It's officially the last weekend of 2024. How will you celebrate?
It's not too late to stroll through light shows like the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. The pop-up ice rink in downtown ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is still around, as are a final few Christmas festivities like fake snow flurries and Old ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s Yuletide. The calendar also includes Hanukkah happenings, live music and the big ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bowl.
Of course, things can change quickly these days. Check for the latest info before heading out!
A festive motorized Star Wars stormtrooper gestures and talks to passersby near at Kleindale Road and Fox Avenue during the 75th Winterhaven Festival of Lights, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz., December 19, 2024.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights
A holiday tradition for 75 years, walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.Ìý
When:Ìý6-10 p.m. through Dec. 28. There are no drive-thru nights.
Where:Ìý; north of Fort Lowell Road and south of Prince Road, west of Country Club Road and east of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Boulevard.
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring a donation for the Community Food Bank of Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Marana's Christmas Tree & Musical Light Show
Marana hosts nightly light shows at its 45-foot Christmas tree that include 13 minutes of holiday music synchronized to 200,000 twinkling lights. You can walk up to the tree or listen to the show from your car by tuning into the radio station listed on signage.Ìý
When:Ìý6-9 p.m. on the half-hour nightly through Dec. 28
Where:ÌýMarana Municipal Complex,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Introducing our holiday favorites from Le Buzz Caffe @ Plaza Palomino 🥞
#ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ curated a at 's midtown location. Choose from gingerbread pancakes, a gingerbread latte and a peppermint white chocolate scone, among many other goodies at Le Buzz. Find the brunch hotspot at 2930 N. Swan Road, open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. These are available through Jan. 1 🎉
ZooLights Holiday Magic 2024
Find colorful light displays, falling snow, festive music and a giant gingerbread house at Reid Park Zoo's annual ZooLights.
When:Ìý6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-5
Where:ÌýReid Park Zoo,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$12 for general admission; $7 for kids ages 2-14. Bring a donation of two cans of food, a pet toy, an unwrapped children's toy or non-functioning holiday lights to recycle and receive $1 off admission.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Holiday Ice
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s pop-up ice skating rink is in town for the holidays! Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended.Ìý
When:ÌýNow through Jan. 5; closed ChristmasÌý
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Convention Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýA 90-minute session is $22 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years old. The first session of each day is discounted to $12 for adults, $8 for kids. Book your tickets online.Ìý
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Help power our reporting into 2025
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However you support #ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ — through membership, reading our stories, liking an Instagram post —Ìýthank you endlessly. 💖 Happy New Year!
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination
Stroll through the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens where there are luminaria displays and 1 million twinkling lights.
When:Ìý6-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Jan. 12; closed Christmas
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Botanical Gardens,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$23 and up, depending on the day
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Festive Fridays
Trail Dust Town is hosting its last Festive Friday of the season, complete with snowfall, holiday drinks, discounts on wristbands for amusement rides, a kid-friendly dance party and a holiday-themed stunt show.
When:Ìý4-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:ÌýTrail Dust Town,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for rides
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Old ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is getting in the ho-ho spirit with "Yuletide."
Yuletide at Old ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥
Old ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is hosting a holiday experience that will highlight "the unique Wild West history of Old ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥" with live shows, interactive experiences and period costumes.
When:ÌýSelect dates through Jan. 4
Where:ÌýOld ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$39 for adults, $24 for kids ages 5-12
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Indigenous Takeover
Indigenous bands and musicians will take the 191 Toole stage at this event.Ìý
When:Ìý7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:Ìý191 Toole,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$10-$12
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
Ride with FUGA
Take a bike ride with organization FUGA, whichÌýadvocates for mobility, accessibility and representation for ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s south-side and west-side communities.Ìý
When:Ìý6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:ÌýEl Pueblo Center,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.Ìý
'90s Alternative Dance Party at Surly Wench
Surly Wench Pub is hosting a '90s dance party featuring all alternative music.Ìý
When:Ìý9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:ÌýSurly Wench Pub,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$5. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Games and Gadgets is also home to Short Rest Tavern at the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall.
