Christmas Events for Kids in Tucson (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

The Tucson area has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tucson on November 20 to Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson, which runs through December 26. 10 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Arizona, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Tucson for 2026, in Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita
  • First: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Tucson, November 20. Runs latest: Winterhaven Festival of Lights, Tucson, through December 26
  • Free: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Yoga Gingerbread Storytime, 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival, Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting, Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting, Children's Arts and Crafts, Make Your Own Cards!, Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele!, Winterhaven Festival of Lights and "The Muppet Christmas Carol"
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Arizona Christmas train rides page.

Tucson Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Sahuarita
Season
November 20 to December 26, 2026
Free events
10
Kinds of events
holiday story time, holiday crafts, tree lighting and holiday show
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Tucson Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tucson on November 20; the last runs to December 26. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Tucson? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Tucson

11 confirmed events for kids in Tucson, soonest first.

Tucson: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingFreeDowntown Tucson Partnership · Tucson

Host
Downtown Tucson Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Where
Jácome Plaza, 101 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
When
Friday, November 20, 2026, 5:45 to 6:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Downtown Tucson kicks off the holiday season on Friday, November 20, from 5:45 to 6:30 pm, when the 36 foot holiday tree at Jacome Plaza lights up. Mayor Regina Romero and the presenting sponsor lead the ceremony, with live music from Mariachi Herradura.

Families can enjoy complimentary Mexican hot chocolate and holiday cookies while supplies last, along with holiday photo opportunities around larger than life decorations. The celebration is free. The tree stays lit through January 6, 2027, so families who miss the ceremony can still stop by for photos later in the season. Families can stroll nearby streets afterward to see the Desert Nights Downtown Lights decorations and grab dinner at a downtown restaurant.

Parent tip: The ceremony is short, about 45 minutes, so arrive on time. Hot chocolate and cookies are first come, first served.

See dates and details from Downtown Tucson Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Yoga Gingerbread Storytime

Holiday story timeFreePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Murphy-Wilmot Library, 530 N Wilmot Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711
When
Friday, December 4, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library's Murphy-Wilmot Library hosts Yoga Gingerbread Storytime on Friday, December 4, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Led by Dari Johnson, the session pairs favorite books and themes with yoga poses that children act out as each story develops.

The program is aimed at preschoolers ages 3 to 5, and the gingerbread theme gives it a cheerful holiday feel without being overwhelming for little ones. Families are welcome to bring their own mat, but the library notes that mats are provided. It is free, and the calendar does not show a registration requirement. Movement based story times like this one help wiggly preschoolers stay engaged, and the holiday theme makes it a gentle start to the December season for young children.

Parent tip: Dress your child in comfortable clothes for moving. Mats are provided, or bring your own.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival

Holiday paradeFreeDowntown Tucson Partnership · Tucson

Host
Downtown Tucson Partnership (opens in a new tab)
Where
Jácome Plaza and El Presidio neighborhood, 101 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 8 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The festival opens at 3 pm at Jacome Plaza beneath downtown's 36 foot holiday tree, with live music, food trucks, local vendors and a kids' activity area.

Children can pose for photos with Santa and the Grinch, write letters to Santa and play in the snow machine. At 6:30 pm the Parade of Lights sets off through the El Presidio neighborhood with illuminated floats and decorated vehicles. English and Spanish language emcees guide spectators at the plaza. The festival and parade are free, and food trucks line the parade route. Families with young children may want to enjoy the festival in daylight and find a curbside spot along the route well before 6:30 pm.

Parent tip: Free downtown garages and lots are within walking distance. Arrive early in the afternoon for Santa photos before the parade crowds build.

See dates and details from Downtown Tucson Partnership (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Frontier Holidays at the Tucson Presidio Museum

Holiday showPresidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum · Tucson

Host
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum (opens in a new tab)
Where
Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, 196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
Cost
Included with museum admission, free for members
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Presidio San Agustin del Tucson Museum hosts Frontier Holidays on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 2 pm. The celebration explores holiday traditions and local history at the reconstructed presidio in the heart of downtown.

This year's program includes a special performance of Las Posadas by students from Carrillo K to 5 Magnet School, marking the school's 90th anniversary of the tradition. The event is included with regular museum admission and is free for members. It falls on the same day as the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival a few blocks away, so families can easily combine the two. The Las Posadas performance gives children a chance to see a traditional holiday celebration performed by local students their own age.

Parent tip: Pair a morning visit here with the free Parade of Lights festival at nearby Jacome Plaza, which starts at 3 pm.

