 S. Sixth Ave.
• Cost: $10; discounts available.
• Information: 882-0555.
• Holiday cheer and then some: A re-enactment of the heart-warming holiday story as told on classic radio.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing. This will be your last chance to drive through; the remaining nights are all walk-through.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 21
"A Cactus Christmas"
• Who: Beowulf Alley Theatre.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 8 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 22
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Ballet Tucson
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave.
• Cost: $25-$54
• Information: 1-800-745-3000.
• Holiday cheer and then some: Ballet Tucson leaps, flies and gets on its toes for its annual production of the much-loved ballet.
"Great Russian Nutcracker"
• Who: Moscow Ballet.
• When: 4 and 8 p.m.
• Where: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
• Cost: $27.50-$350.
• Information: 547-3040.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The Russians practically invented ballet, so it's always a treat to see them perform a favorite.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
December 23
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Ballet Tucson.
• When: 3 and 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 22 listing.
Zoo Lights
• Who: Reid Park Zoo.
• Details: See Dec. 2 listing. This is the last night to catch the event.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
December 24
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3 and 7 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"The Nutcracker"
• Who: Ballet Tucson.
• When: 3 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 22 listing.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing.
December 25
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
• Who: Winterhaven Neighborhood.
• Details: See Dec. 10 listing. The lights go out after tonight.
December 26
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 27
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 28
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 29
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 30
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
"A Christmas Carol"
• Who: The Comedy Playhouse.
• When: 7:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
December 31
TSO's Movable Musical Feast
• Who: Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
• When: 5:30 p.m.
• Where: The Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St.
• Cost: $199.
• Information: 882-8585.
• Holiday cheer and then some: The TSO Percussion Ensemble, TSO soloists and the SwingN' the New Jazz Ensemble, open bar and a multi-course gourmet meal.
"Christmas in the Big Apple"
• Who: Gaslight Theatre
• When: 3, 6 and 9:30 p.m.
• Details: See Dec. 1 listing.
Compiled by Angela Pittenger, Jayne O'Sullivan, Cathalena E. Burch and Kathleen Allen.
