Tucson lights up every holiday season with spectacular events the whole family can enjoy! Our Ultimate Tucson Holiday Events Guide brings together the best multi-day and multi-weekend celebrations happening across the city — including dazzling light shows, festive markets, immersive walk-throughs, parades, performances, and more.

Whether you're planning a weekend outing or creating a full holiday bucket list, this guide is your go-to resource for Tucson’s biggest, brightest, and most magical events of 2025. 🎄✨

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Festive Fridays

✨ Best for Toddlers

Trail Dust Town

• Dates: Fridays: November 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26
• 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. Visit with Animals of TRAK. Don't miss the Christmas Express train ride.
• 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 Friday

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ZooLights Holiday Magic 2025

🐾 Best Walk-Through With a Stroller

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: Step into a dazzling world of light and color, while enjoying a flurry of holiday merriment that will put you in the spirit of the season. ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, returns select evenings December and January, shining bigger and brighter than ever.  Savor a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat as you stroll through an illuminated forest filled with festive displays and mesmerizing animal sculptures. Whisper your wishes to jolly St. Nick at his North Pole station, visit with other favorite holiday characters, revel in the quiet beauty of falling snow, and enjoy lively nightly entertainment at this beloved, must-see Tucson tradition. Make unforgettable memories you’ll treasure as you experience your Zoo beautifully decorated for the holidays with heartwarming adventures around every corner. New this year, don’t miss a towering 33-ft showcase tree that will change colors to music – the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. The Zoo is also returning favorites such as interactive light elements, a giant gingerbread house, walk-through, kaleidoscopic light tunnels, and an engaging light show timed to popular holiday tunes. Please note: ZooLights is an evening fundraising event for the Zoo. Most of the animals will be sleeping in their night houses and off view.

• 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

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Tucson Holiday Ice

❄️ Best Immersive Holiday Experience

• Dates: November 29–January 5 (See website for specific times each day)
• Details: Skate on Tucson's outdoor ice rink located downtown at 260 S. Church Avenue. It's a delightful experience for the whole family.

Adults: $22 per 90-minute session

Youth (under 12): $15 per 90-minute session

First session each day: $12 for adults, $8 for youth

• Age Range: All ages; children under 5 may require assistance, Skate assists available for $7
• Tips/Discounts: Discounted entry for first session of the day. Paid on site parking at TCC - but check for street parking or other nearby garages for reduced or free parking.
• Link: Downtown Tucson Holiday Ice

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Holiday Nights

🎅 Best Santa Experience

Tohono Chul - 7366 N Paseo del Norte

Friday-Sundays: Dec. 6 - Dec -21 6:00pm-9:00pm

• Dates: Select dates from December 6th–21st
• Details: Experience the magic of the season as you stroll through illuminated pathways adorned with twinkling lights throughout the gardens. Enjoy live performances from favorite Tucson musicians—changing nightly—as you explore local specialty vendors, artisans, and makers offering unique holiday gifts. Don’t miss the Merry Market inside the Garden Pavilion, featuring a curated, easy-to-browse selection perfect for everyone on your list. Warm up with cookies, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider from Jose’s Hot Chocolate & Kettle Corn, or savor a delicious menu and festive drinks from the Garden Bistro. Kids will love meeting Santa Claus each night and enjoying free craft activities both while waiting in line and inside the Children’s Garden. It’s the perfect setting to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime!
• Age Range: All ages
• Tips/Discounts: Members receive discounted admission. Purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out. Children 4 and Under are FREE. The Santa experience can have a line as it is a completely private experience - so make that your first stop!
• Link: Tohono Chul - Holiday Nights

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YULETIDE

🌟 Best All-Inclusive Holiday Adventure

Old Tucson Studios - 201 S Kinney Rd

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

Step into the magic of the holidays as Old Tucson transforms into Yuletide at the West-Pole, a festive family celebration filled with holiday cheer. Wander together along glowing pathways lined with twinkling lights, enjoy sing-along moments with merry carolers, and take a cozy ride on the horse-drawn wagon as it jingles through the decorated desert scenery. Kids will love exploring the Candy Cane Maze, visiting the petting zoo, playing mini-golf, or hopping into the antique autos for a nostalgic family spin. Capture the perfect holiday photo with Santa in his festive studio (reservation required!), then stop by the Elves’ Workshop where little ones can craft and drop off their letters to the West-Pole mailbox. When it’s time for a treat, you’ll find family favorites like Big Jake’s BBQ, High Noon Pizzeria, a hot cocoa bar, s’mores, and seasonal goodies — plus fun holiday cocktails and mocktails for the grown-ups. With twinkling lights, joyful music, and activities for all ages, Yuletide at Old Tucson is the perfect place to make lasting family memories.

