1. Get in the holiday spirit at downtown Tucson’s lights parade
Join in on the 21st annual downtown parade of lights on Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Armory Park neighborhood. Arrive by 5:45 p.m. to see Mayor Jonathan Rothschild’s tree-lighting ceremony before the parade.
2. New Year’s Eve prohibition ends at last
Ring in 2016 at Hotel Congress’ Prohibition-themed New Year’s event. A $25 general admission includes dancing, live music, a hookah lounge, an absinthe bar, a whiskey toast at midnight and more.
3. No need to hike alone
Anyone 18 or older is invited to participate in a five-mile hike on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Saguaro National Park East. Cost is $10 and space is limited. Call the visitor center at (520) 733-5153 to reserve a spot.
4. Go see a Christmas musical
Beginning Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., go see the sequel to “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at the Temple of Music and Art Cabaret Theater. It’s showing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 11-Dec. 27. Friday and Saturday shows are at night and Sunday shows are at 3 or 3:30 p.m.
5. Visit Tucson’s largest arts venue
The Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair will be held from Dec. 11-13 and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The street fair goes from Ninth Street to University Boulevard along Fourth Avenue.
6. Celebrate the holiday season at Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo
Get a cute holiday picture taken for your Insta account under the lights at Reid Park Zoo from Dec. 4-23 with encore nights Dec. 26 and 27. Zoo Lights, presented by BMO Harris Bank, will include light displays, animal-themed light sculptures, falling snow, Santa, sparkling bulbs and more every night from 6-8 p.m.
7. Watch a holiday movie at Fox Tucson Theatre
Fox Tucson Theatre on Congress Street features both old and new classic holiday films. Go see “The Polar Express” on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. or Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. or see “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 21 at 6:30 or Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
8. Arizona Bowl at the Arizona Stadium
For the first time in Tucson since 1999, a postseason college football game will be hosted at the Arizona Stadium. On Dec. 29 at 7:30 p.m., watch the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl right here at the football stadium.
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