Tucson in December: Lights, Markets & Holiday Magic

by Jennifer Winchester

Nighttime photo of a tree covered in colorful holiday lights with silhouettes of people beneath it. Text at the top reads “December Events,” and the Mystery House Real Estate and Realty Executives logos appear in the bottom left.

Tucson in December is pulling out all the holiday stops—twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and a packed calendar that says “yes, we finally get to enjoy the desert after dark.” From a Broadway spectacle to festive markets, community moments to glowing garden walks—this month has it all. Give yourself permission to slow down, get together with friends (or furry companions), and step into the season with local flair.t.

Cultural & Community

La Fiesta de Guadalupe 2025 (Dec 14| 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum) — Established by Ted DeGrazia, this free event has been a beloved Tucson tradition for more than 40 years! Guests will enjoy performances and may indulge in local cuisine and browse arts and crafts. There’s fun for the kids, too, with a piñata party every hour.

Colorful impressionist painting of a street festival scene with crowds of people, balloons, and banners reading “Viva La Fiesta.”

Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood) Walking Tour (Sunday, Dec 14 & 28th 10am-12pm) Explore Tucson’s oldest neighborhood and the largest collection of Sonoran row houses in the United States. For over a century, Barrio Viejo (Old Neighborhood) was the heart of Tucson’s social, economic, and cultural life. This 120-minute, 1-mile walk led by Mauro Trejo features stories about the people, businesses, architecture, and cultures that gave birth to the modern culture of Tucson. Pre-registration is required.

Street-level view of a historic adobe building with light yellow and white stucco walls, turquoise doors and windows, and potted agave plants along the walkway.

Live Music & Performances

Holidays in Tucson with Calexico & UA Dance (Dec 13 @ 7:30 p.m.; Dec 14 @ 2:00 p.m. | Linda Ronstadt Music Hall) — A festive concert blending Duke Ellington’s big-band Nutcracker, UA Dance, and hometown favorite Calexico for a holiday musical experience.

Conductor leading the Tucson Symphony Orchestra onstage with musicians playing under warm, colorful lighting

Broadway in Tucson: Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Dec 2-7 | Centennial Hall) — Tony-Award winner comes to Tucson for one week—think glam, drama, and holiday-level spectacle. So exciting! The audience will stomp and cheer! So delighting! It will run for fifty years!

Theatrical scene with a performer in a red tailcoat and top hat leading dancers in colorful can-can skirts on a richly decorated stage.

Outdoor & Holiday Lights

ZooLights 2025 (starting Dec 4 | Select evenings through Jan 4, 2026 | Reid Park Zoo) — Tucson’s Zoo transforms into a holiday light spectacle with twinkling displays, warm drinks, and family-friendly fun.

Children and adults walk on illuminated circular pads under blue and red holiday lights in the trees, with a neon Santa decoration in the background.

Holiday Nights 2025 at Tohono Chul (Fridays-Sundays from Dec 5-21 | 6–9 p.m.) — Wander through thousands of lights, browse local makers at the Merry Market, enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and Santa visits in the desert gardens.

People walk along a garden path at night surrounded by trees wrapped in white holiday lights and desert plants.

Chanukah Lighting Ceremony Downtown Tucson (Sunday Dec 14 | 5-6 p.m.) — Celebrate Chanukah 2025 at the 42th annual lighting ceremony of Tucson's tallest Menorah. Grand Menorah Lighting and songs. Holiday treats, crafts, and personal Menorahs to take home. Admission is free & open to the public.

Man in a black suit, tie, and hat lights a giant outdoor menorah with a torch against a cloudy sky.

Food, Shopping & Holidays

Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival (Dec 6th10am-5pm | AVA Amphitheater) — The Festival celebrates the rich tastes, smells and variation of tamales from the Southwest and Mexico. This unique event provides organizations and individuals with an opportunity to fundraise as Vendors. The Festival Features:Tamale contest, Live local entertainment, Food vendors, Food trucks, Artisan vendors, Farmers Market vendors, Fun for the entire family!

Close-up of a tamale on a plate, filled with turkey and cranberries, garnished with fresh cranberries and sage leaves.

Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair (Dec 12-14 | Historic Fourth Ave) — Free to attend, this long-running street fair features 350+ artists, live music, food vendors, holiday shopping, and Tucson’s signature creative vibe.

Illustrated poster for the 56th Annual Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair showing a desert landscape with saguaros, a rabbit, and “A” Mountain at sunset. Event dates December 12–14, 2025.

The Rainbow Exchange: A Queer Vendor Market (Dec 13 10am-2pm)— Tucson’s newest queer-centered vendor market! Shop a curated selection of LGBTQ+ and ally-owned small businesses offering handmade goods, art, self-care, gifts, treats, and more. Whether you’re finishing your holiday shopping or just love supporting local makers, this is your chance to show up, spread love, and celebrate queer creativity in the desert. Oh Yeah Im hosting!

As always, if you’d like help planning an outing with friends, or want a drop-in on what’s happening in Tucson’s real estate market—I'm here. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or just curious about what neighborhoods are lighting up for the holidays, let’s chat.

Here’s to cozy evenings, community warmth, and finding your place in Tucson.