You’re one of the lucky ones if you have the good fortune of spending Christmas 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 southern Arizona.
Here are some suggestions for family-friendly Christmas Tucson events, updated for 2022!
Christmas in Tucson- Dazzling 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. You’ll also be joyfully entertained by music and dance performances throughout the evening. General public admission is on December 9, 10, 16, & 17, 2022 from 5:30 – 8:30pm.
For a wild good time, get your tickets for Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo. The holiday festivities offer jingle bells, falling snow, Santa Claus, animal-theme light sculptures, hot cocoa, and free cookies in addition to thousands of sparkling bulbs.
Similarly, the Tucson Botanical Garden also hosts Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination. Luminarias, twinkling lights, and decorated trees adorn the property. You can also expect a visits from Santa, along with festive live entertainment throughout the evening. This year’s event takes place November 25 – January 15, 2023.
Looking for a festive neighborhood? The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is one of the longest-running Tucson Christmas Events. 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. It takes place December 10-26, 2022 from 6 – 10pm daily.
Are you visiting Tucson for the holidays? These are our picks for the best Tucson resorts for families.
Christmas Parades in Tucson
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 in Downtown Tucson around mid-December. This year it will take place on December 17, 2022 at 6:30pm.
Tucson Christmas Events & Festivals
Every year, Oro Valley hosts the Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration. This two-day event brings holiday cheer through live performances, family art activities, and artisan vendors. But the main is event is the lighting of the glorious 35-foot tall Christmas tree.
This year’s event takes place December 3-4, 2022.
Looking for more to do? Here are our favorite things to do in Tucson with kids.
Tuscon Christmas Concerts & Plays
Enjoy good food and comedic performances at Tucson’s dinner theater. The theater offers complimentary popcorn with the ticket price. After you’re seated, you can choose to purchase dinner or dessert from a provided menu.
Gaslight Theatre’s holiday shows often sell out. Be sure to get your tickets fast for their latest holiday comedy. This year’s show will be Gaslight’s Christmas Vacation and it runs November 10, 2022- January 1, 2023.
This year Art Express will be hosting live performances of Elf December 2- 18, 2022.
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Tucson Symphony Orchestra annual holiday concert December 10- 11, 2022. Families love to sing along with their holiday favorites.
In contrast, a more classical experience can be found at the Christmas at San Xavier Annual Concert. Here you’ll enjoy Bach, Schubert & Fauré, along with some holiday season favorites. December 6-7, 2022
Check for deals on family-friendly hotels in Tucson.
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 Tucson Symphoney Orchestra will also be hosting the Nutcracker will be performed December 22-24, 2022.
For a regional version, check out Tucson Regional Ballet. Instead of the original setting, A Southwest Nutcracker which brings the traditional story to Tucson in the 1800’s. December 4 – 5, 2022.
Christmas Races for Kids
Sign up for the Vail Jingle Trail 5K (December 10) and Santa’s Little Helper 1K . Once there, you’ll be greeted with jingle bells for your shoelaces at the registration tables. Afterward, enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Live Nativity Christmas Events in Tucson
The Path to Bethlehem at Sunrise Chapel invites community members to take a guided tour through five biblical scenes. Live actors and music help visitors reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. This event is free but monetary donations and food items for the local food bank are welcome
Redeemer Lutheran also offers a live nativity. This annual drive through nativity leads visitor on a journey through the Christmas story. See scenes depicting the foretelling of Christ’s birth, shepherds, and Jesus in the manger. At the end, listen to, or participate in singing carols and hymns.
Is there a Tucson Christmas event we missed? Does your business have updated information to share? Email [email protected] and tell us about it!
Find more Christmas events near you! Trekaroo has guides for dozens of cities across the country.
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Special thanks to Stephanie Sheaffer who wrote the original version of this post.
Featured photo by: Shutterstock