Regarding all things Christmas-y, opinions abound. While some eagerly await the season’s noteworthy dates, others find the inevitable family get-togethers stressful. Among Tucsonans, however, enthusiasm for affordable, interactive events is overwhelming. This month’s festivities will make the grumpiest Grinch grin. Mark your calendar!
At urban oasis Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, a special Holiday Nights program runs Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Cowboy crooners Way Out West and classical guitarist Gabriel Alaya will provide live music; Frosty the Snowperson shall also be in attendance. “It is absolutely gorgeous,” says park representative Marcia Ring of the illuminated holiday trees and pathways. “There’s a little bit of something for everyone.” Call 742-6455 to purchase tickets or 797-1222 to make dinner reservations at the stellar Tohono Chul Tea Room. For more information, visit TohonoChulPark.org.
Similarly, the lovely Tucson Botanical Gardens hosts Luminaria Nights Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4 from 5:30-8 p.m. Over those three nights, at 2150 N. Alvernon Way, one may enjoy flickering lights, chamber music by the Southern Arizona Symphony String Quartet, Irish melodies from Scatter The Dust and more. Food, beverages and over 100 works by the Gardens’ Porter Hall Gallery artist Mary Rosas will add to the atmosphere. Call 326-9686 or see TucsonBotanical.org for details.
The wildly successful (and free) monthly meet-up known as 2nd Saturdays Downtown celebrates in style the evening of Dec. 10 all along Congress Street. Holiday-themed acts on the Scott Avenue Stage will include vocal cover group Desert Melodies, hot jazz and sultry blues from Lisa Otey and Diane Van Deurzen,a MyTown Music student showcase and dance from Dance for a Cause. Expect to find food and gift vendors, engaging street performers and special offers from area businesses. You surely don’t want to miss 2011’s final 2nd Saturday. 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com has a full entertainment schedule.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, 6300 N. Swan Rd., welcomes all to La Fiesta de Guadalupe on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Although sacred, this celebration will be far from solemn; rather, a Yaqui deer dance and joyous performances by youth groups Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson and Ballet Folklorico Tapatío are the order of the day. Regional food will be served and piñatas hoisted aloft hourly. Learn more about visionary artist Ted DeGrazia and his “legendary landmark of art and architecture” at 299-9191 and DeGrazia.org.
(Pictured below: Carrillo Magnet School students prepare for Las Posadas procession at La Fiesta de Guadalupe at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. The gallery's fiesta is Dec 11, the procession is Dec 16. photo: Christine Hubbard)
Drink plenty of soothing herbal tea to prepare your voice for The Loft Cinema’s Very Merry Holiday Sing-a-long Spectacular. Captioned scenes from favorite seasonal films, television programs and music videos will encourage attendees to chime in and a “bad holiday sweater parade” is sure to attract droves of sarcastic hipsters. Nog will be provided. Buy tickets online at LoftCinema.com or simply show up at 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16, sees Carrillo K-5 Magnet School students carrying on a cherished tradition. This will be their 74th annual Las Posadas Procession, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s Bethlehem pilgrimage in search of shelter. Traditionally-garbed schoolchildren assemble at 440 S. Main Ave. at 7 p.m. before singing their way through downtown’s Barrio Viejo district. All are welcome to join them. Questions? Ring Carrillo Elementary at 225-1200.
The Westside Coalition and Mercado San Agustín, 100 S. Avenida del Conveto, present their 4th annual Mercado Holiday Bazaar the weekend of Dec. 16-18. Between the life-size gingerbread house, fabulous artisan foods and one-of-a-kind specialty gifts, none shall be sent away unsatisfied. Check out MercadoSanAgustin.com for a helpful map to the Mercado’s easily-overlooked location south of West Congress Street.
Saturday, Dec.17 at 6:30 p.m., the 17th annual Downtown Parade of Lights delivers oodles of good cheer. Sponsored by the Downtown Tucson Partnership, this well-attended (read: tens of thousands of spectators) spectacle invites young and old to bask in the warmth of its shimmering floats and jolly participants. “Santa Claus will be there,” Partnership spokesperson Brandi Haga assures us. Beginning at the intersection of 17th Street and Stone Avenue, the parade twists and turns along city streets south of Broadway before arriving at Armory Park. DowntownTucson.org will provide a precise route as the date approaches.
The ever-popular Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo, 1100 S. Randolph Way, are set to brighten the nights of Dec. 2-4, 8-11 and 15-23 from 6-8 p.m. Live animals will be tucked safely away while dazzling displays, sculptures and falling “snow” transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Call 791-4022 or purchase tickets online at TucsonZoo.org.
Winterhaven Festival of Lights, a six-decade Tucson tradition that showcases the neighborhood’s holiday decorations, delights hundreds of thousands of people each year. Bordered by Prince Road on the north, Country Club Road on the east, Ft. Lowell Boulevard on the south, and Tucson Boulevard on the west, the nights include walk-throughs, drive-throughs, hay-rides and trolleys rides. It happens Dec. 10-25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit WinterhavenFestival.org for complete details.
Just can’t celebrate enough? Here’s more:
On the Saturdays of Dec. 3, 10 and 17 the Mini-Time Machine Museum, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr., presents creative craft-making workshops at Wee Winter Wonderland. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 881-0606, TheMiniTimeMachine.org.
On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 4-7 p.m., the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance brings you A Winter Night’s Dream at St. Philip’s Plaza, 4280 N. Campbell Ave., with live music, wine tasting and more. 797-3959, StPhilipsPlaza.com.
At dusk the weekends of Dec. 2-3, 9-10, and 16-17, the Tanque Verde Swap Meet at 4100 S. Palo Verde Rd. hosts a Christmas Light Parade complete with candy tossing and a 110-foot light train. 294-4252, TanqueVerdeSwapMeet.com.
The Fridays of Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, Holiday Boulevard at Main Gate Square will be open for business. Santa sightings, hidden Ben’s Bells and dining deals are all part of the package. 622-8613, MainGateSquare.com.
We wish you a merry [fill in the blank]!
