As twinkling lights adorn the saguaros and Tucson embraces the holiday spirit, families are in for a treat this season. Our Ultimate Tucson Holiday Guide is your key to unlocking festive fun for all ages. From dazzling light displays to enchanting train rides, we'll lead you through must-attend events, ensuring your holiday season is filled with warmth, wonder, and cherished moments. Get ready to unwrap the magic of Tucson with our curated guide to family festivities!

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Festive Fridays

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Trail Dust Town

• Dates: Fridays: November 29; December 6, 13, 20, 27
• Details: Trail Dust Town becomes a holiday haven with snowfall at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 pm. Enjoy holiday drinks and snacks from the Cowboy Cart, unlimited amusement rides with an $8 wristband, and the "Santa’s Little Outlaws" stunt show by the Pistoleros at 7:00 and 8:00 pm. Don't miss the Christmas Express train ride. Trail Dust Town
• Age Range: All ages
• Tips/Discounts: Admission and parking are free. The $8 wristband offers great value for unlimited rides and access to the Holiday Hoedown, an outdoor, kid-friendly dance party. Arrive early to secure good spots for the stunt shows.
• Link: Trail Dust Town - Festive Fridays

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ZooLights Holiday Magic 2023

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Reid Park Zoo - 3400 Zoo Court

ZooLights: Holiday Magic at Reid Park Zoo

• Dates: December 5–23; Encore Nights: December 26–30 and January 2–5
• Details: Experience over a million dazzling lights, festive decorations, and holiday-themed activities. This annual event is a Tucson favorite for all ages.
• Age Range: All ages
• Tips/Discounts: Purchase tickets online in advance for discounted rates. Members receive additional discounts. Check the zoo's website for special theme nights.
• Link: Reid Park Zoo - ZooLights

Tucson Holiday Ice

• Dates: November 24–January 5
• Details: Skate on Tucson's outdoor ice rink located downtown at 260 S. Church Avenue. It's a delightful experience for the whole family.
• Age Range: All ages; children under 5 may require assistance
• Tips/Discounts: Check for discounted rates on weekdays. Skate rentals are available on-site.
• Link: Downtown Tucson Holiday Ice

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Holiday Nights

Tohono Chul - 7366 N Paseo del Norte

Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 1 - Dec -16 5:30pm-8:30pm

• Dates: Select dates from December 7–22
• Details: Enjoy enchanting paths illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, live entertainment, and festive treats in a beautiful desert setting.
• Age Range: All ages
• Tips/Discounts: Members receive discounted admission. Purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out.
• Link: Tohono Chul - Holiday Nights

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YULETIDE

Old Tucson Studios - 201 S Kinney Rd

Select evenings November 26, 2024 to January 4th, 2025, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

Rekindle the Holiday Spirit this season with us at YULETIDE! Enjoy hot cocoa, caroling, write your letter to Santa, and more!

Take a step back in time at YULETIDE to experience the magic of Christmas this season! Our newest holiday spectacular combines the wonder of Old Tucson with stunning décor, period costumes, live shows, and interactive experiences. YULETIDE highlights the unique Wild West history of Old Tucson and presents a one-of-a-kind family event that has quickly become an annual tradition for the entire community.

Enjoy comedy stunt shows, immersive attractions, horse-drawn wagon rides, delicious seasonal food and beverage, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and the opportunity to meet Santa himself for the perfect holiday photo. Don't wait until there is snow on the peaks, book your YULETIDE experience today!

FREE PARKING | ALL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Adult (Ages 13+): $39.00 *
Child (Ages 5-12): $24.00

Children 4 and under are free

Get your tickets HERE

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LightsUp! at Tucson Botanical Gardens

• Dates: November 29, 2024, through January 12, 2025
• Details: Experience a holiday light show featuring over a million LED lights illuminating trees and custom-built structures, including a light tunnel, dancing cypress trees, and a new 11-foot crescent moon. Tucson Botanical Gardens
• Age Range: All ages
• Tips/Discounts: Tickets are dynamically priced based on the day and time of your visit; purchasing in advance is recommended. Members may receive discounts; check the Gardens' website for details. Tucson Botanical Garden
• Link: Tucson Botanical Gardens - LightsUp!

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Enchanted Snowfall

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La Encantada - 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays • November 24 – December 23 6pm-8pm

It’s wintertime … let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Come enjoy our Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from November 24 through December 23.
Sip on complimentary hot chocolate, courtesy of Blanco Tacos & Tequila.
Plus, there will be live entertainment!

Here are the snowfall and entertainment schedules:

   6pm – 7 pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
   November 24 – December 23
   La Encantada Courtyard

Snowfall:                

   6:00-6:15 pm
   6:45-7:00 pm

Live Entertainment:        

   6:15-6:45 pm
   7:00-7:45 pm

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Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination

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Tucson Botanical Gardens - 2150 N Alvernon Way

A family Holiday Tradition

6 nights a week, Tuesday – Sunday
6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
(Last ticket sold at 9:00pm)

Tickets are on a dynamic pricing system and vary in price depending on the day and time selected. Tickets are sold in arrival timeslots as follows:

6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
6:45 pm – 7:30 pm
7:30 pm – 8:15 pm
8:15 pm – 8:45 pm
8:45 pm – 9:30 pm

Please arrive as close to your arrival time as possible, you may stay as long as you’d like.
Last ticket sold at 9:00 pm

Tickets $14-$18 (Member Discount available)

Children 4 and under FREE

Get your tickets HERE

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Winterhaven Festival of Lights

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Winterhaven Neighborhood - Between Prince and ft Lowell on Country Club

December 14–28 6pm-10pm Everyday

This festival features elaborate holiday light displays, transforming the neighborhood into a winter wonderland. Residents and businesses in the area decorate their homes and storefronts with colorful lights, festive decorations, and themed displays.

Hayrides, Trolleys, and Party Bikes available. Walk thru only. Restrooms and food vendors available.

For more information HERE

Hilton El Conquistador - Holiday Events

December 2024

Celebrate to the magic of the Holidays this year at El Conquistador Tucson! Featuring over 100 events as well as Mr. & Mrs. Claus joining us all the way from the North Pole for the month of December. There is something for every age group from Golfing with Santa to Santa’s Workshop, Cookie Decorating to even Karaoke. Join us this December to feast in the joy of the Holidays. All events are complimentary for the general public and resort guests unless noted below. Paint & Sip, Santa’s Workshops & Zumbathon tickets can be purchased at the events only. Email reservation required.

TIP: Follow @hiltonelcon on Instagram for Giveaways everyday through December!

See the full calendar of activities HERE

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