Jake Shimabukuro Show at Fox Theatre
DEC. 5
Want to hear some Christmas music with some Hawaiian flair? Craving to hear the soft strums of the ukulele? Look no further. Jake Shimabukuro is set to perform at the Fox Tucson Theatre where he’ll be bringing some holiday cheer to the audience with his Holidays in Hawaii concert tour. Hear classic Christmas songs like “We Three Kings”, “The Little Drummer Boy”, “O Holy Night” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” reimagined in the style of traditional Hawaiian music.
In addition to playing Christmas songs, he will also showcase songs from his new music album Grateful. Assisting Jake Shimabukuro are singer-songwriter Justin Kawaika Young and bassist Jackson Waldhoff. This Christmas concert is a cultural fusion filled with fun and holiday cheer all around, giving audience members a chance to say “Aloha!” to Christmas with open arms.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $32, foxtucson.com
Downtown Parade
of Lights in Tucson
DEC. 6
Armory Park is set to bring splendor and shimmering lights to downtown Tucson this December. Now in its 31st year, the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival is making a comeback. This event will unite the community of Tucson and bring forth the winter season vibes to Tucson residents with a little help from some shining stars. The Parade of Lights and Festival will feature a giant parade procession, featuring bright holiday lights, folklorico dancers and mariachi musicians walking down the streets of Tucson.
The parade will start at 17th Street and 4th Avenue and will end at Armory Park. Food trucks will be stationed during the parade on 12th Street between Scott and 6th Avenues, and along the parade route. Sponsors for the parade and festival include Visit Tucson, Arizona Bowl, La Poderosa 105.3, and more.
Armory Park, 220 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, parade starts at 6:30 p.m., free admission, downtownparadeoflights.com
Tucson Jewish Community
Center Hot Cocoa Run
DEC. 7
Run or walk for fun along the Rillito River Path because the Tucson Jewish Community Center welcomes runners and walkers of all ages to participate in the Hanukkah Hot Cocoa Run. The race will start and end at the Tucson Jewish Community Center’s Jill Rosenzweig Memorial Sculpture Garden. Jelly donuts and hot cocoa will be offered to various participants of the event after the race. Additionally, prizes will be awarded to top finishers alongside with raffle prizes, too. Bring running shoes and get ready to trot. This event is sponsored by TMC Health and the results of the race will be provided by Road Runner Race.
Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road, Tucson, free admission for the 1K fun run, registration for the 1-mile race is $25, registration for the 5K race is $35, runners of all ages are welcome, registration opens at 7 a.m., runsignup.com
Tower of Power Show at Fox Theatre
DEC. 13
‘Tis the season to get funky. Why not spice up the winter holiday season with some funk and soul music from Tower of Power? Tower of Power proudly presents their Holiday and Hits Tour at the Fox Tucson Theatre.
This family-friendly concert is a musical medley of classic Christmas songs along with their personal hits, blending in holiday tunes with the energy of funk, soul, R and B. This concert will make anyone want to kick off their Sunday shoes and sing along. Who wouldn’t want to hear a jazzy funk-styled rendition of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing?” Feel the fever of their soulful songs and the merry holiday vibes all at once. Don’t be afraid to shake, rattle, and roll. “Yule” be in for a holly jolly good time.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, show starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $58, foxtucson.com
Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson
DEC. 13 to DEC. 27
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights returns for their 76th year in Tucson, welcoming the holiday season with open arms. Since the festival’s debut in 1949, it has gone to be one of Tucson’s many winter holiday traditions. Come stroll through the streets of Tucson from 6 to 10 p.m. to see houses all decked out in sparkly winter holiday light displays.
Whether it’s seeing Hanukkah menorahs, traditional Christmas lights or any other winter holiday display, there’s always room for celebrating holiday joy. Apart from walking through the streets, the festival also offers pedal-powered bikes, trolleys and hayrides for those that want to find alternative ways to see the lights. The event also asks attendees to support the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Bring in either money or food donations to help families in Arizona make their winter holiday season a holly jolly time. This festival is sponsored by Tucson Electric Power and Cox Communications.
3200 N. Christmas Avenue, Tucson, 6 to 10 p.m., free admission, winterhavenfestival.org
Ballet Tucson presents ‘The Nutcracker’
DEC. 19 to DEC. 21
Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra partner up with each other to bring the story of “The Nutcracker” to life, right in front of the audience’s eyes at the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.
The performance centers on Clara, a little girl whose nutcracker doll comes to life and embarks on a whimsical adventure, encountering various characters along the way. Feast your eyes on the talented ballet dancers as they twirl and prance in elaborate costumes, follow the journey of Clara and the Nutcracker as they take guests to the Land of Sweets and hear the strings of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with music pieces such as “Waltz of the Flowers” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” This ballet performance is guaranteed to be a holiday present for anyone. Photography and videography during the show is strictly prohibited.
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, tickets start at $40, ballettucson.org
Bruce Halper Sings The Great American Songbook
DEC. 5
Bruce Amory Halper is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose work is shaped by his New York City roots, his international travels, and his lifelong passion for The Great American Songbook. Come hear Bruce swing through classics from Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Barbara Streisand and more.
