TUCSON- The holidays are in full swing and there's no shortage of ways to celebrate them in Tucson.
Here are 12 events guaranteed to bring holiday cheer throughout the month of December.
Marana Holiday Festival, Dec. 1
UPDATE: The Marana Holiday Festival has been canceled due to flooding.
Kick off the start of December at the Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting. This celebration features live performances, Santa and Mrs. Claus, snow, and a Christmas Tree light show.
Hanukkah Hot Chocolate Run, Dec. 2
Are you looking to stay active during the holidays? The Jewish Community Center has you covered with the Hannukkah Hot Chocolate Run. Runners can choose between the 1K or 5K race. All participants will be awarded with a treat at the end of the race.
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair, Dec. 7-9
A Tucson tradition for nearly 50 years, the 2018 Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair features artists from across the globe, spectacular food, and local entertainment. More than 500,000 people attend the event each year, according to fourthavenue.org.
Tohono Chul Holiday Nights, Dec.7-8 & 14-15
Holiday lights will shine bright at Tohono Chul park for two weekends this December. Attendees can take a walk along paths draped with over a million lights while listening to live music. The park's gift shop will also be open if you need to purchase any last minute gifts.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Dec. 8-26
The annual light spectacle returns for another year of Christmas cheer for the entire family to enjoy. The Festival of Lights can be seen in by walking through the neighborhood on foot or by hitching a ride on a 40 passenger wagon.
If you plan on attending, please consider donating to the Tucson Community Food Bank.
Patronato's 2018 Christmas at San Xavier is dedicated to preserving and restoring Mission San Xavier. This concert will feature various acts including Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus, The Sons of Orpheus, and The Male Choir of Tucson.
Reid Park Zoo will be open late during the month of December with its annual Zoo Lights event. Thousands of lights are on display to bring you the perfect amount of holiday cheer. Throughout the night, visitors will experience falling snow, pictures with Santa, live music, food and hot chocolate. Proceeds benefit saving wild animals.
The Parade of Lights & Festival, Dec. 15
The 24th Annual Parade of Lights & Festival takes place in Downtown Tucson in Jácome Plaza, bringing Tucsonans together to celebrate the spirit of the winter season. Downtown Tucson will be shining bright as a parade makes its way through the streets. This entire event is free and open to the public.
Enchanted Snowfall at La Encantada
Snow is a rare sight in Tucson, but that's not stopping the La Encantada Shopping Center. Families can see a "desert stye" snowfall every Friday and Saturday through December 22. A 28 foot Christmas tree can also be seen in the main courtyard. All shows are open to the public, and admission is free.
Join us this Friday and Saturday evening at 6 pm and 6:45 pm for our opening weekend of Enchanted Snowfall! Enjoy a 28 foot holiday tree in the main courtyard along with musical performances during the breaks! pic.twitter.com/x0RQ8beWTc
— La Encantada (@ShopLaEncantada) November 20, 2018
Christmas on the Farm, Dec. 7-23
The annual Christmas on the Farm event continues the holiday spirit that the Marana Pumpkin Patch and Farm Festival brings. Attractions include holiday light displays, jumping pillows, a petting zoo, Christmas story time, Santa, and food and hot chocolate.
Miracle on 31st Street Christmas Party
Miracle on 31st Street combines the efforts of local businesses, clubs and the general public to gather donations for less fortunate families. The 48th Annual Toy Giveaway will consist of 10,000+ toys for kids throughout Tucson, the events Facebook page says. If you would like to donate, call Ramon Gonzales at 520-971-8271.
