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Tucson December events: Where to see light displays, holiday movies, and outdoor shows in southern Arizona

Zoo Lights
Posted at 11:43 AM, Dec 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-08 13:43:34-05

TUCSON, Ariz. — The 2020 holiday season looks a little different this year in the Old Pueblo.

Some long-standing Tucson traditions were postponed, including the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, but there are still a few spots trying their best to spread December cheer, no matter what holiday you celebrate.

Are we missing an event? Email news@kgun9.com to have your event featured here!

Where to see light displays:

Wanderland: A Holiday Garden Stroll
Tucson Botanical Gardens (2150 North Alvernon Way)
Dec. 3 - Jan. 3

The luminaria lights are back for another year at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Each Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Tucsonans can enjoy a stroll
through 3,000 lights, over a dozen stunning Korean lanterns, and 400+ elegant poinsettias.

ZooLights 2020: Holiday Magic
Reid Park Zoo (3400 Zoo Court)
Dec. 4 - Dec. 23, Dec. 26 - Dec. 30

When the sun goes down, Reid Park Zoo will transform into a dazzling display of lights this month. Visitors can sip on hot cocoa, take holiday pictures, and experience "snow!" Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Where to see Christmas movies:

The Loft Cinema
3233 East Speedway Boulevard

Tucson's favorite independent theatre is showing multiple Christmas classics this month as part of its Open Air Cinema series. All showings start at 7:00 p.m.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Dec. 10 & Dec. 12

Elf
Dec. 17 & Dec. 19

The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dec. 23, Dec. 24 & Dec. 26

El Toro Flicks - Drive-in Theaters
Downtown Tucson and Steam Pump Ranch in Oro Valley

Several holiday movies each week in December, with Santa appearances! Check the website for the latest showtimes and features.

Virtual and outdoor shows:

A Small Town Christmas (Virtual Gaslight Show)
Streaming all December

One of the Gaslight Theatre's famous holiday comedies can be viewed right from your home. This is a fundraiser for the theatre to help it reopen when the pandemic ends. Once purchased, the show can be viewed as many times as you want for the month of December.

Best of Gaslight Christmas Spectacular
Gaslight Theatre (7010 E Broadway Blvd)
11/29 to 12/23 select dates

The Gaslight Theatre is moving its annual Christmas show outside this year! Several Gaslight stars and the Gaslight Band will bring the laughs and well-known holiday tunes from the past 43 years. Only 56 parking spots are available for each show, so be sure to buy tickets in advance.

Porch Concert: Divas Deck the Halls
Gaslight Theatre (7010 E Broadway Blvd)
Dec. 14

The Desert Divas will perform a bluesy concert filled with your favorite holiday jams. This fundraising concert can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own car. Only a few tickets are left, so reserve a spot quickly!

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker: Christmas Stream
Dec. 19 - Dec. 29

This year, Tucsonans can view the annual Centennial Hall show from the comfort of your own living room. Purchase options start at 24.99 per stream.

3 International Tenors - The Christmas Concert
Virtual concert
Dec. 19

This is a tribute that celebrates the careers of Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Enrico Caruso, and more! Songs like “Time To Say Goodbye,” “Ave Maria” and “Nessun Dorma” will be performed, as well as all of your holiday favorites.