Holiday roundup: A very merry month of events

The holidays are upon us and Tucson offers up a veritable cornucopia of festive events to help you enjoy the season:

One time events

Hannukiah Factory and Potluck at the Tucson J — Friday Dec 4, 6-7:30 p.m.

Spend the Friday before Hanukkah at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Rd. Make a Hanukkiah that you will be able to bring home and use for the holiday. All of the of the materials will be provided. There will be Shabbat and Hanukkah singing, as well as a Shabbat blessings.  Bring a vegetarian/dairy dish for 10 to share. $3/per person pre-paid or $5 at the door. 520 299-3000 x236

Santa Landing at Pima Air & Space Museum — Saturday Dec. 5, 10 a.m.

The Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Rd., has invited Santa to fly in by helicopter to greet the good little girls and boys in Tucson. Families can watch Santa land, sit on his lap, take pictures (don't forget your camera) and participate in other holiday festivities. 520-618-4850

Marana Holiday Festival —Saturday Dec. 5, 3 p.m. —8 p.m., Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Marana-area choral and dance troupes provide the entertainment at the Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., as Santa and Mrs. Claus meet with kids to hear their holiday wish lists. The main event is the lighting of a Christmas tree billed as "like none other in the region" with lights synchronized with music. 520-382-2700

'Songs of Sweet Starlight'-Arizona Repertory Singers — Sunday Dec. 6, 2 p.m., Sunday Dec. 13,

The Arizona Repertory Singers will perform "a variety of inspirational choral pieces by well-known composers from Felix Mendelssohn to Bartholdy to contemporary compositions by Eric Barnum, René Clausen and John Rutter." St. Thomas The Apostle Parish, 5150 N Valley View Rd. 520-792-8141. Admission: $15, free for students 18 and younger.

Annual Tree Lighting at Loews Ventana Canyon —Monday Dec. 7, 5:30-7 p.m.

See the lighting of the tree at Loews Ventana Canyon, 7000 N. Resort Dr., and enjoy a visit and photos with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate and other festive holiday treats in the Cascade Lounge. The event is open to the public. 520-299-2020

Community Hanukkah Party at Congregation Anshei Israel— Tuesday Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E. 5th Street.
Enjoy dinner with latkes, pasta, salad & ice cream; candle lighting; crafts; a skit called “The 8 Candles” with CAI’s Junior USYers; a concert and sing-a-long with CAI’s Adult & Youth Choirs led by Cantorial Soloist Nichole Chorny; and more. $6.13 per person with paid reservation thru Dec. 4; $13 after 12/4 and at the door. 520-745-5550

The Ten Tenors "Home for the Holidays" Concert —Tuesday Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St.,  presents an evening of Yuletide classics and holiday favorites with Australian singing group The Ten Tenors.Tickets $29-75 in advance. 520-547-3040

Christmas with the Rat Pack — Friday Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.,  transports you back to a Vegas-style lounge for a night of swingin’ Christmas songs as the were sung by crooners Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr.  “Christmas with The Rat Pack” features an amazing six-piece band and talented cast of vocalists. Tickets are $20-30 in advance. 520-547-3040

Santa at Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market and Hotel Congress — Saturday, Dec 12, 2-4p.m. & 4-6 p.m.

Bring the kids to visit with Santa Claus on the patio of Johnny Gibson's Downtown Market, 11 S. 6th Avenue, from 2-4 p.m. or catch him down the block at Hotel Congress from 4-6 p.m.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk to Cure Arthritis — Saturday, Dec 12, 6:30 -10 a.m.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a fun and festive way to kick off your holidays by helping Raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis. Run or walk a 5 kilometer route while wearing a holiday-themed costume, or with jingle bells tied to your shoelaces. The route begins at Reid Park, S. Country Club an 22nd Street. Register online now and join a team. 602-212-9909

Holly Jolly Hobble — Saturday Dec 12; register between 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. with donation; 6 p.m. start time

Southern Arizona Road Runners hosts the Holly Jolly Wobble — a 3-mile fun run filled with lots of holiday cheer, for friends and family of all ages —benefiting The Community Food Bank.  Festive holiday attire is encouraged and there may be a little caroling involved. The event starts at Geronimo Plaza at Main Gate Square, 814 E. University Blvd. The entry fee for each participant is two cans of food for the Community Food Bank. 520-326-9383

Santa on the Streetcar — Saturday, December 12, 5-7p.m. *Streetcar leaves the station at 6p.m.

