Looking for a place to see the the merry twinkle of lights in Tucson? We’ve curated a list of the best places around town to see holiday light displays in 2022. Featured listings include neighborhoods with outstanding Christmas decor, light-up events at local attractions, and evening parades.
An illuminated desert wonderland! Holiday Nights is a timeless tradition for children, students, couples, whole families, and everyone in between!
Walk down illuminated pathways, enjoy live entertainment, and be dazzled by twinkling lights while musicians and artists perform throughout the gardens. You’re sure to enjoy the many distinct experiences located throughout the grounds while you sip hot chocolate and enjoy festive treats!
Not finished with your holiday shopping? Peruse the Museum Shops where you are sure to find a unique gift for that special someone or purchase the gift of a membership to Tohono Chul.
Designed by nationally known public garden landscape architect Tres Fromme, a carefully curated and artfully sequenced series of illuminated experiences will transform the Gardens into a glittering wonderland of lights.
Six distinct, but meticulously connected thematic zones with their own unique color palettes, will lead visitors through more than a million lights, custom-built oversized installations, and pieces created by local artisans. Be dazzled by a 50′ light tunnel and choreographed cypress trees. Plus, experience the golden world of luminarias like never before!
In addition to clouds of LED lights throughout the display, there will also be custom-built, oversized props and pieces including light tunnels, cypress-inspired spindle trees, punched-tin stars and trees, light curtains, and luminaria chandeliers and archways. A casual walk through the show will take approximately 60 minutes and will be accompanied by a soundtrack that, in some areas, will be choreographed with the lights.
The route for the Parade of Lights will begin at 17th St. and Stone Avenue and will make its way through downtown to Armory Park. Attendees are encouraged to visit local downtown merchants, enjoy dinner, and stroll the light-filled promenades of downtown along the parade route. Additionally, some of Tucson’s top food trucks will be located on 12th Street, between 5th Ave and 6th Ave, offering a wide variety of dining options throughout the evening.
Staging for the parade will take place along 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th streets from 5th Avenue to 6th Avenue. The best views will be available at Armory Park, St. Augustine Cathedral, and the Children’s Museum Tucson.
Tour the lights on a hayride wagon ($), a bus trolley ($), or a pedal-powered group bike ($)! Alternatively, you can also see the lights on foot for free!
Ready, Set, Glow! ZooLights: Holiday Magic returns with thousands of enchanting lights, mesmerizing light shows, and displays and holly jolly fun for all ages. Stop in for a photo opp at the confection-merry Candyland, share Seasons greetings in the oceans zone, and have a Santa-abulous visit with St. Nick who will be hearing wishes each evening through December 23. Experience falling snow in the Artic Zone, listen to festive music, or savor a hot cup of cocoa from the Zoo Café or carts as you travel through a colorful wild wonderland in this Tucson holiday tradition.
SEE A FULL LISTING OF PLACES WHERE YOU CAN SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS BELOW.