See dates and details from Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Holiday Nights

Holiday lightsTohono Chul · Tucson

Host
Tohono Chul (opens in a new tab)
Where
Tohono Chul, 7366 N Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704
When
Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 6 to 9 pm
Cost
$25 general, $10 youth 2 to 17, under 2 free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Tohono Chul celebrates the season with Holiday Nights across three weekends: December 5 and 6, December 11 to 13, and December 18 to 20, from 6 to 9 pm, following a Members' Night on December 4. Families wander through the gardens aglow with sparkling lights after dark.

The evenings include live music, festive food and drinks, holiday shopping, Santa visits and seasonal fun for all ages. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for members, $10 for youth ages 2 to 17, and free for children under 2. The garden says more details about entertainment, activities and food will be posted closer to the event. Tohono Chul also houses the Children's Museum Oro Valley on its grounds, which makes the garden a familiar spot for many local families.

Parent tip: Reserve tickets ahead on the Tohono Chul site, and check back for the entertainment schedule before you go.

See dates and details from Tohono Chul (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Children's Arts and Crafts

Holiday craftsFreePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Richard Elías-Mission Library, 3770 S Mission Rd, Tucson, AZ 85713
When
Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 5 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Families, kids 6 to 8, preschoolers 3 to 5
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library's Richard Elias-Mission Library holds Children's Arts and Crafts on Monday, December 7, from 4 to 5 pm. December's project is seasonal: children create a gingerbread house and a gingerbread ornament to take home.

The program is listed for families, preschoolers ages 3 to 5 and kids ages 6 to 8. Registration is required and space is limited to 25 patrons, so families should sign up ahead of time through the library calendar. There is no cost to attend, and the library provides the craft supplies. The craft is a good fit for preschoolers working with a grownup and for early elementary kids who can decorate more independently. The finished gingerbread house and ornament make simple holiday keepsakes.

Parent tip: Register early, since the session is capped at 25 people.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele!

Holiday story timeFreePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W Wetmore Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
When
Friday, December 11, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 0 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library's Flowing Wells Library hosts Bilingual Storytime with Lee Con Lele on Friday, December 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. The guide is Lele, a traditional Mexican doll created by the Otomi community, who invites children on a learning adventure to her world.

This December session has a holiday theme, with Lele celebrating posadas, tamales and pinatas. Through songs, stories, rhymes, games and interactive activities, families learn more about Mexican culture and the Spanish language together. The program is designed for kids ages 0 to 5, it is free, and no registration is listed. Grownups are expected to join in with the songs and games, so it works best as a shared activity for a parent and child together. The library notes it is designed for children ages 0 to 5.

Parent tip: A good fit for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, and for families who want to share Spanish language holiday traditions.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Winterhaven Festival of Lights

Holiday lightsFreeWinterhaven Festival of Lights · Tucson

Host
Winterhaven Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)
Where
Winterhaven neighborhood, N Tucson Blvd at E Fort Lowell Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 10 pm
Cost
Free, food bank donations requested
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Winterhaven Festival of Lights returns for its 77th year from December 12 to December 26, 2026, open from 6 to 10 pm every day. Since 1949, residents of this central Tucson neighborhood have decorated their homes and opened the streets to the community, making it one of the longest running holiday light festivals in the country.

The festival is free to attend. Organizers ask visitors to bring a donation of food or money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, with donation stations at every entrance. Most needed items include peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, canned soups and shelf stable milk. Party bike and silent disco tours can be booked separately with outside companies. Assisted living drive through nights are also offered for seniors, and the festival is made possible by Tucson Electric Power.

Parent tip: Bring a canned food item or two for the food bank donation stations at the entrances.

See dates and details from Winterhaven Festival of Lights (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol

Holiday story timePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W Wetmore Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
When
Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
No fee listed
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library presents Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol at the Flowing Wells Library in Tucson on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Library presenter Jeanne Osgood tells a musical version of the Charles Dickens classic about a miser who learns to be generous, complete with ghosts and period costuming.

The story is illustrated and acted out behind a lighted screen, and the show mixes shadow puppets with Muppet-style puppets and masks. Children are invited to sing along and interact with the puppets, which keeps younger viewers engaged through a story they may not know yet. The library describes the program as a way to share the tale's moral lessons that reaches children's hearts and minds. The after-school time slot makes it an easy midweek stop, and Flowing Wells Library is on West Wetmore Road on Tucson's north side.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: "The Muppet Christmas Carol"

Holiday showFreePima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Nanini Library, 7300 N Shannon Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741
When
Friday, December 18, 2026, 3 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages, toddlers through adults
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library's Nanini Library shows the holiday classic The Muppet Christmas Carol on Friday, December 18, from 3 to 4:30 pm. Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the real meaning of Christmas from the three ghosts, with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Gonzo narrating as Charles Dickens.

The screening is listed for every age group, from toddlers to adults, so it works for the whole family on the first afternoon of winter break. No registration is needed, but seating is limited. Popcorn is offered while supplies last, and the event is free. The movie runs about an hour and a half, and the gentle humor of the Muppets makes it a good first introduction to the Dickens story for younger children.