Tucson Federal Credit Union, Sunlink and KXCI present Santa on the Streetcar which transforms the a streetcar into the Polar Express.
The fun starts at 5p.m. at the Mercado Streetcar Station on Avenida Del Convento where kids and parents alike can Join Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their jolly elves to sing some classic Christmas carols.  Make paper snowflakes to decorate the inside of the streetcar. All aboard the streetcar for a fun-filled ride through Downtown Tucson with Santa. The Polar Express will be leaving the station at 6pm sharp with limited space available.

Polar Express at the Train Depot — Saturday Dec. 12, 5p.m.

Cinema La Placita presents a viewing of Polar Express at 5 p.m. at the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave. Kids activities start at 4 p.m. 520-623-2223

Luminaria Night - A Winter Celebration  — Dec 12, 6-9 p.m.

Visit the historical Presidio San Augstin del Tucson in downtown Tucson, 196 N. Court Avenue (the corner of Court and Washington streets), while it's decorated with luminarias and holiday decor. Listen to holiday music while you warm yourself with Mexican hot chocolate, cookies, and hot tortillas made on our comal. The Night Before Christmas will be read in English and Spanish, the cannon will fire hourly, and kids will enjoy a making a holiday decoration in the craft area. Admission is $3; free for kids 13 and younger.  520-837-8119 

The Greatest Hanukkah On Earth XVII at Temple Emanu-El — Sunday Dec. 13, 4:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club Rd. Festivities begin with the lighting of the huge outdoor Millstone Hanukkah Menorah at 4:30 p.m., followed by a  program of Hanukkah songs, stories, theatricals and dance.  The celebration is free and open to all. Immediately after the program there will be a traditional brisket and latke (potato pancake) dinner, with special children's gifts and activities. Dinner is by reservation only and there is a charge. 520-327-4501

Arizona Repertory Singers at the Benedictine Monastery— Sunday Dec. 13, starting at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Arizona Repertory Singers will give two performances of 'Songs of Sweet Starlight' at the Benedictine Monastery at 800 N. Country Club. 520-792-8141. Admission: $15; free for students 18 and younger.

75th Annual Tucson Boys Chorus Holiday Concert — Sunday Dec. 13th,  starting at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Tucson Boys Chorus Holiday Concert has been a Tucson tradition for decades. They will give two performance of seasonal music including Christmas carols, sacred songs and Hanukkah favorites at University of Arizona's Crowder Hall, 1017 N Olive Road. Admission: $20 Premium; $18 General; $8 children under 12  520-296-6277

Sounds of Winter Concert Tucson Girls Chorus at the Fox Theater — Sunday Dec. 13th, 3:30-5 p.m.

Celebrate 30 years of song with the Tucson Girl's Choir as they perform their "Sounds of Winter" Concert, featuring 11 ensembles including their four Engagement Choirs and their Alumnae Choir. 520-577-6064

Merry-Achi Christmas at the Fox Theater —Thursday Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Viva Performing Arts presents Mari-Achi Christmas at Fox Theater, 17 W. Congress St., featuring platinum recording artists Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. Tickets from $22-$56. 520-547-3040

Christmas With The Celts at The Rialto Theatre  Friday Dec. 18,  8 p.m.

