Tucson Holiday Ice
ONGOING
Tucson’s Ice Rink will be available through the entire holiday season in front of the Tucson Convention Center — and is made of real rather than synthetic ice. Purchase of a ticket online includes a pair of rental skates for a 90-minute session. The skate size starts at a size 8 and goes as large as men’s 15. Socks are required for skating and gloves are recommended as well. The skating rink will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, for pricing and skate times, visit tucsonaz.gov
Frida’s Garden
ONGOING
Tucson Botanical Gardens’ “Frida’s Garden” Exhibit is dedicated to the iconic visual artist Frida Kahlo. Inspired by Kahlo’s garden in Mexico City, called “La Casa Azul,” the space features a scaled-down version of the Aztec-inspired pyramid and Toad Pond and plant life that honors the original — with some Southwestern additions.
Tucson Botanical Gardens,
2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, various pricing, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., tucsonbotanical.org
‘Heist’
DEC. 18 to DEC. 20
The Arizona Theatre Company will present its production of “Heist” — inspired by films such as “Ocean’s Eleven,” “The Italian Job” and “The Sting.” A group of professional thieves assemble to steal the world’s rarest jewel in a plan that, while seeming foolproof, goes wrong at every juncture. The end result of the heist keeps the audience guessing after the show has concluded.
Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, Tucson, for ticket pricing and show times, visit atc.org
Festive Silent Adventures
DEC. 18 to DEC. 23
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is hosting a silent disco through Tuesday, Dec. 23. Attendees are provided with a pair of special silent disco headphones, while following the host through the neighborhood. The 30-minute adventure will be accompanied by comedy, singing, dancing, and flash mob group antics. Additionally, the new silent disco stroll will feature a curated playlist and will not require any dancing or singing — to include participants with sensory needs.
Winterhaven Tucson, $20 for adults, $8 for kids, 6:30 to 8 p.m., silentadventures.com
‘The Nutcracker Ballet’
DEC. 19 to DEC. 21
Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra will present their production of “The Nutcracker” for the holiday season. Taking the stage at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, “The Nutcracker Ballet” was written in 1892, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky — adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 short story. The original tale dates back to 1816, with E.T.A. Hoffman’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” This season and production marks the fourth year the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Tucson Ballet have collaborated and the act of bringing Tchaikovsky’s work to life has become a tradition.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $12, various times, ballettucson.orgg
‘A Year with Frog and Toad’
DEC. 19 to DEC. 21
Live Theatre Workshop is paying homage to the Books by Arnold Lobel — “Frog and Toad.” The production was a hit on Broadway, featuring music by Robert Reale and Willie Reale. “Frog and Toad” follows the adventures of the cheerful Frog and his grumpier best friend Toad, as they experience the four seasons. In their journey, the two learn about the ups and down of friendship while learning to understand and celebrate their differences.
Live Theatre Workshop, 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, $28, $25 Senior, Military, Student, for show dates and times, visit livetheatreworkshop.org
Festive Fridays
DEC. 19 and DEC. 26
Weekly through the holiday season, Trail Dust Town hosts its Festive Friday event — free to attend for the community. The celebration features hot cocoa, as well as various holiday drinks and snacks. For $8, attendees can purchase a wristband that will grant them unlimited rides on the train, carousel, and Ferris wheel. Additionally, holiday music will fill the air and the Pistoleros will perform from 7 to 8 p.m.
Trail Dust Town, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson, free admission, $8 wristband, 4 to 8 p.m., traildusttown.com
José Hernández —
Merry-Achi Christmas
DEC. 20
Los Embajadores del Mariachi will perform its holiday special “Merry-achi Christmas,” at The Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 20. Also known as Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, the eight-time Grammy nominated group is stopping in Tucson as part of its 16-city national tour in celebration of the holiday season. This year marks Hernandez’ 50th year preserving Mexican culture and music.
The Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, $24 to $64 all in, 7:30 p.m., foxtucson.com
Squirrel Nut Zippers’
Holiday Caravan
DEC. 21
The Squirrel Nut Zippers’ Holiday Caravan tour features an array of holiday music that combines the light of Christmas with the backroom din of a speakeasy. From ballads to dance tunes, the setlist includes sons from the group’s holiday album along with other selections from its vast catalog. The band’s leader, Jimbo Mathus, created a show inspired by 1920s jazz, klezmer and old-time music.
The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $38.50, 6:30 p.m., rialtotheatre.com
LeAnn Rimes’ Greatest Hits
DEC. 22
Multi-platinum-selling and ASCAP award-winning songwriter LeAnn Rimes will perform at The Fox Tucson Theatre on Monday, Dec. 22. Rimes has received various awards across her career, including two Grammy awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two world music awards, three Academy of Country Music awards, two Country Music Association awards and one Dove award. With 48 million units sold, Rimes was also the youngest solo artist recipient of the “Best New Artist” Grammy and the first Country artist to win “Artist of the Year” at the Billboard Music Awards.
The Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, $58 to $145 all in, 7:30 p.m., foxtucson.com