Written by:
The Play District Tucson
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!
Trail Dust Town - 6541 E. Tanque Verde
‘Tis the season to be jolly at Trail Dust Town!
Enjoy:
Always free parking and admission.
Reid Park Zoo - 3400 Zoo Court
Ready, Set, Glow! ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, returns with thousands of enchanting lights, mesmerizing light shows, and displays and holly jolly fun for all ages. Stop in for a photo opp and a visit with St. Nick who will be hearing wishes each evening through December 23. Experience falling snow in the Arctic Zone, listen to festive music, or savor a hot cup of cocoa from the Zoo Café or carts as you travel through a colorful wild wonderland in this Tucson holiday tradition.
New this year is a soaring 33-foot-tall showcase tree and decorative scene – perfect for your holiday photos. Plus, be on the lookout every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening for the Grinch, who will be making special appearances in all his greenly glory.
Bring a donation of 2 cans of food for the Community Food Bank (check out this list of their most needed items), a dog or cat toy or food for adoptable pets or a new unwrapped toy for La Frontera, or old and non-functioning bulks to recycle and receive $1 off admission. Limit $1 discount per admission ticket. This discount is applicable to tickets purchased at the gate and in person, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.
$13 Adults (ages 15-61)
$11 Seniors (ages 62+)
$8 Children (ages 2-14)
Free for children under 2
Zoo Members receive $3 off admission Tuesdays – Sundays.
Tip: Zoo Members get half off on Monday Nights!
Get your tickets HERE
Tohono Chul - 7366 N Paseo del Norte
Stroll through enchanting paths, revel in live entertainment, and bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. Musicians and artists will captivate you as you savor hot cocoa and festive treats. Don’t miss out on this holiday wonderland!
Holiday Nights will be held on the first three weekends of December, on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Please only purchase tickets for the specific night you plan to attend.
Member Admission | $15
General Admission | $20
NEW! Family Bundle (two adults and two children under 12) | $45
Child Admission (3-12 years of age) | $6
Child Under 2 years of age | FREE
Get your tickets HERE
Marana Pumpkin Patch - 14950 N Trico Rd
Due to overwhelming support for the pumpkin patch, we wanted to create an event that brought Southern Arizona families together for tasty treats and Christmas cheer! There's so much to do and see, bring the whole family!
ADMISSION INCLUDES:
Holiday Lights Train Ride, Santa Visit, Playland Area, Farm Animals, Jumping Pillows, Mini Diggers, Mini Tractors, Honey Bear Spinner, Peddle Carts & Trikes, Super Slide
**Cornado Swing, Cyclone Swings & Corn Flyer
**Children 2 & under or under 36” can’t ride swings
General Admission $20
*2 & under free
Get your tickets HERE
Old Tucson Studios - 201 S Kinney Rd
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
La Encantada - 2905 E. Skyline Dr.
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
Tucson Botanical Gardens - 2150 N Alvernon Way
Experience Southern Arizona’s newest holiday tradition!
Join us this holiday season for our second annual festival of illumination: LightsUp! Stroll through our six themed light areas and be dazzled by over one million lights, dancing sculptures, and awe-inspiring luminaria displays.
Tickets $14-$18 (Member Discount available)
Children 4 and under FREE
Get your tickets HERE
Tucson Convention Center
Tickets can be purchased online (skates included), and there are no additional fees.
Skates begin at size 8 for children and run as large as size 15 for adult men.
Socks are required, and gloves are highly recommended.
Admission and Hours:
(First session only each day is discounted to $12 for adults and $8 for youth)
Adults: $22 per 90-minute session
Children (Under 12): $15 per 90-minute session
Skate assists: $7 (Rent on-site only)
Private use (during off-hours): - $750 per 90-minute session
Call 520-791-4101 (option 1) weekdays between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Get your Tickets HERE
Winterhaven Neighborhood - Between Prince and ft Lowell on Country Club
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
We Update our Family Guide, City Handbooks and Events frequently, so don't miss out!
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