Trivia at the Short Rest Tavern
Fridays are for trivia at the Short Rest Tavern, a hidden bar tucked inside ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Games and Gadgets. This Friday, hit rewind for a "2024: Year in Review" trivia night.Ìý
When:Ìý7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:ÌýShort Rest Tavern in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Mall,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for drinks. Tables are first come, first served. Park between Dillard's and Sears.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Fire Show at Sky Bar
Cirque Collective Fire Troupe puts on a 20-minute fire show every fourth Friday, right outside of Sky Bar.Ìý
When:Ìý8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27
Where:ÌýSky Bar,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Walking tours with the Presidio Museum
Explore ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s downtown area with walking tours hosted by the Presidio Museum. This weekend's tours will show you the Santa Cruz River, Congress Street and Barrio Viejo, along with a "Death After Dark" tour.
When:ÌýVarious dates, check out the calendarÌý.
Where:ÌýLocations vary based on tour.
Cost:Ìý$30 and up. Pre-registration may be required for these events.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Kym Adair, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bowl executive director, left, takes a selfie with Kate Brock-Calhoun, a board member, before the introduction of the new sponsor for the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bowl during a press conference on May 6, 2024.Ìý
Snoop Dogg ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bowl
Saturday's ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Bowl, now sponsored by Snoop Dogg's Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop, will be a matchup between the Colorado State Rams and the Miami Redhawks. AllÌýproceeds go to Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ nonprofits.
When:Ìý2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium,
Cost:Ìý$23 and up
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Community Cover Fest
Listen to nine bands cover nine other bands at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Community Cover Fest, which is a benefit show for the Community Food Bank. You'll hear covers of music by Radiohead, David Bowie, Tracy Chapman and more.
When:Ìý5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýHotel Congress,
Cost:Ìý$10. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Sparkling Wine Tasting Event
New beer and wine bar The Broadway is hosting a mixer-style wine tasting, featuring sparking wine. Expect three tasters, one full pour and charcuterie.Ìý
When:Ìý6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýThe Broadway,
Cost:Ìý$30
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
TKMA Fundraiser at Monterey CourtÌý
Head to Monterey Court for a fundraiser in support of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Kitchen Musicians Association, the group who organizes the annual ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Folk Festival. Dance the night away to Latin fusion band Santa Pachita, along with Tesoro who will bring flamenco sounds to the stage.Ìý
When:Ìý6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýMonterey Court,
Cost:Ìý$20 in advance, $25 at the door
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Chanukah Game Night
Chabad ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ is hosting a game night complete with a menorah lighting and refreshments.Ìý
When:Ìý7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýChabad ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥,
Cost:Ìý$10
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
So Long, 2024
Say goodbye to 2024 with an evening of family-friendly improv at Unscrewed Theater.
When:Ìý7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýUnscrewed Theater,
Cost:Ìý$10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 12 and under
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Holiday Hahas Double Feature
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Improv Movement is hosting a festive night of comedy, including Christmas Carol-oake that turns carols into improv.Ìý
When:Ìý7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Improv Movement,
Cost:Ìý$9
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Foothills Community Markets
Visit this market to shop from vendors who have items like yard art, home decor, jewelry, baked goods and more.
When:Ìý10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
Where:ÌýFoothills Mall,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for shopping
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Bachata Social Dance Night
Put on your dancing shoes for a night of music and mingling! Enjoy a bachata class followed by social dancing.Ìý
When:Ìý8-11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28
Where:ÌýÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Creative Dance Center,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$15, cash or Venmo
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
The Northwest Chanukah Festival
Chabad of Oro Valley is putting together a Chanukah celebration with music, free latkes and doughnuts and a menorah lighting.Ìý
When:Ìý2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:ÌýOro Valley Marketplace,Ìý
Cost:ÌýFree to attend, bring money for food
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Cat Bingo at El Jefe Cat Cafe
Play bingo alongside adoptable cats at El Jefe Cat Cafe.
When:Ìý6-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:ÌýEl Jefe Cat Cafe,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$14,Ìýreservations required
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Magic & Mystery Dinner Theater
Enjoy dinner from Dante's Fire alongside a magical theatrical performance.Ìý
When:Ìý5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29
Where:ÌýDante's Fire,Ìý
Cost:Ìý$49 without dinner, $89 with dinner
Visit theÌýÌýfor more information.
Explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
Ìýhas indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul,Ìý!
What does "supported by" mean?ÌýÌýto learn more.