Welcome to our guide featuring a variety of local and regional holiday-related events taking place throughout December. Please note that this compilation is not exhaustive, with numerous additional events available in the area. Should your group wish to include an event in this list, please send details via email to [email protected].

Starting in December

• Christmas at Canoa: Delight in the festive ambiance with Christmas lights, entertainment, concerts, and vendors from December 1st to 3rd, 8th to 9th, and 15th to 17th, between 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (lights illuminate at 5:30 p.m.) at the Historic Canoa Ranch, 5375 S. I-19 Frontage Road (south of the closed Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital).
• “The Nutcracker” Ballet: Experience the holiday classic performed by Ballet Continental at Sahuarita Auditorium on December 1st at 6 p.m. and December 2nd-3rd at 2 p.m. Tickets available at balletcontinentaltickets.com.
• “Enchanted Snowfall”: Witness faux snow flurries at the La Encantada shopping center courtyard from December 1st to 23rd, during 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. On December 23rd, Santa will be present at 5:30 p.m. Visit laencantadashoppingcenter.com/events for more details.
• Luminaria Nights in Tubac: From December 1st to 2nd, between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the historic village will be illuminated with luminaries, offering shopping, musical performances, and delectable food. Additionally, at the Tubac Center of the Arts, Mrs. Claus will collect letters to deliver to Santa.
• Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul: Enjoy the enchanting beauty of the holiday season at Tohono Chul from December 1st to 16th, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Revel in live entertainment, thousands of twinkling lights, and indulge in festive treats and hot cocoa. This event recurs weekly on Fridays and Saturdays at 7366 N Paseo del Norte, Tucson.
• Sahuarita Creche Festival: Immerse yourself in the captivating celebration of tradition, creativity, and the Nativity story on December 1st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and December 2nd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join at The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints, 16275 S Starlight View Lane.

December 2

• Reid Park Zoo Lights: Experience thousands of dazzling lights, light shows, and festive displays at Reid Park Zoo from December 2nd to 23rd and 26th to 30th. More information available at reidparkzoo.org.
• Winterfest 2023: Join the Town of Sahuarita in celebrating the holidays with a delightful event featuring food, vendors, ice sculpting, entertainment, and a light parade from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Town Hall. Details accessible via www.sahuaritaparksandrec.org.

December 4

• Green Valley Community Chorus Annual Winter Concert – “Love’s Pure Light”: Experience a musical celebration at Valley Presbyterian Church on December 4th at 7 p.m. and December 5th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets available at gvcommunitychorus.org and at the door.

December 6

• GVR Arts & Crafts Association Holiday Open House and Gift Sale: Explore handcrafted works by artisans at Desert Hills Rec Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy refreshments while appreciating the artistry on display.

December 8

• Continental School Orchestra Concert: Delight in a musical morning at Continental Shopping Plaza courtyard from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Green Valley Baptist Church Nativity Drive-Thru: Witness life-size figures depicting the Nativity story while contributing to a charitable cause benefiting the food bank. Occurring on December 8th-10th & December 15th-17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Further details available at gvbcaz.com, located at 1111 N. La Canada Drive.
• True Concord Voices & Orchestra Lessons & Carols by Candlelight: Experience a harmonious celebration at St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. More info at trueconcord.org or by calling 520-401-2651.
• 54th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair: Immerse yourself in one of Tucson’s largest festivals featuring 350 artists. Held on December 8th-10th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Fourth Avenue, Tucson. Admission is free. Learn more at visittucon.org.
• Presidio Boys: A Down Home Christmas: Join the holiday cheer with a variety of Christmas tunes at CPAC Community Performance & Art Center, 1250 West Continental Road. Shows at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

December 9

• Green Valley Baptist Church Christmas Musical: Enjoy a musical celebration on December 9th at 3 p.m. and December 10th at 10:30 a.m. at 1111 N. La Canada Drive.
• Winterhaven Festival of Lights: Witness the enchantment of a historic neighborhood adorned with festive lights from December 9th to 25th, between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Check out winterhavenfestival.org for more information regarding street access.
• “The Nutcracker” by Sahuarita Dance Center: Experience the timeless charm of the Christmas classic at Sahuarita District Auditorium on December 9th, with performances at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket information available at sahuaritadance.net.

December 10

• Green Valley Concert Band: “Season’s Greetings”: Delight in musical harmonies at Sahuarita District Auditorium. Tickets available at greenvalleyconcertband.org and Community Performance & Art Center.

December 14

• Come to the Manger Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior Display: Witness the Nativity story unfold through a display depicting the birth of Jesus. Visit on December 14th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., coinciding with the S.O.U.L. Lunch. Also open on December 16th from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 555 S. La Canada Drive, Green Valley. Contact at 520-625-2612 for more details.

December 15

• In The Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular: Enjoy an evening filled with singing, dancing, comedy, and holiday magic at the Community Performance & Art Center, 1250 W. Continental Road. Shows at 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

December 16

• Wreaths Across America: Honor and remember veterans by participating in wreath placement at Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery. Sponsor remembrance wreaths or volunteer for Wreaths Day. Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and search for “Green Valley” for more details. Event starts at 10 a.m., located at 18751 S. La Canada Drive, Sahuarita.

December 18

• Macdougal Street West: A Peter, Paul & Mary Christmas Experience: Enjoy a tribute to Peter, Paul & Mary with classic hits and beloved Christmas songs from the 60s and 70s at the Community Performance & Art Center, 1250 W. Continental Road. Event time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

December 20

• Very Vintage Christmas: Starring Heather Stricker: Immerse yourself in the sounds of the holidays with a special concert experience featuring popular music from favorite vintage holiday films, records, and artists at the Community Performance & Art Center, 1250 W. Continental Road. Event time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

December 21

• “The Nutcracker” by Ballet Tucson and Tucson Symphony Orchestra: Witness the traditional Christmas performance presented by Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall from December 21st to 23rd. Check ballettucson.org/the-nutcracker for performance times and ticket details.

December 23

• Salvation Army Christmas Eve Eve Luncheon: Join the Salvation Army for a special luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at GVR West Center, 1111 S GVR Dr, Green Valley.

These events capture the spirit of the holiday season, offering a range of experiences from musical performances and traditional displays to festive celebrations across the Tucson area.