Just like most of us, many events take a brief pause this week as we enjoy our holiday break.
Rest assured, there's still lots to do. Made in Tucson brings 300 artists to the Fourth Avenue area, the Black Owned Business Festival welcomes artists, food trucks and music, the City of Tucson's art fair features two days of shopping. Christmas festivities also debut this week, from a buffet that includes Buddy the Elf's iconic spaghetti to the 1 million twinkling lights at the Tucson Botanical Gardens.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before you head out!
Old Tucson puts on its holiday finery for “Yuletide,” its annual holiday event that opens Nov. 26. It runs through Jan. 4, 2025.
Yuletide at Old Tucson
Old Tucson is hosting a holiday experience that will highlight "the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
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When: Select dates through Jan. 4
Where: Old Tucson, 201 Kinney Road
Cost: $39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit the event page for more information.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Kick off the holiday season with a stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There will be luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, Nov. 29 through Jan. 12; closed Christmas
Where: Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way
Cost: $23 and up, depending on the day
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink is back in town! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.
When: Now through Jan. 5; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Where: Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.
Cost: A 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.
Visit the event page for more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting five Festive Fridays this season, complete with snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides, a kid-friendly dance party and a holiday-themed stunt show.
When: 4-8 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 27
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for rides
Visit the event page for more information.
Christmas Tree Lighting at Omni Tucson
Omni is lighting their Christmas tree in a festive atmosphere featuring hot cocoa, egg nog, Christmas carolers and photos with Santa. You can decorate a cookie or create your own ornament while you're there.
When: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Omni Tucson, 2727 W. Club Dr.
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Final Friday Movie Club
Celestia Collective is screening "What We Do in the Shadows." After watching the movie, attendees will have the chance to discuss the film's plot and characters.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Celestia Collective, 657 W. St Marys Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Friendsgiving at Unscrewed Theater
Unscrewed Theater is opening its doors for a Friendsgiving improv show fit for the family. Tucson Improv Movement and other surprise guests will be part of the show.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Unscrewed Theater, 4500 E. Speedway
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
"Season of Light" Black Friday Showing
Catch Flandrau's first "Season of Light" showing of the season. The show is played at Flandrau annually and includes holiday music and the origins of Christmas customs and songs.
When: 2-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E. University Blvd.
Cost: $5-$26
Visit the event page for more information.
Metal Fest
191 Toole is hosting Metal Fest as part of its Local Love Presents series. The concert features a local lineup of musicians.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Ave.
Cost: $5-$8, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, which advocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for Tucson's south-side and west-side communities.
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road
Cost: Free to attend
Visit the event page for more information.
Tucson Ghost Tour
Take a tour through downtown Tucson after dark, all while hearing haunted stories of spots around town.
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Downtown Tucson, detailed directions will be emailed upon ticket purchase
Cost: $25
Visit the event page for more information.
Pop Nights
DJ Bex is spinning all the pop hits of your dreams, from Britney Spears and Madonna to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays
Where: Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
Cost: Free to attend, this event is for ages 21 and up
Visit the event page for more information.
Guitars Under the Stars at Tohono Chul
Tohono Chul will be staying open late with live music, drinks and bites from the Garden Bistro.
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Nov. 29-30
Where: Tohono Chul, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for food and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
El Jefe Cat Cafe invites visitors to lounge with 35 cats and kittens in its 3-story space at 3025 N. Campbell Ave. All the felines are from Finally My Forever Home Rescue and are ready for adoption. For more information visit: https://www.eljefecatlounge.com/ Video by: Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Cat Events at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Spend time with the cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe, all while playing bingo, enjoying a yoga session or immersing yourself in a sound bath.
When: 7-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 for sound bath; 10-11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 for yoga; 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 for bingo
Where: El Jefe Cat Cafe, 3025 N. Campbell Ave.
Cost: $25 for sound bath; $18 for yoga; $14 for bingo, reservations required
Visit the event page for more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.
When: Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1; 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Dante's Fire, 2526 E. Grant Road
Cost: $49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit the event page for more information.
Black Owned Business Festival
Blax Friday, a local organization with a directory of Black-owned businesses throughout Arizona, is hosting its third Black Owned Business (BOB) Festival. Expect 40 vendors, in addition to food trucks. Live music will be on the Hotel Congress plaza stage.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: MLK Lot, 55 N. Fifth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Arts & Crafts Fair in Reid Park
This Arts & Crafts Fair held by Tucson Parks and Recreation boasts more than 140 vendors from the Southwest typically including painters, jewelers, photographers and more.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
Where: Reid Park, 920 S. Concert Place
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The Bandit’s Western Market: 3rd Annual Cowboy Christmas
Shop small during this market organized by Beautiful Bandit Boutique. Beyond the 20 western-themed vendors, expect a brunch special with bottomless mimosas, a hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa and a raffle for Chicks 'N Chaps.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: Whiskey Roads, 2290 W. Ina Road
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and brunch
Visit the event page for more information.
Winter Bazaar
Head to HighWire Tucson for a market featuring vendors, drink specials, crafts and s'mores kits. Both Santa and the Grinch will be in attendance!
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: HighWire Tucson, 30 S. Arizona Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and drinks
Visit the event page for more information.
Pizza & Pinots
New beer and wine bar The Broadway is hosting a mixer featuring a Pinot Noir tasting and pizza from next-door neighbor Rocco's Little Chicago.
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: The Broadway, 2559 E. Broadway
Cost: $20
Visit the event page for more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
Where: Foothills Mall, 7325 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
The upcoming Made in Tucson market will feature 300 vendors.
Made in Tucson Market
The Made in Tucson Market is set to feature 300 local artists, in addition to food trucks and live music. Shop apparel, paper goods, cosmetics, candles, baked goods and so much more at this giant celebration of Tucson creatives.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for shopping and food
Visit the event page for more information.
Brunch with Buddy
Trail Dust Town is kicking off the month of December with Brunch with Buddy. Enjoy a breakfast buffet from Jackie Alpers' "The Unofficial Elf Cookbook," featuring the iconic spaghetti eaten by Buddy in the movie "Elf." Beyond the buffet, expect crafts, amusement rides and "snow."
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
Cost: $35 for adults; $5 for babies ages 2 and under
Visit the event page for more information.
Dive Bar Art Market
Mr. Head's is hosting an art market featuring jewelry, apparel, stickers and more.
When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1
Where: Mr. Head's, 513 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free to attend, bring money for drinks and shopping
Visit the event page for more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore Tucson's downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. Two events are on the calendar for Sunday: a tour of Barrio Viejo and the Death After Dark tour.
When: Sunday, Dec. 1; 10 a.m. for Barrio Viejo, 7 p.m. for Death After Dark
Where: El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, 418 S. Main Ave., for Barrio Viejo; Presidio Museum, 196 N. Court Ave., for Death After Dark
Cost: $30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit the event page for more information.
Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. From wildflowers to wildlife, she loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers ✨
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
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