The group includes Bruce Halper (vocals), Angelo Versace (piano), Thøger Tentens Lund (bass) and Arthur Vint (drums) plus special guests.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
Rachel Eckroth Trio
DEC. 6
Join in for an intimate evening with the Rachel Eckroth Trio, featuring acclaimed pianist Rachel Eckroth alongside drummer Tina Raymond and bassist Destiny Diggs. Known for her boundary-pushing work in experimental and genre-blending projects, Eckroth makes a compelling return to her jazz roots with this powerful trio. Showcasing her deep command of the tradition, Eckroth leads with lyrical phrasing, sharp improvisational instincts and a reverence for the swing and nuance that define straight-ahead jazz. Featuring Destiny Diggs (bass) and Tina Raymond (drums).
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
University of Arizona
Jazz Ensembles
DEC. 8 and DEC. 9
Join the next generation of jazz musicians as the perform their final semester concerts at the Century Room. Monday night features the 16-piece Studio Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Angelo Versace and Tuesday night features small groups under the direction of Brice Winston, Jason Carder and Arthur Vint.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $10, hotelcongress.com
‘Feliz Navidad’ with Felíz Torralba!
DEC. 11
This December, vocalist Felíz Torralba returns to the Century Room for a holiday performance that blends jazz sophistication with Latin warmth. “Feliz Navidad” is a curated, 70-minute concert that reimagines classic Christmas songs and seasonal favorites through elegant arrangements and cinematic textures. With her signature blend of intimacy and style, Felíz invites listeners into a space of connection and nostalgia — where bossa nova meets winter glow, and every song feels like a toast to the season.
A captivating jazz vocalist known for her soulful tone and refined storytelling, Felíz Torralba has become a leading voice in Tucson’s jazz scene. Her performances draw on a deep love of Latin rhythm, classic jazz, and cinematic mood, creating intimate experiences that feel both timeless and personal. Whether fronting a small ensemble or performing on a grand stage, Felíz brings elegance, authenticity and emotional depth to every note.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, hotelcongress.com
Liz Cracchiolo sings ‘Ella
Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas’
DEC. 12
Celebrate the sparkle and sophistication of a classic Christmas as Tucson favorite Liz Cracchiolo and her swinging band bring Ella Fitzgerald’s beloved holiday album to life. Featuring beloved songs from the iconic holiday album, this show is a stylish tribute to the First Lady of Song. With her signature warmth, wit, and velvet vocals, Liz captures the joy, heart and rhythm that made “Ella Wishes You a Swingin’ Christmas” a timeless classic. Featuring Liz Cracchiolo (vocals) Jason Carder (trumpet) Ed Delucia (guitar) Scott Black (bass) Pete Swan (drums).
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, hotelcongress.com
Ted Rosenthal Trio |
High Standards
DEC. 13
Welcome back beloved NYC pianist Ted Rosenthal and his trio. They will be performing music from Rosenthal’s recent CD release “High Standards” showcasing his innovative takes on Songbook and Jazz Standards. Ted Rosenthal is one of the leading jazz pianist and composers of his generation. He actively tours worldwide with his trio and as a soloist. He also has performed with many jazz greats, including Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods, Bob Brookmeyer and James Moody.
Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Rosenthal has released 19 CDs as a leader, including four new CDs in 2025, featuring his distinctive arrangements of the Great American Songbook, reimaginings of classical themes and original compositions. “Rhapsody in Gershwin,” which features his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue for jazz trio, reached No. 1 in jazz album sales on iTunes and Amazon.
“Rosenthal’s brilliant arrangements transform familiar tunes into a new way of hearing and experiencing them. Elegant, sophisticated, joyful, gratifying… a great listen from a truly inspired artist.” said NYC Jazz Record.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, hotelcongress.com
Rich Hinman vs. Adam Levy
DEC. 14
Guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman and Adam Levy join forces for an afternoon of soulful, roots-infused, jazz-tinged instrumentals at The Century Room. Known for their work with artists like Sara Bareilles, Norah Jones and Fiona Apple, both Hinman and Levy bring deep musicality and effortless groove to the stage. Their interplay is equal parts conversation and competition as they explore original tunes and reimagined classics in their signature “Rich Hinman vs. Adam Levy” format. Rounding out the band are Bailey Zick on bass and Arthur Vint on drums, two of Arizona’s finest rhythm section players.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, hotelcongress.com
The CJO Plays Ellington’s ‘Nutcracker Suite’
DEC. 15 and DEC. 22
A Century Room holiday tradition, the Century Jazz Orchestra will be playing Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite” plus other Ellington classics.
The Nutcracker Suite
The original cover for the 1960 big band album, “The Nutcracker Suite,” presented three people as the authors, all with equal font size and inhabiting the same line: “Ellington. Strayhorn. Tchaikovsky.” It was as if to announce a convergence of historical import, like a world summit or long-awaited crossover comic. This was not just any old Christmas album, that commercial phenomenon of repackaging holiday hits. By adapting Tchaikovsky’s score for jazz orchestra, Ellington was poised to both widen the appeal of his band and cement his status as a genius composer.
