Presented by Park Place & Art State Arizona
A Global Celebration for the Whole Family
Ring in the New Year early at Noon Year’s Eve, a vibrant, multicultural family festival that celebrates how communities around the world welcome new beginnings. Experience the richness of global traditions through live performances, hands-on art activities, and an atmosphere filled with color, music, and joy.
Kids will explore interactive art stations inspired by cultures from 10 different countries, watch captivating cultural performances, and learn how families around the world celebrate renewal, luck, and hope.
Then, at exactly 12:00 PM, gather for a spectacular Inflatable Earth Drop, symbolizing unity, fresh beginnings, and a world connected through celebration.
🎭 LIVE PERFORMANCES
🇮🇳 INDIA – Bharatanatyam Performance
11:00 AM – 11:25 AM | Rajitha Bharatan (Indian Classical Dance)
India’s New Year traditions vary by region, filled with lights, rangoli, sweets, and prayers for prosperity and health. Experience this rich heritage as Rajitha Bharatan, founder of Omkara School of Dance, brings the elegance and expressive storytelling of Bharatanatyam to the stage in a breathtaking performance.
JAPAN – Taiko Drumming
11:30 AM – 11:55 AM | Odaiko Sonora
Ōmisoka marks Japan’s reflective New Year’s Eve traditions—cleaning the home, sharing toshikoshi soba, and ringing temple bells to welcome renewal. Odaiko Sonora unleashes the thunderous power of taiko drumming, inviting families to feel the heartbeat of Japanese celebration.
PHILIPPINES – Traditional Dance
12:00 PM – 12:25 PM | Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation of Tucson
Filipino families embrace the New Year with symbols of luck—polka dots, round fruits, and joyful noise. The Mabuhay Cultural Foundation brings these vibrant island traditions to life through traditional dance celebrating heritage, resilience, and community.
CHINA – Lion Dance
12:30 PM – 12:55 PM | Tucson Chinese Cultural Center Lion Dance Team
China’s Lunar New Year bursts with color, lanterns, family feasts, and the iconic lion dance that drives away bad spirits. Experience this thrilling folk art as the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center brings the lion to life in an energetic performance welcoming luck and joy.
🎨 ARTS & CRAFTS ACTIVITIES BY COUNTRY
MEXICO – Año Nuevo
Kids create a 12 Lucky Grapes Wish Craft, writing one wish for each month of the coming year—honoring the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
BRAZIL – Réveillon
Inspired by Brazil’s New Year on the beach, kids make Seashell Wish Tokens, painting or writing hopes for the year and “floating” them in water.
USA – New Year’s Eve
Create festive Countdown Noisemakers, decorate New Year’s hats, and craft your own celebration accessories inspired by classic American New Year traditions.
ITALY – Capodanno
Make Red Fortune Bracelets, symbolizing love, luck, and fresh beginnings—reflecting Italy’s tradition of wearing red into the New Year.
🏴 SCOTLAND – Hogmanay
Inspired by Scotland’s legendary celebration, kids design Tartan Bookmarks based on historic plaid patterns.
🌍 AFRICA – Pan-African Celebrations
Kids create African Pattern Drums, decorating paper cup “drums” with geometric designs inspired by West African textiles and traditions of music, renewal, and togetherness.
🎉 THE EARTH DROP – 12:00 PM
Gather with your family and friends for a magical, kid-friendly countdown leading to an Inflatable Earth Drop.
