Tucson’s Christmas Tree
TO JAN. 5
Tucson’s Christmas Tree, presented by Rio Nuevo and the Downtown Tucson Partnership, shines bright in Jácome Plaza with thousands of white LED lights and over 1,000 stunning ornaments. Standing at 36 feet, it’s one of the largest trees in Southern Arizona, creating a festive centerpiece for Downtown. The tree is available for viewing daily through Jan. 5, offering a magical holiday experience for all who visit.
Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, free, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., visittucson.org
Wee Winter Wonderland
TO JAN. 5
This holiday season, the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures invites visitors to experience its enchanting Wee Winter Wonderland. The museum’s galleries and lobby are transformed with festive decorations, featuring miniatures that showcase holiday traditions. Miniatures from the permanent collection are altered to highlight historical and international holiday customs. Spanish translations are available for special didactics that shed light on these small situations around the galleries. Combining art, history, and seasonal cheer in a distinctive small setting, it’s a delightful experience for people of all ages.
The Mini Tike Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, Tucson, $15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., theminitimemachine.org
Zoolights: Holiday Magic
TO JAN. 5
Step into a winter wonderland at Zoolights: Holiday Magic, where more than 1 million lights illuminate Reid Park Zoo in a vibrant celebration of the season. New attractions this year include a giant gingerbread house and a 35-foot tree, and live entertainment. Sip on festive hot cocoa, enjoy falling snow and create memories with loved ones.
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court, Tucson, $14, 6 to 8:30 p.m., reidparkzoo.org
Tucson Holiday Ice Rink
TO JAN. 5
Holiday celebrants can ice skate in the heart of the city this season with the fifth annual Tucson Holiday Ice Rink at the Tucson Convention Center.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, $22, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
tucsonconventioncenter.com
Tucson Holiday Ice Rink
TO JAN. 5
Holiday celebrants can ice skate in the heart of the city this season with the fifth annual Tucson Holiday Ice Rink at the Tucson Convention Center.
Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, $22, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,
tucsonconventioncenter.com
“LightsUp!” A Festival of Illumination
TO JAN. 12
Experience the wonder of the season at “LightsUp!”, an enchanting holiday event that lights the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Over 1 million twinkling lights transform the garden into a mesmerizing display, featuring oversized structures like a captivating lift tunnel, vibrant trees and stunning luminaria arrangements. Visitors can enjoy an immersive journey through artistic installations, where the atmosphere is perfect for making cherished memories with family and friends.
Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, $23, 6 to 9:30 p.m., tucsonbotanical.org
“The Embrace of Stillness”
JAN. 5
Experience the tranquility of winter at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson with “The Embrace of Stillness,” a mindful haiku walk led by award-winning poet Kenneth Pearson. This reflective journey, designed to foster mindfulness and gratitude, invites participants to explore the art of haiku while appreciating the impermanence of winter’s transition into spring. Advanced reservations are required for this unique event.
Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, $20, noon to 1:30 p.m., yumegardens.org
Tucson Senior Olympic Festival
JAN. 4 TO FEB. 2
Open to those older than 50, the 38th annual Tucson Senior Olympic Festival offers a plethora of activities, including archery, euchre, golf, racquetball, leisure walks and horseshoes. Venues include the Udall Regional Center, Kino Sports Complex and Lucky Strike Bowl.
Various venues, prices, times and days, tucsonaz.gov
Keller Williams
JAN. 9
Keller Williams, the genre-blending musician known for his upbeat live performances, will bring his solo looping show to Tucson’s Rialto Theatre. With a discography spanning over two decades, each of his albums, from “Freek” to his latest, “Deer,” carries a single-syllable title reflecting the project’s creative concept.
Rialto Theatre 191 E. Toole Avenue, tickets start at $28, 8 p.m.,
rialtotheatre.com
“Cronan The Barbarian”
JAN. 9 TO MARCH 30
The Gaslight Theatre presents “Cronan the Barbarian,” a hilarious and epic adventure set in a chaotic ancient world. When lawlessness spreads, the legendary hero Cronan, part man and part myth, rises to fight for his people, armed only with his strength and a mystical sword. This parody, perfect for all ages, promises a thrilling and comedic journey as Cronan battles impossible odds to bring peace to a turbulent world.
The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, $28, various times, thegaslighttheatre.com
“Ripcord”
JAN. 10 TO FEB. 2
“Ripcord,” a witty and heartwarming comedy, will run at Live Theatre Workshop through Feb. 2. The play follows Abby, a cantankerous woman forced to share her prime senior living space with the overly cheerful Marilyn, leading to a hilarious battle of one-upmanship that uncovers deeper truths about both women. Directed by Nancy Davis Booth and and stars Rhonda Hallquist and Gretchen Wires.
Live Theatre Workshop 3322 E. Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, $28, various times and days, livetheatreworkshop.org
Foghat and Molly Hatchet
JAN. 11
Legendary rock bands Foghat and Molly Hatchet hit the stage at Desert Diamond Casino. Known for hits like “Slow Ride,” Foghat includes founding member Roger Earl, along with Bryan Bassett, Rodney Quinn, and “new” lead vocalist/guitarist Scott Holt. Joining Foghat is Molly Hatchet, whose Southern rock earned it multiplatinum success.
Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, tickets start at $55, 8 p.m., ddcaz.com
Quilt Fiesta
JAN. 10 TO JAN. 12
The Tucson Quilters Guild will host its annual Quilt Fiesta, featuring hundreds of beautiful quilts on display. The event will also include a small quilt auction, Quilts of Valor, a basket bonanza raffle, classes, demos and vendors. Dedicated to promoting the art of quilting, the Tucson Quilters Guild brings together quilting enthusiasts from across Southern Arizona for a weekend of creativity, learning and community.
Pima County Fairgrounds’ Old Pueblo Hall, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, $10 per day or $20 for a three-day pass, $8 parking, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, tucsonquiltersguild.com