The Century Jazz Orchestra
Inspired by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra performs every Monday night at the Century Room starting at 6:30pm. Expect music from the Count Basie Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, plus classics from Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and much more. An intergenerational ensemble, the CJO fosters community with students, teachers and professionals performing alongside each other and is supported by the Sonora Arts & Music Initiative 501(c)3. Come relive the magic of the big band era every Monday as the CJO keeps the music alive and thriving in the 21st Century.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ | Vint, Versace & Black
DEC. 18 to DEC. 21
A Tucson holiday tradition. Join Arthur Vint, Angelo Versace & Scott Black for a live performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Century Room. The classic album had a profound impact on jazz and pop culture by introducing a unique blend of jazz and Christmas music to a wider audience. Released in 1965, it helped popularize jazz among mainstream listeners and became synonymous with the holiday season. Guaraldi’s compositions, particularly “Linus and Lucy,” remain enduring classics.
This show is 16 and up, but children younger than 16 may be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Guests 18 and under are half price.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $20, hotelcongress.com
‘Twas The Jam Before Christmas
DEC. 24
Multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid leads our annual Jazz Jam Before Christmas. The house band opens up with a short set followed by an instrumental jam until 9:30 p.m. Musicians who sit in get in free.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $10, hotelcongress.com
Benny Benack III | Third Time’s The Charm
DEC. 26 and DEC. 27
Trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III returns to The Century Room for a highly anticipated weekend residency, bringing his electrifying mix of swing, style, and showmanship back to Tucson. A leading voice of his generation, Benack channels the spirit of the greats — Sinatra’s charisma, Miles’ fire and Chet Baker’s charm — into a modern sound all his own. With his trumpet in hand and velvet-smooth vocals, he moves effortlessly between hard-swinging bebop lines and heartfelt ballads, captivating audiences around the world from Birdland to the Blue Note.
Over the course of the weekend, Benack will be joined by an all-star rhythm section to deliver an unforgettable series of performances blending straight-ahead jazz, soulful grooves, and dynamic improvisation. Whether he’s scatting, playing screaming lines on his trumpet or leading the band through a blistering standard, Benny’s infectious energy and effortless musicianship make every set a celebration. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of jazz’s brightest young stars lighting up The Century Room once again.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
Benny Benack III with
the Century Jazz Orchestra
DEC. 29
Benny is back, this time fronting the 17-piece Century Jazz Orchestra. Known for his dazzling trumpet work, velvet-smooth vocals, and magnetic stage presence, Benack is one of the most exciting young artists bridging the worlds of classic and contemporary jazz. A fixture at New York’s most celebrated venues and a frequent collaborator with stars like Christian McBride and Veronica Swift, he brings a rare mix of virtuosity, wit and old-school charm to every performance.
For this engagement, Benack joins forces with The Century Jazz Orchestra, Tucson’s premier big band for an unforgettable evening of swing, lush ballads, and improvisation. Expect bold new arrangements, timeless standards, and the kind of high-energy interplay that only a world-class soloist and powerhouse orchestra can deliver. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Benack and a major musical event for The Century Room — one night of big band brilliance not to be missed.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
New Year’s Eve Eve with Katherine Byrnes
DEC. 30
Ring in the New Year a night early with Katherine Byrnes as she presents a special New Year’s Eve Celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at The Century Room. One of Tucson’s most beloved vocalists, Byrnes brings her signature blend of glamour, soul, and sophistication to this festive evening. Performing a sparkling set of lush melodies and dreamy textures with Ryan Alfred, Thøger Lund, Angelo Versace and Casey Hadland, Byrnes creates the perfect atmosphere for those looking to celebrate in style — without the chaos of New Year’s Eve crowds.
Skip the madness and join in for an elegant evening of live music, cozy cocktails, and good cheer while counting down to “midnight” a day early. Whether you’re out for a date night, a gathering with friends, or just a chance to raise a glass in good company, Katherine Byrnes’ New Year’s Eve Eve show promises to close out 2025 on a high note. Dress up, drink up, and celebrate early at The Century Room.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $25, hotelcongress.com
Songs Of The Silver Screen, New Year’s Eve Celebration
DEC. 31
Step into the glamour of Old Hollywood this New Year’s Eve at The Century Room for a dazzling evening of music, elegance, and celebration. This year’s theme, “Songs of the Silver Screen,” features beloved Academy Award–winning songs from the 1930s through the 1960s, performed by the radiant Sarah Tolar alongside an all-star band including Brice Winston, Matt Mitchell, Angelo Versace, Scott Black and Arthur Vint. From sweeping ballads to timeless jazz classics, the evening will transport guests straight to Hollywood’s golden age with lush arrangements and captivating performances that shimmer with cinematic magic.
Walk the red carpet in the finest attire for this black-tie affair, complete with exciting surprises throughout the night as we count down to 2026 in true Century Room style. Expect champagne, glamour and a celebration worthy of the silver screen — an unforgettable night where vintage charm meets modern sophistication. Don’t miss your chance to close out the year in spectacular fashion at The Century Room’s New Year’s Eve Eve: Songs of the Silver Screen.
The Century Room, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, hotelcongress.com