FREE PARKING | ALL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Adult (Ages 13+): $45.00
Child (Ages 5-12): $35.00

Children 4 and under are free

Get your tickets HERE

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Enchanted Snowfall

☃️ Best Place for "Snow"

La Encantada - 2905 E. Skyline Dr.

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays • November 28 – December 20 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 – 7:30pm Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays
   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

See the each nights schedule here

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Lights Up! A Festival of Illumination

🎄 Prettiest Light Display + Magical Train Setup

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

🏘️ Best Neighborhood Light Display

Winterhaven Neighborhood - Between Prince and ft Lowell on Country Club

December 13–27 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.

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

For more information HERE

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🎄Holidays at Your Local Resorts

As the holiday season lights up Tucson, we’re highlighting four incredible local resorts that transform into festive wonderlands each year. Whether you’re planning a staycation, searching for holiday dining, or looking for family-friendly activities, these resorts offer magical experiences, sparkling décor, and events that bring the season to life. Here’s your guide to the best holiday happenings at Hilton El Conquistador, JW Marriott Starr Pass, The Westin La Paloma, and Loews Ventana Canyon.

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Hilton El Conquistador

December 2025

The Hilton El Conquistador goes all-in for the holidays with a month-long Holiday Extravaganza featuring more than 100 festive experiences for the family. Highlights include the life-sized gingerbread house, the resort tree lighting, and the beloved Elf Hunt for overnight guests.

Major Dates & Pricing:‍

• Holiday Extravaganza: Runs through December

• Elf Hunt: December 5–25 (overnight guests only)

• Gingerbread House & Tree Lighting: December 3, 5pm–8pm (Free and Open to the Public)

• Breakfast with Santa: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 (ticketed)

• Christmas Day Brunch: December 25 (ticketed; approx. $89.50 adults, $28 kids 6–12)

• Additional paid activities such as horseback rides start around $50 per person

TIP: Follow @hiltonelcon on Instagram for Giveaways everyday through December! This is a great resort for families wanting a festive, activity-filled holiday setting with plenty of photo-ops and seasonal magic.

See the full calendar of activities HERE

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JW Marriott Star Pass

JW Marriott Starr Pass creates a gorgeous Winter Wonderland in the desert with luxury touches that remain family-friendly. From igloo dining experiences to s’mores under the stars, this resort blends upscale holiday spirit with memorable traditions.

Major Dates & Pricing:
• Winter Wonderland Stay Dates: December 5–30
• Tree Lighting Ceremony: December 2, 5pm–8:30pm (free, open to the public)
• Private Igloo Experience: Beginning December 6; approx. $300 for up to 6 guests
• Holiday programming includes gingerbread displays, hot cocoa bar, s’mores lawn, and more
• Seasonal promos may offer savings up to 40% on stays

Perfect for families looking for an elevated holiday experience with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. Head to their website for all the details.

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The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

The Westin La Paloma offers a warm, family-centric holiday atmosphere with its Holiday Splendor programming. The resort features cozy activities like cookie-decorating, gingerbread workshops, Breakfast with Santa, and a charming tree lighting.

Major Dates & Pricing:
• Holiday Splendor Stay Offer: Save ~30% for stays Nov 28 – Jan 4 (book by Nov 20 with code 93B)
• Tree Lighting Ceremony: November 28, 6pm–8pm (includes complimentary cocoa, cider, and cookies)
• Breakfast with Santa: December 13 and 20 (approx. $29 adults, $20 kids 10 & under)
• Gingerbread Workshop: December 13 and 20 (approx. $40 for kids 10 & under)
• Christmas Day Brunch: December 25, 12pm–5pm (approx. $119 adults, $60 kids 10 & under)

La Paloma is ideal for families wanting a more relaxed resort vibe with festive seasonal touches. Head to their website for all the details.

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The holidays in Tucson are truly something special — from sparkling light displays and festive resort experiences to community events that bring families together, there’s no shortage of ways to make the season magical. Whether you're planning cozy moments with your kids, seeking out new traditions, or exploring all the incredible holiday happenings around town, we hope this guide helps you create joyful memories all season long.

Stay Connected for More Holiday Magic

Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Follow us on Instagram at @theplaydistrict_tucson for real-time looks at these experiences, behind-the-scenes peeks, and family-friendly things to do across Tucson all season long.

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