The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., presents Christmas With The Celts—  the high-stepping spirited musical selections range from classic Irish reels that will have audiences clapping along, to some ancient hymns and lively renditions of popular contemporary Christmas classics.Tickets from $29-$37. All ages. 520-740-1000

Holiday Express with Santa at the historic Tucson Train Depot—Saturday Dec. 19, Noon-4 p.m.

Head down to the Southern Arizona Transportation Museum, 414 N. Toole Ave., and have your picture taken with Santa in front of Locomotive 1673. 520-623-2223

Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Armory Park — Dec. 19, 4 p.m.

The pre-parade festival begins at 4 p.m. and features food trucks, carnival games, live music, and entertainment. Have fun with friends and family until it's time to watch the tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Rothschild at 5:45 p.m. and the parade at 6:30 p.m.

Santa on the Streetcar — Saturday, December 19, 5-7p.m. *Streetcar leaves the station at 6p.m.

Tucson Federal Credit Union, Sunlink and KXCI present Santa on the Streetcar which transforms the a streetcar into the Polar Express. The fun starts at 5p.m. at the Mercado Streetcar Station on Avenida Del Convento where kids and parents alike can Join Santa and Mrs. Claus along with their jolly elves to sing some classic Christmas carols.  Make paper snowflakes to decorate the inside of the streetcar. All aboard the streetcar for a fun-filled ride through Downtown Tucson with Santa. The Polar Express will be leaving the station at 6 p.m. sharp with limited space available.

21st Annual Downtown Parade of Lights —Saturday Dec. 19, 6:30-8 p.m.

The 21st Annual Downtown Parade of Lights through the Armory Park neighborhood will feature holiday-themed floats and vehicles, musicians and entertainers. It begins at 17th Street and Stone Avenue at 6:30 p.m., heading north to Ochoa and Scott Avenue, then east on 12th Street, finally heading south on 6^th Ave. and concluding at 13th Street at Armory Park, where the parade winners will be awarded prizes. 520-837-6504

One week-only events

A Tucson Pastorela at Borderlands Theater —  Dec. 3 - 6, Thurs. & Fri. at 7:30 p.m., Sat. at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. & Sun. at 2 p.m. and 7p.m.

Borderlands Theater presents its 19th annual Tucson Pastorela at Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theater, 330 S. Scott Ave. A nativity story with a satirical twist, the pastorela is infused with humorous references to this year's biggest political and pop culture events. Tickets: $8-22.50 Order online or call the box office at 520-882_8607.

"On Holiday" Reveille Men's Chorus at Leo Rich Theater — Dec. 4-6, Thurs. & Fri. at 6 p.m. & Sun. at 3 p.m.

Reveille Men's Chorus invites you to join them "On Holiday"at Leo Rich Theater, 260 S. Church Ave. Tickets: $27 adult, $22 senior, $22 student, and $17 for kids under 12. Tickets are available online.

Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts —Dec. 5-6, Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance brings the holidays to the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Rd (sw corner of Oracle and Tangerine Roads), during the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of Arts. This two day festival features up to 150 artists and exhibitors in all mediums, live music, food vendors and family arts activities. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is at 6 p.m. on Saturday. 520-797-3959

Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Temple Emanu-El — Sunday Dec. 6, —Monday Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m. daily

Each of the eight nights of Hanukkah there will be a lighting ceremony at the outdoor Country Club Road menorah at Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club Rd. The public is cordially invited. The lighting schedule is Sunday, December 6th, at 5:30 p.m., and every night of Hanukkah thereafter at 5:30 p.m. except Sunday Dec. 13 when the menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 p.m. before the Hanukkah festivities. 520-327-4501.

Christmas at San Xavier 18th Annual Concert — Tuesday Dec. 8 - Thursday Dec. 10, at 6 p.m. and 8p.m.

Patronato San Xavier presents the Sons of Orpheus and the Tucson Boys Chorus in a Christmas concert at San Xavier Mission, 1950 W. San Xavier Rd. The two choirs perform traditional Christmas hymns and classics together and separately, interspersed with solos by local musicians and artists. Concert proceeds go toward the restoration and preservation of the mission. Tickets are $90. Seating is limited. Advance ticket purchase is required.  520-262-4441

"Holiday Wishlist" Desert Voices Winter Concert  —Friday Dec. 11, 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec.13, 3 p.m.

