Downtown Tucson would like you to know the light poles are decked with boughs of holly (well, garland), and ‘tis the season to be jolly in Downtown Tucson. Downtown will be transformed into a winter wonderland starting Saturday, December 5th, as the Downtown Tucson Partnership unveils over 80 festive holiday light displays, adding to glittering garland and hand-made ornaments on display throughout the heart of the city.
Merchants are getting into the game, thanks to the 2nd Saturdays/Downtown Tucson Partnership Window Decorating Contest. Business owners seek to top one another in displays of holiday cheer in their windows, with the best decorations receiving two airline tickets anywhere in the United States. Judging for the window display contest will take place the week of December 5th, and the winners will be announced at 2nd Saturday on December 12. Judges include Ken Carr, the Executive Producer of KGUN9’s Morning Blend, and local muralist Joe Pagac.
The December 5th lighting kicks off a month full of holiday events in Downtown Tucson, including, but by no means limited to: the BICAS Art Auction, Southwest Soul Circuit End of Year Gala, Christmas with the Rat Pack, 2nd Saturdays, Luminaria Night at Presidio San Agustin de Tucson, Santa at Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market & Hotel Congress, Tucson Girls Chorus Winter Concert, Brian Setzer’s Christmas Rocks! Tour, Leann Rimes: Today is Christmas tour, Merry-Achi Christmas, Christmas with the Celts, 21st Annual Downtown Parade of Lights, Mercado San Agustin Holiday Bazaar, and Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl Game Party. For a full list of holiday events, please visit downtowntucson.org/events/.
Events aren’t the only reason to spend December in Downtown. Every day, you can shop for unique gifts at local businesses in Downtown, with everything from apparel, jewelry, gift baskets, and party supplies, to quirky and geeky toys.
Of course, if you can’t decide what to get that special person in your life, you can always give the gift of giving local with the Downtown Tucson Gift Card, good at over 70 Downtown businesses. The gift card is available at: downtowntucson.org/giftcard/
The Downtown Tucson Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)(6) corporation committed to making Downtown Tucson the most dynamic urban center in the Southwest.