Parent tip: Seating is limited and first come, so arrive a little early to get seats together.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Tucson: Gingerbread House Decorating

Holiday craftsPima County Public Library · Tucson

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E 36th St, Tucson, AZ 85713
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to noon
Cost
No fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Quincie Douglas Library in south Tucson hosts Gingerbread House Decorating on Saturday, December 19, 2026, from 10:30 am to noon. The Pima County Public Library provides the goods, and participants bring the imagination to decorate an edible house of their own.

The library encourages any style: a scary house, a beach house or a classic winter wonderland all fit. Families can take the finished house home to serve as a holiday centerpiece or, as the library puts it, a private cookie stash. To secure a spot, call Quincie Douglas Library at 520-594-5335 or stop in at the branch. The Saturday morning time works well for school-age children, and the hour and a half gives plenty of time for careful decorating. The same branch also offers a holiday ornament painting session with artist Dolores Haro on December 12.

Parent tip: Call 520-594-5335 or stop in at the branch to secure a spot.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Marana

1 confirmed event for kids in Marana, soonest first.

Marana: Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeTown of Marana · Marana

Host
Town of Marana (opens in a new tab)
Where
Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W Civic Center Dr, Marana, AZ 85653 (near Tucson)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 9 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Town of Marana hosts its Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 2 to 9 pm at the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex. The highlight is a 45 foot tree with 100,000 lights synchronized to a 13 minute musical light show, lit at 6 pm with an encore at 8:30 pm.

Children can have free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write letters to Santa in Santa's Courtyard, meet the Grr-inch of Marana, and enjoy a creation station, a musical instrument petting zoo, a community mural, a photo booth and inflatables. Two stages feature local performers, and the Mistletoe Market and more than 30 food trucks round out the day. Admission is free, and the town collects food donations for the Marana Food Bank.

Parent tip: Use the free shuttles from Marana Middle School, which run from 1:30 to 10 pm. Bring a canned food item or pet food for the food bank.

See dates and details from Town of Marana (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Oro Valley

1 confirmed event for kids in Oro Valley, soonest first.

Oro Valley: Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeTown of Oro Valley · Oro Valley

Host
Town of Oro Valley (opens in a new tab)
Where
Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (near Tucson)
When
Sat December 5 (10 am to 6:30 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting takes place at Oro Valley Marketplace on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 6:30 pm, and Sunday, December 6, from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free.

Families can browse work from more than 150 local artists and exhibitors, watch over 500 student and community performers, and enjoy children's activities, live entertainment and seasonal food and drinks. Santa makes a special visit, and on Saturday evening the 35 foot holiday tree is lit with caroling. The town page does not list an exact time for the lighting, so plan to be there in the late afternoon on Saturday. Children's activities and live entertainment are part of the festival, and admission is free for everyone.

Parent tip: Go Saturday if the tree lighting is the main draw; the exact lighting time is not posted yet.

See dates and details from Town of Oro Valley (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Sahuarita

1 confirmed event for kids in Sahuarita, soonest first.

Sahuarita: Make Your Own Cards!

Holiday craftsFreePima County Public Library · Sahuarita

Host
Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Sahuarita Library, 670 W Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (near Tucson)
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 2 to 3:30 pm
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
Families, kids 6 to 8, tweens 9 to 13
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Pima County Public Library's Sahuarita Library hosts Make Your Own Cards on Wednesday, December 9, starting at 2 pm and running until 3:30 pm. Instructor Lori Jo Siegel teaches participants how to make their own cards, timed for holiday card season.

All materials are provided. The workshop is listed for families, kids ages 6 to 8 and tweens ages 9 to 13, so it suits school age children who enjoy paper crafts. Capacity is limited, and the library asks that every participant be registered in advance. There is no fee. Handmade cards make thoughtful gifts for grandparents and teachers, and the workshop gives children a chance to finish them before the holiday mailing rush. Children can bring their finished cards home the same day, ready to sign and send.

Parent tip: Register each child in advance, since capacity is limited.

See dates and details from Pima County Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Arizona Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Phoenix. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Tucson Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Tucson in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Tucson for 2026 on each host’s own page: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tucson (November 20), Yoga Gingerbread Storytime in Tucson (December 4), 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival in Tucson (December 5), Frontier Holidays at the Tucson Presidio Museum in Tucson (December 5), Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Marana (December 5), Holiday Nights in Tucson (December 5), Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley (December 5), Children's Arts and Crafts in Tucson (December 7), Make Your Own Cards! in Sahuarita (December 9), Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! in Tucson (December 11), Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson (December 12), Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson (December 16), "The Muppet Christmas Carol" in Tucson (December 18) and Gingerbread House Decorating in Tucson (December 19). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Tucson, Arizona?

