Desert Nights Downtown Lights
If you've taken a stroll through downtown Tucson recently, you may have noticed the trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and downtown buildings sporting LED lights. Head to Jácome Plaza and you'll find a Christmas tree glittering against the Main Library. Downtown Tucson Partnership is also running a contest to see who can snap the prettiest photo of the tree.
Sightseers line up to get photos with the Christmas tree lighting up Jacome Plaza.
When: The tree will remain lit through Jan. 6; the photo contest closes the same day.
Where: Downtown Tucson. Christmas tree is at Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Ave.
Cost: Free to attend.
ZooLights Holiday Magic Â
Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights is here. Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music, a giant gingerbread house and visits from Santa Claus.
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When: 6-8:30 p.m. select nights in December and January.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court.
Cost: $14.50 for general admission, $9.50 for kids ages 2-14.
A patron walks through the Winter Wonderland in the South American Loop at Zoo Lights: Holiday Magic at Reid Park Zoo.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through 3,000 luminarias at Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be "artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences" through the gardens, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights, plus art pieces and installations.
When: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays through Jan. 11; closed on Christmas.
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way.
Cost: $21-$50 for adults and $17-$45 for kids, depending on the day. Children younger than 4 get in free.
Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of the 40+ food trucks and vendors onsite, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like a snow foam dance party, train rides and inflatables. The tree lighting show happens when the sun goes down.
When: 2-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money to the festival for food and shopping.
A woman stops to capture the moment in a sea of purple lights during the Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul, 7366 North Paseo del Norte.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul
Each weekend in December leading up to Christmas, you can celebrate at Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights. Wander illuminated pathways through the grounds, enjoy live performances, and browse a curated selection of gifts at the Merry Market.
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-14; and Friday-Saturday Dec. 19-21.
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte.
Cost: $20-25 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4-12.
Giant nutcrackers and the giant Christmas tree greet the sightseers entering the neighborhood along Christmas Avenue near Farr Street at Winterhaven Festival of Lights.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for more than 70 years, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 13. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
When: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 13-27.
Where: Winterhaven neighborhood; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of Tucson Boulevard.
Cost: Free to attend.
