You’re one of the lucky ones if you have the good fortune of spending any part of the winter in Tucson, Arizona. With plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees, you’ll quickly discover why families travel from all over the country to experience the peaceful serenity of Christmas in the desert. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly holiday fun in Tucson.
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Light Displays
Stroll through Tohono Chul Park during the annual Holiday Nights event. Be dazzled by nearly a million twinkling lights, sip hot mocha, enjoy tasty holiday treats, and be joyfully entertained by music and dance performances throughout the evening. For a wild good time, get your tickets for Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo. This event offers jingle bells, falling snow, Santa Claus, animal-theme light sculptures, thousands of sparkling bulbs, hot cocoa, and free cookies. The Tucson Botanical Gardens also hosts Luminaria Nights. Luminarias, twinkling lights, and decorated trees adorn the property. You can also expect a visit from Mr. Claus, along with festive live music throughout the evening. The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is one of the longest-running holiday traditions in Tucson. This neighborhood of lights is free to visit, but they ask that families bring some food or money to donate to the local food bank.
Parades
Photo by flickr/Shylan Erskin
Bask in the glow of lighted floats, performers, and holiday music during the annual Downtown Parade of Lights. This one-night event usually takes place mid-December but be sure to check their website for exact dates and times.
Holiday Concerts and Plays
Enjoy good food and comedic performances at Tucson’s dinner theatre. The theatre offers complimentary popcorn with the ticket price. Once seated, you can choose to purchase dinner or dessert from a provided menu. Gaslight Theatre’s holiday shows often sell out, so get your tickets fast for their latest holiday comedy.
Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra annual holiday concert. Families love to sing along with their holiday favorites and visit with Santa.
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Live Nativities
Discover the true meaning of Christmas at a live nativity. Christ Church United Methodist invites you to A Night in Bethlehem. Stroll through the marketplace of Bethlehem where you’ll learn how to weave, make candles, and even create your own perfume. End your stroll by visiting the manger, with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and live animals. Sunrise Chapel and Redeemer Lutheran also host live nativities.
See The Nutcracker
For many families, December wouldn’t feel like December without tickets to the famous ballet about Clara and her Nutcracker. Traditionalists will appreciate the professional elegance of Ballet Rincon’s production as it presents its annual Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Ballet. The Moscow Ballet presents the Great Russian Nutcracker at the UA Centennial Hall. New and exclusive additions to this timeless classic include life-sized Matrushka Dolls and the Dove of Peace, 2 dancers creating one character with wings that span 20 feet. For a regional version, check out Tucson Regional Ballet’s A Southwest Nutcracker which brings the traditional story to Tucson in the 1800’s.
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Christmas Races for Kids
Sign up for the Vail Jingle Trail 5K and Santa’s Little Helper 1K and you’ll be greeted with jingle bells for your shoelaces at the registration tables. Be sure to stay after the race for complimentary refreshments.
Visit TucsonTopia for more Christmas and Holiday events in Tucson.
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by Stephanie Sheaffer
Featured photo by: Shutterstock
