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
A Christmas Story
DEC. 11
The Fox Tucson Theatre is hosting a screening of the 1983, Warner Brothers Studio holiday movie “A Christmas Story.” The film follows the main character, Ralphie Parker, as he attempts to convince his parents, teacher and Santa Claus that the perfect Christmas gift is a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun.
Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, $10 all in, 7 p.m., foxtucson.com
‘Heist’
DEC. 11 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
A Drag Queen Christmas
DEC. 12
Murray and Peter Present “A Drag Queen Christmas,” for attendees 18 years old and older. The show features various performers from the reality television and competition show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Host Nina West will be joined by reigning drag superstar Onya Nurve, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Lydia B. Kollins. VIP Meet and Greet add-on tickets are also available.
Centennial Hall, University of Arizona, 1020 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, Tickets start at $31, 8 p.m., centhall.org
A Year with Frog and Toad
DEC. 12 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
Star Party
DEC. 13
The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be at Catalina State Park, using large telescopes to observe various celestial bodies within the solar system. Attendees will have an opportunity to view the moon, planets Mercury and Venus at sunset, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, Andromeda Galaxy and other galaxies millions of light years away, gas clouds, multiple star systems and star clusters, remnants of a past supernovae, and other fascinating objects. Additionally, there will be screens projecting the telescope’s view for attendees that have difficulty using the telescope.
Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, $10 to $20 per vehicle park entrance, 6 to 8 p.m., azstateparks.com
Broadway Barbara
DEC. 13 to DEC. 14
Performer and social media sensation Broadway Barbara Dixon continues Invisible Theatre’s 54th season with her Holiday Spectacular. The show celebrates the performer’s Christmas album titled “We Need A Little Barbara,” featuring classic holiday tunes with opportunities for the audience to sing and dance along.
The Invisible Theatre, 1400 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, $50 general admission, $45 for seniors, 7:30 p.m., invisibletheatre.com
Dave Koz and Friends
DEC. 16
GRAMMY award- nominated saxophonist Dave Koz will perform at the Fox Tucson Theatre for the 28th Anniversary Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour. Jonathan Butler, Haley Reinhart, Casey Abrams, and Kayla Waters will perform alongside Koz. The chart-topping artist has received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2023. Following his graduation from the University of California, Los Angeles, he was recruited as a touring member of singer Bobby Caldwell’s band — where he befriended Jeff Lorber and received an invitation to tour again.
The Fox Tucson Theatre,
17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, $10 all in, 3 and 7 p.m., foxtucson.com
Mark Wood Trans-Siberian Symphony
DEC. 17
Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Original String Master and award-winning international recording artist Mark Wood will perform a special holiday concert, presented by The Tucson Pops Orchestra and the Rialto Theatre. Joined by Tucson Pops, Laura Kaye, Reveille Men’s Chorus and TUSD music students, Woods’ program will feature special renditions of various classic holiday carols. The show will also feature various classic rock favorites and original works.
The Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, tickets start at $38.50, 6:30 p.m., rialtotheatre.com