The holiday season is in full swing, and Desert Nights Downtown Lights continues to dazzle with over 100 illuminated trees and beautifully lit buildings. Downtown is the place to be this December! From the Parade of Lights and visits with Santa to ice skating and other festive events, we’ve got a full breakdown of holiday fun to enjoy.
We’re also sharing important partner news, including a new grant opportunity for businesses in the Rio Nuevo District. Read on for all this and more happening in the heart of Tucson this season.
See you downtown,
Downtown Tucson Partnership
Rockin' Around Tucson’s Christmas Tree
Tucson's Christmas Tree is now on display in Jácome Plaza downtown (101 N. Stone Avenue) standing at 36 feet tall. The tree is available for viewing every day during regular park hours, 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Enter ourInsta Photo Contest, now through January 2, 2025, for a chance to win a Downtown Tucson Gift Card. A heartfelt thank you to Rio Nuevo for sponsoring the tree and spreading holiday joy!
Parade of Lights Features New Route
Celebrate the holidays with the 30th Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival, presented by Rio Nuevo, at Armory Park, 220 S. 6th Avenue, on Saturday, December 14. The festivities kick off from 4–6 p.m. with food trucks, vendors, and entertainment. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. at 4th Avenue & 17th Street, making its way to Armory Park. View the parade route here.
A Winter Wonderland at AC Hotel
Join the AC Hotel Tucson Downtownfor its inaugural AC Winter Wonderland, a festive two-night holiday celebration filled with seasonal cheer!
Friday, December 13 (4:00–8:00 p.m.): Family-friendly fun with photos with Santa, holiday coloring contests, and storytime with cookies and milk.
Saturday, December 14 (3:00–12:00 a.m.): A 21+ celebration featuring festive cocktails, live jazz from 6–9 p.m., and a holiday photo backdrop.
Both evenings include festive décor, holiday music, and opportunities to give back by donating new, unwrapped toys for local charities. Admission is free. More information here.
Your Downtown Guide to the Holidays
Looking for ways to celebrate the holiday season? Downtown is packed with festive activities to discover. Check out the list of more than 45 events below and start planning your holiday outings.
Pioneer Tucson's Ballroom is Ready to Dazzle Again
On opening day in 1929, it was the largest ballroom in the U.S. – and now, after 54 years, Pioneer Tucson is reopening its historic ballroom for a special holiday event on December 20, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with live music, delicious food from Bombolé and drinks in this beautifully renovated space.
Additionally, the building has recently undergone renovations, including coworking starting at just $10 a day. If you're looking for a downtown office, spaces are available throughout the building, including newly renovated offices.
Grant Opportunities for Small Businesses
Small businesses in the Rio Nuevo District can now apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding through a new program by Groundswell Capital and Rio Nuevo. Applications are open on a rolling basis until April 2025—don’t miss this chance to grow your business! Learn morehere.
City Celebrating Complete Street on Stone Ave
The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) will host a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Jácome Plaza to celebrate the completion of the Stone Avenue Complete Streets Project. The event will feature remarks from Mayor Romero, Councilmembers Santa Cruz and Uhlich, and DTM Director Sam Credio. More information on the project can be foundhere.
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