Tucson Christmas Lights 2024-2025

Tucson accumulates some of the best Christmas light displays found in Arizona. You can get into the spirit while strolling across Old Tucson or driving through the city's dazzling neighborhoods, such as Sam Hughes, North Kolb, Casas Adobes, and Rancho Vistoso. The season's highlights include the Parade of Lights & Festival, Winterhaven Festival of Lights, and Luminaria Nights in Tucson Botanical Gardens.

Winterhaven Festival of Lights (December 14–28, 2024)

For over two weeks in December, the historic neighborhood of Winterhaven hosts a Festival of Lights. The amazing display of holiday cheer goes on nightly from 6 to 10 pm and. It is designed as a walk-through experience. Yet, you can also see the dazzling lights on the move on hayrides, pedal-powered party bikes, or bus trolleys.

The streets are closed to cars, except the last day, when the event turns into a drive-thru light display. The festival is a free community event, but it raises significant cash and food donations for the Community Food Bank. The celebration dates back to the 1960s and is the longest-running tradition of its kind.

Tucson Botanical Gardens Christmas Lights (November 29, 2024–January 12, 2025)

Another favorite place to delight in Christmas lights is Tucson Botanical Gardens. In addition to the glowing canopy, you can enjoy seasonal treats and musical performances by talented Tucsonans and even experience the magic of snowfall in the desert.

Over 1 million twinkling lights adorn the trees, featuring a light tunnel, dancing cypress-inspired spindle trees, traditional punched-tin stars and trees, light curtains perfect for photo-ops, and a dazzling display that illuminates the Gardens like never before. Usually, the merriments run throughout December and sometimes well into early January.

Ticket prices for the display vary depending on the day, time, and holidays. Adult tickets start at $23, while children's tickets (ages 4-17) are priced at $19. Kids under 4 enjoy free admission.

Christmas Lights Parade Tucson, AZ (December 14, 2024)

Christmas Parade of Lights & Festival in Downtown Tucson presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate Christmas Tucson-style. The festivities start in Jácome Plaza with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, music, food, games, and other entertainment.

The parade of around 70 entries, decked out in the shimmering festive lights, marches through the heart of the city from 17th Street and Stone Avenue to Armory Park. The party is usually scheduled for late November or early December. Around 50,000 people, participants and attendees, come to enjoy these festivities.

Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights (December 6-12, 2024)

In order to bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights, visit Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights. The glowing event features Illuminated pathways and twinkling lights throughout the grounds, with live performances by musicians and artists. Visitors can enjoy traditional seasonal treats like cookies, hot cocoa, and hot apple cider. For kids, the event offers free craft activities in the Children’s Garden and performances by Mr. Nature’s Music Garden on Saturdays. Plus, children can meet and greet Santa Claus on-site each night.

General admission costs $20, while the special Family Bundle (two adults and two children under 12) is priced at $45. Children admission (3-12 years of age) costs $6, and kids under 2 years of age have a free entrance. The display operates Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 to 9 pm.