The beloved holiday spectacular Yuletide returns as Old Tucson transforms into a western winter wonderland known as The West Pole. This magical event combines the charm of Old Tucson with stunning holiday décor, period costumes, live shows, and interactive experiences. Yuletide celebrates the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson, creating a one-of-a-kind holiday tradition for the entire community.
Enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, sing along with festive carolers, and experience holiday stunt shows, original musicals, magic, and more. Open Fridays through Sundays, with additional special dates on November 26–27, December 19, 23–24, 30, and 31. Parking is free, and admission includes all shows and select attractions, making Yuletide the perfect holiday outing for the whole family.
Each holiday season, starting the week of Thanksgiving, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures transforms into a Wee Winter Wonderland. The museum’s lobby and galleries are adorned with festive decorations, while select miniatures from the permanent collection are dressed to showcase holiday traditions from around the world and throughout history. These special displays are marked with informative signs, translated into Spanish, offering visitors a deeper understanding of global holiday celebrations.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., remaining closed on Mondays and major holidays. Celebrate the season with this unique and enchanting holiday experience!
Gather your family for LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination, Southern Arizona’s favorite holiday tradition. The Gardens come alive under a million sparkling LED lights, where dancing trees, shimmering tin stars, and glowing luminarias create a breathtaking display. Custom-built, oversized structures like the enchanting light tunnel, spindle trees inspired by dancing cypress, and traditional punched-tin stars add a unique charm to the experience. Visitors can also enjoy dazzling light curtains perfect for photo opportunities and an awe-inspiring luminaria display that’s unlike anything else in the region. This unforgettable event is a must-see celebration of the season! Click The Button for more info.
Celebrate the holiday season at Trail Dust Town with festive fun every Friday! Experience the magic of snow flurries at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 p.m., and savor holiday drinks and snacks available at the Cowboy Cart. Families can enjoy $8 discounted wristbands, offering unlimited access to amusement rides and the lively Holiday Hoedown, an outdoor, kid-friendly dance party. Don’t miss the excitement of the Santa's Little Outlaws stunt show performed by the Pistoleros at 7 and 8 p.m. or hop aboard the Christmas Express train ride for a delightful holiday adventure.
Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul is a cherished Tucson tradition, bringing families and friends together to celebrate the magic of the season. Wander along illuminated pathways adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, soaking in the festive ambiance. Live performances by talented Tucson musicians and artists provide enchanting entertainment, while Jose’s Hot Chocolate & Kettle Corn offers warm treats like cookies, hot cocoa, and apple cider to enjoy as you stroll. The Garden Bistro serves up a tasty menu and festive drinks, adding to the holiday cheer.
This year’s event includes the brand-new Merry Market, a curated selection of gifts located in the Garden Pavilion, and a variety of local craft vendors, perfect for holiday shopping. Kids can enjoy free crafts in the Children’s Garden, and Santa Claus will be on-site each night to add a touch of magic for the little ones. Hosted by Tohono Chul, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating nature, art, and culture in the Sonoran Desert, Holiday Nights is more than just an event—it’s a chance to create treasured memories and support a mission of inspiring stewardship of the natural world.
Snow is in the forecast this holiday season as La Encantada’s beloved Enchanted Snowfall returns to Tucson! Faux flurries will fall in the open-air courtyard of this picturesque shopping center, accompanied by a stunningly decorated Grand Christmas Tree. Families are invited to experience the festive magic every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from November 29 to December 21, with a special event on Sunday, December 22. The celebration is free to the public, and guests can enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of Blanco Tacos & Tequila.
Adding to the magic, a diverse lineup of live performances will take place throughout the season. Highlights include appearances by school choirs, bands, and dance teams, as well as captivating shows by Ballet Tucson, Disney Princesses, and the Catalina Foothills High School String Orchestra. Special moments with Santa are scheduled on select evenings, adding extra joy for the little ones. From heartwarming carols to enchanting snowfall and festive entertainment, Enchanted Snowfall is the perfect holiday tradition to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Don’t miss this delightful Tucson holiday event! Click The Button for more info.
Experience the magic of ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, from December 5–23, with Encore Nights from December 26–30 and January 2–5. This beloved Tucson holiday tradition shines brighter than ever, with over a million twinkling lights transforming the Zoo into an enchanting wonderland. Highlights include a giant, illuminated Gingerbread House, the return of the 36-foot showcase tree, and stunning decorative scenes perfect for holiday photos. Enjoy festive light shows, falling snow in the Arctic Zone, and heartwarming activities around every corner, while live entertainment and visits with jolly St. Nick (through December 23) add to the holiday cheer. Warm up with traditional hot cocoa or an adult version with "Santa’s Spirits" from the Flamingo Grill or various carts around the Zoo.
ZooLights also offers a chance to give back. Bring two canned goods for the Community Food Bank, a pet toy or food for adoptable animals, a new unwrapped toy for La Frontera children (ages 2–12), or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off your admission ticket (limit one discount per ticket, in-person purchases only). Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $9 for children ages 2–14, and free for children under 2. Zoo members receive a $2 discount Tuesdays through Sundays. Please note that most animals will be resting during the event and not visible. Make unforgettable holiday memories at ZooLights while supporting the community! Click The Button for more info.
Tucson Holiday Ice
Located at 260 S. Church Ave., in front of the Tucson Convention Center Ticket Office, Tucson Holiday Ice offers a fun seasonal skating experience. Tickets, which include skate rentals, must be purchased online with no additional fees. Skates are available in sizes 8 (children) through 15 (adult men), and socks are required for all skaters, while gloves are highly recommended. For inquiries, call (520) 791-4101, option 1.
Admission prices are $22 for adults and $15 for children under 12 per 90-minute session. Discounts are available during the first session of each day, with tickets priced at $12 for adults and $8 for children. Skate assists can be rented on-site for $7. Private sessions during off-hours cost $750 for 90 minutes; call the provided number during weekday business hours for reservations.
Operating hours vary by date:
The rink is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas but open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Sessions fill quickly, so plan ahead for a festive outing on the ice! Click The Button for more details.
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