The holiday spirit will be alive and well in Downtown Tucson on December 19th, as an array of activities, including the 21st Annual Downtown Parade of Lights, sponsored by Carondelet St. Mary’s and Cox Communications, return to the streets of the historic Armory Park neighborhood. More than 1,800 people in 85 brightly decorated entries, from floats to furry friends, will be in the parade this year, including the most important of them all, Santa Claus.
“He wouldn’t miss it,” said Brandi Haga-Blackman, Downtown Tucson Partnership Director of Operations and the coordinator of the parade. “Santa always says the Parade is one of his favorite annual events, right up there with checking his list, and checking it twice.”
The fun begins at 4 p.m. at the annual holiday festival at Armory Park, where families can enjoy carnival games, live entertainment, vendors, and plenty of food. At 5:45 p.m., join Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a holiday carol sing-along. The main event, the Downtown Parade of Lights, begins at 6:30 p.m. All events are family-friendly and free.
A new addition has been added along the parade route, as The Downtown Clifton, 485 S. Stone, opens its hotel grounds for a beer garden featuring Downtown’s Borderlands Brewing Company. Entry to the beer garden is free for all-ages, with wristbands available for those 21 and over who want to enjoy a beer as they watch the parade. Other activities can be found along the parade route at Children’s Museum Tucson, Prince Chapel A.M.E. Church, and the Cathedral.
“Tucsonans have made the Downtown Parade of Lights part of their holiday tradition for a generation,” said Haga-Blackman. “It’s heart-warming to see the smiling faces year after year, or to watch people who attended the parade as kids share the tradition with their own kids.”
Some of the beloved floats from past years will be returning to the parade this year include the 501st Legion, Old Pueblo Vintage Fire Brigade, John Valenzuela Youth Center, KIDCO, Old Pueblo Mustang Club, and Grupo Folklorico Los Amigos.
More information, including route, parking, and street closures, is available at downtowntucson.org/paradeoflights.
The 21st Annual Downtown Parade of Lights is presented by Carondelet St. Mary’s and Cox Communications, with additional support from iHeartMedia, 91.3 KXCI, KVOA-TV, Bear Essential News, Wendy’s, Lovitt & Touche, Sun Magazine, Yellow Cab and Casa de Los Ninos. The Downtown Tucson Partnership produces the event.
