Best time to go to Tucson, AZ

Tucson Christmas Lights 2023

The city has no shortage of spectacular holiday illuminations

Dates: late November–early January

Tucson Christmas Lights
Tucson Christmas Lights
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
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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 9–25, 2023)

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 24, 2023–January 7, 2024)

Another favorite place to delight in Christmas lights is Tucson Botanical Gardens. In addition to the glowing canopy, you can enjoy seasonal treats, musical performances by talented Tucsonans, and even experience the magic of snowfall in the desert. Usually, the merriments run throughout December and sometimes well into early January.

Christmas Lights Parade Tucson, AZ (December 16, 2023)

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.

Read more about the details and latest announcements on the official websites listed in our External Resources below. Also, consider booking nearby accommodations suggested on the map below.

Last updated: by Olha Savych