10 must-do Tucson Christmas traditions
10 Tucson Christmas traditions you should check out this holiday season.
Winterhaven
Winterhaven Festival of Lights is the big Christmas light display in Tucson. The midtown neighborhood has been lit up for 66 years. It's free to visit, although donations for the food bank are collected.
When: Dec. 12–26, 2015; 6-10 p.m. every night. Saturday, Dec. 26 is the drive-though night.
More:
• If you plan to walk, look for parking on Tucson Boulevard and Prince Road and wear comfortable shoes.
• If you're driving, try entering the neighborhood at Prince Road and Treat Avenue or Tucson Boulevard and Kleindale Street or Country Club and Kleindale Street. The main entrance at Country Club and Fort Lowell roads tends to get congested.
Eat some tamales
Make them, buy them locally or visit the 11th Annual Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The AVA at Casino del Sol Resort and Casino, 5655 W. Valencia Road. Admission is free.
Las Posadas
When: Friday, Dec. 11, 2015, 6-9 p.m.
Carrillo Elementary students dressed as angels carry the nacimiento through the neighborhood streets, part of the procession dramatizing the search for shelter by Joseph and Mary.
Since 1937 students at Carrillo K- 5 Magnet School, have been enacting Las Posadas with a procession through the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood.
Tucson Downtown Parade of Lights
This year's downtown parade of lights begins with a Downtown Holiday Festival at 4 p.m. Stay to watch the mayor light the tree at 5:30 p.m. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Arizona Inn Christmas decorations
Relaxing in the library of the Arizona Inn at the foot of the 14-foot Christmas tree with a champagne cocktail or a steamy cup of holiday cheer — as a cozy mesquite fire crackles nearby — is bliss. Visit this piece of Tucson history to take in the festive décor, take a portrait by the fire or unwrap gifts in the library.
Christmas at San Xavier
When: Dec. 8, 9, 10 at 8 p.m. (Tickets go fast)
Experience Christmas in Southern Arizona's 18th century landmark, a treasure of Spanish mission architecture and Baroque art. The Sons of Orpheus and Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus will perform.
Rooftop Santa show
Santa Claus throws candy out to the audience from the rooftop during the annual Poet's Square Christmas Pageant. The show was moved in 2014 to the Peter Howell Neighborhood in midtown. It will be performed on Dec. 23 at 4054 E. 4th Street at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Free, but bring a canned food donation.
Enchanted snowfall at La Encantada
White Christmases are a rarity in Tucson but you can experience the fake stuff at La Encantada mall at Skyline and Campbell during the holiday season.
Reid Park's Zoo Lights
Reid Park's Zoo Lights 2015 starts Friday, Dec 4 and continues until Dec. 23. Light displays including animal-themed light sculptures throughout the park, live entertainment and a visit from Santa. See the light displays and entertainment from 6-9 p.m. each night.
Winter-break Arizona Wildcats basketball
UA basketball games during the winter break break have a festive feel and it's easier to get tickets. See the Wildcats play UNLV on Dec. 19 or Long Beach State on Dec. 22.