For families in and around Tucson, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Fri, Nov 20, 5:45 to 6:30 pm, free); Yoga Gingerbread Storytime (Fri, Dec 4, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival (Sat, Dec 5, festival 3 pm, parade 6:30 pm, free); Frontier Holidays at the Tucson Presidio Museum (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 2 pm, included with museum admission, free for members); Holiday Nights (Dec 5 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20, 6 to 9 pm, $25 general, $10 youth 2 to 17, under 2 free); Children's Arts and Crafts (Mon, Dec 7, 4 to 5 pm, free, registration required); Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! (Fri, Dec 11, 10:30 to 11:30 am, free); Winterhaven Festival of Lights (Nightly, Dec 12 to 26, 6 to 10 pm, free, food bank donations requested); Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol (Wed, Dec 16, 3:30 to 4:30 pm, no fee listed); "The Muppet Christmas Carol" (Fri, Dec 18, 3 to 4:30 pm, free); Gingerbread House Decorating (Sat, Dec 19, 10:30 am to noon, no fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Tucson section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Marana, Arizona?

For families in and around Marana, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting (Sat, Dec 5, 2 to 9 pm, tree lighting at 6 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Marana section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Oro Valley, Arizona?

For families in and around Oro Valley, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 6:30 pm, and Sun, Dec 6, 10 am to 4 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Oro Valley section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Sahuarita, Arizona?

For families in and around Sahuarita, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Make Your Own Cards! (Wed, Dec 9, 2 to 3:30 pm, free, registration required). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sahuarita section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Tucson?

Yes. 10 of the 14 events here are free: Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tucson, Yoga Gingerbread Storytime in Tucson, 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival in Tucson, Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Marana, Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley, Children's Arts and Crafts in Tucson, Make Your Own Cards! in Sahuarita, Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! in Tucson, Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson and "The Muppet Christmas Carol" in Tucson. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Tucson this December?

Santa appears at 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival in Tucson (December 5), Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Marana (December 5), Holiday Nights in Tucson (December 5) and Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Tucson?

Holiday story times on this page: Yoga Gingerbread Storytime in Tucson, Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! in Tucson and Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Which Tucson Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Yoga Gingerbread Storytime in Tucson (Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)), Children's Arts and Crafts in Tucson (Families, kids 6 to 8, preschoolers 3 to 5), Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! in Tucson (Ages 0 to 5) and "The Muppet Christmas Carol" in Tucson (All ages, toddlers through adults).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Tucson on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson (through December 26).

How much is Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Tucson?

Free. Downtown Tucson Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Friday, November 20, 2026, 5:45 to 6:30 pm at Jácome Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Yoga Gingerbread Storytime in Tucson?

Free. Yoga Gingerbread Storytime is on Friday, December 4, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Murphy-Wilmot Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival in Tucson?

Free. 32nd Annual Downtown Parade of Lights & Festival is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 8 pm at Jácome Plaza and El Presidio neighborhood. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Frontier Holidays at the Tucson Presidio Museum in Tucson?

Included with museum admission, free for members. Frontier Holidays at the Tucson Presidio Museum is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm at Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Marana?

Free. Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 2 to 9 pm at Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Nights in Tucson?

$25 general, $10 youth 2 to 17, under 2 free. Holiday Nights is on Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Fri December 18, Sat December 19 and Sun December 20, 2026, 6 to 9 pm at Tohono Chul. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting in Oro Valley?

Free. Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting is on Sat December 5 (10 am to 6:30 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026 at Oro Valley Marketplace. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Children's Arts and Crafts in Tucson?

Free, registration required. Children's Arts and Crafts is on Monday, December 7, 2026, 4 to 5 pm at Richard Elías-Mission Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Make Your Own Cards! in Sahuarita?

Free, registration required. Make Your Own Cards! is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 2 to 3:30 pm at Sahuarita Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! in Tucson?

Free. Bilingual Storytime with ¡Lee Con Lele! is on Friday, December 11, 2026, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Flowing Wells Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson?

Free, food bank donations requested. Winterhaven Festival of Lights is on Saturday, December 12, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 (nightly), 6 to 10 pm at Winterhaven neighborhood. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol in Tucson?

No fee listed. Shadow Puppet Theater: A Christmas Carol is on Wednesday, December 16, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Flowing Wells Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is "The Muppet Christmas Carol" in Tucson?

Free. "The Muppet Christmas Carol" is on Friday, December 18, 2026, 3 to 4:30 pm at Nanini Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Gingerbread House Decorating in Tucson?

No fee listed; call or stop in to reserve a spot. Gingerbread House Decorating is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 10:30 am to noon at Quincie Douglas Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Tucson?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Tucson Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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