Desert Voices Choir presents its holiday concert "Holiday Wishlist" at St. Marks Presbyterian Church, 3809 E. Third St. Tickets: $18 in advance $20 at the door. 520-791-9662

Southern Arizona Women's Chorus Holiday Concert — Friday Dec. 11, 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 13, 4 p.m.

Southern Arizona Women's Chorus will perform their holiday concert "It's Tradition" at Catalina Foothills High School on Friday Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., and again on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1220 W. Magee. Tickets are $15.75 online, 520-404-3148

The Nutcracker Ballet —Fri. Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.,  Sat. Dec. 12,  1p.m. and 5 p.m. & Sun. Dec. 13, 2 p.m.

Ballet Tucson presents a traditional version of this holiday classic at UA Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd. Tickets: general $30 – $58, military/students/children/seniors $26 – $40, groups $19 – $31. 520-621-3341

4th Avenue Winter Street Fair — Dec. 11-13, Fri. - Sun. 10 a.m. - dusk

The Fourth Avenue Street Fair features hundreds of arts and crafts booths, two street level stages, two children’s play areas, a children’s hands on art activity area and tantalizing treats from 40+ food concessionaires. The fair is free and open to the public. 520-624-5004

A Southwest Nutcracker — Saturday Dec.12, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Tucson Regional Ballet's brings the classic Nutcracker ballet to 1880s Tucson, complete with dancing chile peppers, coyotes, cavalry, and rattlesnakes. This full-length ballet takes place at Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., with live music by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Please see the website for ticket prices or call 520-886-1222.

Messiah - Tucson Symphony Orchestra Holiday Special — Saturday Dec 12, 8 p.m. & Sunday Dec.13, 2 p.m.

The Tucson Symphony presents  two performances of Handel's Messiah at Catalina Foothills High School Auditorium, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr. Please see the website for ticket prices or call the box office at 520-882-8585. Sat at 8:00 PM, Sun at 2:00 PM

Lessons & Carols by Candlelight: True Concord Voices & Orchestra —Saturday Dec. 12 & Sunday Dec. 13

"Magic of Christmas" Tucson Symphony Orchestra Holiday Special —Saturday Dec. 19, 4 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 20, 2 p.m.

The Tucson Symphony Orchestra's holiday spectacular will feature UA Dance and the TSO Chorus. The whole family will enjoy hearing the TSO  and special guests play classic Christmas carols and holiday masterpieces, dance, sing, tell the story of Christmas, and welcome Santa. Plus, the forecast is calling for snow at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Please see the website for ticket prices or call the box office at 520-882-8585.

Mercado Holiday Bazaar —  Dec. 18-20, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Mercado San Agustin, 100 S. Avenida Del Convento, presents the 8th annual holiday bazaar the last weekend before Christmas. With more than 50 handpicked vendors offering a selection of local handmade goods this is a great place to wrap-up your shopping.  Stop into mercado shops including Stella Java Coffee Shop, La Estrella Bakery, Seis Kitchen, MAST, Dolce Pastello, Sonoran Sno-Cones and more. 520-461-1107

"Polar Express" & "It's a Wonderful Life" at Fox Theater — Monday Dec. 21 & Tuesday Dec. 22

Bring a date or the whole family and enjoy one or both of these classic holiday films at the Fox Theater. On Monday "Polar Express" will be shown at 2 p.m. while "It's a Wonderful Life" plays at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday showtimes flip with "It's a Wonderful Life" at 2 p.m. and "Polar Express" at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 per movie.

Season long events

Zoolights at Reid Park — Dec. 4-23, seven days a week, 6-8 p.m.

Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court, celebrates the season with light displays, animal-themed light sculptures, falling snow, Santa and thousands of sparkling bulbs. Camel and carousel rides will be open during the event for an additional fee. Free cookies will be provided each night. Hot cocoa will be available for purchase. The Zoo does warn that animals will likely choose to stay inside where it's warm and not be on exhibit. Admission: $9 for adults, $5 for kids 2-14, kids 2 and younger are free. Members get $2 off admission. Encore nights without entertainment Dec. 26-27. 520-791-4022

Winterhaven Festival of Lights — Dec. 12-26, 6-10 p.m.

The central neighborhood of Winterhaven has been part of Tucson's holiday traditions for decades and benefits the Community Food Bank. See the lights and decorations on foot or for an extra fee you can make a reservation for a hayride wagon, a bus trolley, or a pedal-powered group bike tour. The only night you can drive through is Dec. 26. The event is free, but you are asked to bring a donation of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Luminaria Lights at Tucson Botanical Gardens — Friday Dec. 4 - Sunday Dec.13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, invites you to visit with Santa Claus, wander the garden paths listening to live holiday music, and bask in the glow of thousands of luminarias and twinkling lights. Hot chocolate, libations and holiday treats, and food will be offered. Food will also be available for purchase from a variety of vendors. New this year – guests can enjoy Nature Connects, Art with LEGO Bricks during the event. Admission: $18 adults, $9 children, $10 adult members, $5 child members. 520-326-9686

Enchanted Snowfall —  Friday Dec. 4- Saturday Dec. 19, 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

La Encantada Shopping Center and Tucson Medical Center present Enchanted Snowfall where the entire family can see snow falling into the courtyard. Enjoy live holiday music and warm your hands while sampling Mexican hot chocolate from Blanco + Tequila.  Phone: 520-615-2561

Santa at Main Gate Square—Sunday December 6, 13 and 20, 1- 4p.m.

Main Gate Square transforms University Boulevard into Holiday Boulevard just in time for Santa’s arrival. Stroll the tree-lined streets to enjoy bright lights, garland donned historic light poles, festive lighted wreathes, a Candy Cane Lane, and climb into an 1890s German lighted sleigh with Santa for a free picture from 1- 4 p.m. All photos are complimentary. On Dec. 6 Santa will be joined by Tucson Boy's Chorus from 1-2 p.m. On Dec. 20  Tucson Girl's Chorus Advanced Choir will perform in Geronimo Plaza at 2 p.m.

Holiday Nights at Tohono Chul   Sat Dec. 5, 12, 19, 5:30 -8:30 p.m.

Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, presents Holiday Nights the first three Saturdays in December. Stroll along paths surrounded by luminarias and over a million twinkling lights. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy tasty treats while musicians and artists perform throughout the gardens. 520-742-6455

El Nacimiento (The Nativity Scene)  — Now - March 20, Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5p.m. & Sunday Noon-5 p.m. The Museum is closed on Mondays and Christmas Day.

El Nacimiento is on display at La Casa Cordova in the Tucson Museum of Art Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave., is a traditional Mexican nativity scene, an artistic expression originating in Colonial Mexico. For centuries, celebrations of Mexican families have created joyful and colorful Nacimiento displays in their home as a central part of the Christmas celebration. The largest and longest-running Nacimiento in Southern Arizona, this exhibition is an elaborate and very special version of this cultural inheritance. Admission is free.
520-624-2333

Old Time Holidays at Old Tucson now Dec. 13, Friday -  Sun, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.;  Dec. 20-23 daily, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.,  Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

The Arizona Sonora Western Heritage Foundation and Old Tucson present a holiday-themed event that celebrates the Christmas season with historic western flair. The program features two live shows set in the Old West (a holiday musical, "Love is Christmas," and a comedic spoof, "Mistletoe & Mayhem"). The storybook, "A Visit From Saint Nicholas," by Clement C. Moore, will come to life in three dioramas. Santa will arrive by wagon. There will be a petting zoo. Special guests, including the Buffalo Soldiers, will appear on Nov. 28-29. Old Tucson, 201 S. Kinney Rd., in Tucson Mountain Park. Admission: $17.95 for adults (12 and over) and $10.95 for children 4-11. 520-883-0100

