Looking for a place to see the the merry twinkle of lights in Tucson? We’ve curated a list of the best places around town to see holiday light displays in 2025. Featured listings include neighborhoods with outstanding Christmas decor, light-up events at local attractions, and evening parades.
Stroll through enchanting paths, revel in live entertainment, and bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights. Musicians and artists will captivate you as you savor hot cocoa and festive treats. Don’t miss out on this holiday wonderland!
LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination is back at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Trees dance under a million lights, tin stars twinkle, luminarias glow in grand chandeliers.
New this year: You will know you’ve arrived at the Gardens’ new entrance when you spot the oversized vine wreaths decorated with holiday lights and festive ornaments! A Butterfly Tree will transform the Pavilion into a magical woodland grotto. The Great Garden Express has a new collection of railroad buildings on display, festooned with teeny tiny lights and wreaths made by the Sonoran Desert Model Builders! Plus, enjoy the new Frida’s Garden by the light of traditional tin luminarias.
The Downtown Parade of Lights takes place in beautiful Armory Park neighborhood. The best viewing along the parade route is on 6th Avenue between Broadway and 13th Street or 4th Avenue between 12th Street and 17th Street.
The parade starts at 17th Street and 4th Avenue, heads north on 4th Avenue to 12th Street, west on 12th Street to 6th Avenue, south on 6th Avenue, ending at Armory Park.
Food trucks will be located on 12th Street between Scott & 6th Avenue.
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights, a Southern Arizona holiday tradition for more than 70 years, returns December 13–27, 2025 with improvements designed to make the experience safer, more accessible, and more joyful than ever. Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, the free, nonprofit-led festival will once again light up the historic Winterhaven neighborhood—with expanded infrastructure, innovative programming, and fresh opportunities to engage with the magic.
Where to Park for Winterhaven
Use one of the Official Festival Parking Lots, located at nearby businesses, schools, and churches on Ft Lowell, Country Club, and Prince Rd. All official parking lots are included on the online map. While free parking is available (but very limited!), most lots charge a parking fee of $10-$15.
Step into a dazzling world of light and color, while enjoying a flurry of holiday merriment that will put you in the spirit of the season.
Savor a cup of hot cocoa and a sweet treat as you stroll through an illuminated forest filled with festive displays and mesmerizing animal sculptures. Whisper your wishes to jolly St. Nick at his North Pole station, visit with other favorite holiday characters, revel in the quiet beauty of falling snow, and enjoy lively nightly entertainment at this beloved, must-see Tucson tradition. Make unforgettable memories you’ll treasure as you experience your Zoo beautifully decorated for the holidays with heartwarming adventures around every corner.
New this year, don’t miss a towering 33-ft showcase tree that will change colors to music – the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. The Zoo is also returning favorites such as interactive light elements, a giant gingerbread house, walk-through, kaleidoscopic light tunnels, and an engaging light show timed to popular holiday tunes.
SEE A FULL LISTING OF PLACES WHERE YOU CAN SEE HOLIDAY LIGHTS BELOW.
CHECK OUR MASTER LIST OF HOLIDAY EVENTS AROUND TUCSON.
