Looking to experience the holidays in another city? Then consider heading down South to Tucson. Southern Arizona’s largest city features holiday parades, an ice skating rink downtown and hotels that host plenty of festive events and activities. Discover what Tucson has to offer this winter.
Downtown Tucson, Arizona
HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
One of Tucson’s signature holiday events, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, claims to be one of the longest-running festivals of its kind. Since 1949, in this midtown Tucson neighborhood, Winterhaven residents deck out their homes in a dazzling array of lights. Winterhaven was actually designed with a festival of lights in mind. Developer C.B. Richards visited a similar neighborhood in Beverly Hills and kept that theme in mind when designing this place. The festival is from Dec. 13 to 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. See the well-lit homes on foot, by bike or by taking one of the Winterhaven Trolley Tours. Consider bringing a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Downtown Parade of Lights Festival
On Dec. 6, head to downtown Tucson for the city’s Downtown Parade of Lights Festival. Look forward to illuminated and well-decorated buildings in addition to a lively, festive parade complete with colorful floats and folklorico dancers.
Christmas tree in Jacome Plaza
Downtown Tucson will feature two festive activities. See a 36-foot-tall Christmas tree in Jacome Plaza. The tree is adorned with over 1,000 ornaments and might just be the largest tree in all of Southern Arizona. Believe it or not, you also can ice skate downtown. As part of Tucson Holiday Ice, visitors can ice skate on a rink located near the Tucson Convention Center.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Mission San Xavier del Bac is one of Tucson’s most iconic attractions, and this historical spot also gets into the holiday spirit. For one weekend in December, guests can listen to holiday music as part of the Patronato’s Christmas at San Xavier inside the halls of the over 200-year-old Spanish Colonial Mission structure. This year’s concert will be held from Dec. 10 to 11.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Reid Park Zoo will be all lit up for its annual ZooLights Holiday Magic event. Guests strolling around this zoo can expect to see over 250,000 holidays lights, live entertainment, falling snow and activities for kids.
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
The Tucson Botanical Garden also goes all out during the holidays. From Nov. 28 to Jan. 11, 2025, the Garden puts on LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination. During this celebration, expect to see over 1 million lights, tin stars and luminaries.
WHERE TO STAY
THE WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT & SPA
We enjoyed a hosted stay at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa a few months ago, and the resort proved to be a luxurious, soothing place. Take in breathtaking views of the nearby Santa Catalina mountains from the sprawling resort’s outdoor balconies and expansive lobby windows. We enjoyed plenty of pool time and got to take in these mountain views. We sipped cocktails and had lunch in a private cabana before soaking in the water. The pool we enjoyed even had its very own swim-up bar.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
During our first evening, we enjoyed a tasting of Tucson’s very own Whiskey Del Bac at the property’s Casa 71 Tequila Lounge just off the main lobby. Whiskey Del Bac is made with mesquite, which gives the beverage its unique smoky flavor. Next, we devoured a multi-course meal in La Luz Restaurant’s private dining room. Our two top courses included the refreshing and flavorful Ahi Tuna Crudo, which featured creamy avocado, cucumber, tomato, pickled vegetables and ninja radish. The Butter Basted Chilean Seabass was easily one of the most tender, flaky pieces of fish we’ve ever sunk our forks into.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
During our final day at the property, we kicked off our day with a yoga class at the fitness center and followed that up with a spa treatment. Our massage was our favorite part of the stay. The one-hour-long treatment that incorporated a special, nourishing agave nectar oil that smelled just like the desert after rain. La Paloma is also getting in on the holiday festivities. La Paloma is hosting a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 29, Breakfast With Santa on Dec. 13 and 20 and a Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 13 and 20, where kids can build gingerbread houses. The hotel is holding a Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Brunch and Christmas Day Dinner.