 Wee Winter Wonderland — Now -Jan. 3, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday & 12-4 p.m. Sunday
closed Mondays and major holidays

The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell, has fifteen miniature scenes decorated to depict holiday celebrations around the world and throughout time. Look for the blue and red story panels which identify the miniatures and explain the history of the holiday and its traditions. Admission: $9 general, $8 seniors (over 65) and military, $6 youth ages 4-17, free for children 3 and under.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree — Now - Dec. 20,  Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Live Theater Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway Blvd., presents a Christmas sing-a-long, with dance, song and rock 'n' roll while helping Santa, the elves, and a couple of clumsy reindeer raise the cheer in time for Christmas. Admission: $7 for kids, $10 for adults. 520-327-4242

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical — Dec. 11-27, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m., & Sunday at 3 p.m.

Arizona Onstage Productions presents "The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical," at the Cabaret Theater at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue. Tickets: $32.50; seniors $27.50; students/military/active artist $20.  520-882-6574

Race to the North Pole at Gaslight Theatre  — Now - Jan 3,  7 days a week, 3 times daily (see website for times)

Gaslight Theatre presents the Christmas melodrama "Race to the North Pole" which follows the adventures of a 1920s traveling follies show. Tickets: adults $18.95; seniors/students/military $16.95; kids 12 and under $8.95. For purchase call the box office at 520-886-9428.

Around Southern Arizona

The 32nd Annual Luminaria Nights in Tubac —Friday Dec. 4 & Saturday Dec. 5, Dusk - 9 p.m.

Enjoy hundred of luminarias, refreshments and holiday music throughout Tubac village and visit with Santa in the Tubac Center of the Arts. Free horse-drawn carriage rides (provided by Good Shepherd Ranch) will transport visitors through the streets of Tubac. 520-398-2704

Sonoita by Starlight — Friday Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m.

The Desert Legacy Galleries, 3266 Hwy. 82 in Sonoita, invites you to their 17th annual Sonoita by Starlight event. Enjoy the decorations while you shop, take a wagon ride, watch the Christmas Tree lighting, take part in the caroling, get treats from Santa, plus gifts, refreshments and special drawings. 520-881-7787

Willcox Christmas Lighted Parade —Saturday Dec. 5, 6-8 p.m.

The Willcox Christmas Lighted Parade will kick off the season on Railroad Avenue. 520-384-2272

Sahuarita Winter Festival & Holiday Parade —Friday Dec. 11,  5-9 p.m.

The annual festival in Sahuarita Town Center, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way, includes a craft area, pictures with Santa, vendors selling food and a Kid's Wonderland with an ice rink, inflatables and face painting.The Holiday Light Parade starts and 6 p.m. and is followed by  a tree lighting ceremony.

Luminarias at Tombstone Courthouse —Friday Dec. 11,  6-8 p.m.

The Tombstone Courthouse, 223 Toughnut St.,  hosts its annual luminarias event. Enjoy the historical holiday atmosphere with warming yourself with hot cocoa and cookies. 520-457-3311

The Tombstone Light Parade —Saturday Dec.12

The Light Parade will start at 6:30 pm and the Annual Fireworks Display starts at 8pm. Contact the Tombstone Chamber of Commerce at 520- 457-9317 for more information.

Casa Grande Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival —Saturday Dec. 19 & Sunday Dec. 20, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance presents the Casa Grande Arts & Crafts Festival with artists selling everything from oil paintings and sculpture to rustic furniture and hand-crafted jewelry, and an eclectic mix of food vendors at Promenade Shopping Center, 1005 N. Promenade Parkway, Casa Grande. 520-797-3959