As Tucson prepares to welcome a new year, one of downtown’s hospitality spaces is inviting the community to celebrate the end of another year.
Unicorn Zebra Tucson, the boutique hotel and cocktail bar tucked just off the main downtown roads, will host a series of festive activations throughout December, culminating in a New Year’s Eve celebration that showcases the venue’s full creative vision for the first time.
For Sandy Du Plessis, owner of Unicorn Zebra Tucson, the upcoming holiday season marks an important milestone.
“This is really the first year we’re able to offer the full experience,” Du Plessis said. “Last year, the basement was still closed. Now guests can stay in the hotel, enjoy the cocktail bar, and spend New Year’s Eve in the speakeasy-style event space downstairs.”
Throughout December, Unicorn Zebra has leaned into themed holiday weekends, encouraging guests to dress according to rotating concepts shared on Instagram. Those who participate can expect themed décor, drink specials and small prizes, while the venue’s basement has been transformed into a festive winter setting filled with Christmas trees, lights and seasonal installations.
On New Year’s Eve, the celebration expands. A DJ will take over later in the evening, activating the lower-level space that Du Plessis describes as “industrial chic meets pretty light.” Typically reserved for private rentals — including wedding receptions, after-parties and corporate gatherings — the basement will be open to the public as part of the New Year’s festivities.
“What’s fun about the building is that it has different personalities depending on where you are,” Du Plessis said. “You can be upstairs in the cocktail bar, or downstairs with the DJ, and it feels like a totally different experience.”
Unicorn Zebra’s location adds to its appeal on one of Tucson’s busiest nights. The hotel sits within walking distance of the Tucson Convention Center, the Fox Theatre, restaurants and downtown New Year’s Eve events, including the city’s signature taco drop. Despite its proximity, the property remains slightly tucked away, giving it a quieter, more intimate feel than venues directly on Congress Street.
“People sometimes say it feels hidden, like a speakeasy,” Du Plessis said. “But we’re actually very central. You can walk everywhere, then come back to a space that’s calmer and more relaxed.”
The boutique hotel itself offers just 10 rooms, all operated through a self-check-in, digitally managed system that blends hotel amenities with vacation rental privacy. For New Year’s Eve, Unicorn Zebra plans to offer special package deals that combine overnight stays, complimentary drinks and access to the evening’s events. While pricing varies by room type, Du Plessis said packages are expected to start in the low-to-mid hundreds, with booking details available directly through the hotel’s website.
“We really encourage people to book directly with us,” she said. “That’s where the special deals and promo codes will be.”
The holiday season also represents a personal achievement for Du Plessis and her husband, who have taken a hands-on approach to building the space since opening the bar just over a year ago. What began as a small lobby cocktail bar has steadily expanded to include a loft area, full hotel operations and the now-active basement venue.
“We do most of this ourselves,” Du Plessis said. “We painted the zebras on the walls. My husband handles the shelves and liquor procurement. It’s been exciting, exhausting and really rewarding to finally see the space come to life.”
As Unicorn Zebra continues to introduce itself to Tucson’s hospitality scene, Du Plessis hopes New Year’s Eve will help spread the word — not just about the bar, but about the versatility of the entire building.
“It’s rare to find a fully indoor event space that’s comfortable year-round and flexible enough to really make your own,” she said. “We’ve seen people take over the whole building for weddings and celebrations. Now we’re excited to share that with the wider community.”
Details on New Year’s Eve events, holiday themes and booking packages are available at unicornzebratucson.com, with updates posted regularly on Instagram.