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Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration
December 7, 2024 @ 10:00 am - December 8, 2024 @ 5:00 pm MST
Embrace the holiday magic at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration, where the Oro Valley Marketplace transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and festive wonder. This cherished event is a cornerstone of the season, inviting people of all ages to experience stunning holiday décor, live performances, and Santa Claus’s much-anticipated arrival.
The highlight of the festival will be the lighting of the newly revamped Golden Glow Oro Valley 50th Celebration Tree, a dazzling display of golden lights, and over 1,000 handmade ornaments. Visitors can enjoy a true winter wonderland experience, holiday entertainment, and a magical atmosphere for everyone.
This festival not only enhances the local economy and supports surrounding businesses but also offers a platform for local artists to shine, making it a must-attend event that truly embodies the heart and soul of Oro Valley.
Located near the northern end of the festival near the Holiday Tree.
Golden Glow: The Oro Valley 50th Anniversary Tree
The new “Golden Glow” tree is an all-gold marvel celebrating Oro Valley’s golden anniversary. It features over 1,000 handcrafted gold ornaments, echoing the Southwest’s golden sands and starry skies. The official lighting, accompanied by a live music presentation and snow show, will take place at 6:15 pm on Saturday, December 7.
Santa’s Workshop Tent
A hands-on workshop for families to make festive decor and holiday gifts. Activities include:
- Mini Wood Toy Building
- Ornament Decorating
- Personalized Ornaments
- Holiday Cookie Decorating with the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Committee
- Piggy Bank Painting presented by Pima Federal Credit Union
- 3D Snowman Building
- Candy Cane Reindeer Craft
- Coloring Books & Friendship Bracelets
- Mini Car & Nutcracker Painting
- Free Face Painting
- Community Wishing Tree
- Letters to Santa Station
Giant Snow Globe Experience
Step inside a giant snow globe for “snowfall” effects, photo ops, and a winter scene in the desert.
Storytelling Igloo
Inside this cozy igloo, local authors and artists will share holiday stories and folktales with visitors. Special thanks to the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library.
Lucky Cat Social
Engage in arts and crafts activities with Lucky Cat Social, and $5 holiday gift-wrapping.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
Follow a holiday scavenger hunt exploring holidays throughout the world, collect stamps on your card, and claim a prize at the SAACA Information Booth.
Strolling Carolers
Enjoy carols from groups like the Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus, What the Dickens, Havin’ A Blast, and Arizona Women’s Chorus.
Santa Parade
Join Santa’s Parade starting at 3 pm on Saturday, led by the Ironwood Ridge High School Marching Band, culminating at the main stage.
Free Family Photos with Santa
Get a festive family photo with Santa and the iconic Golder Ranch Fire Truck, set against Pusch Ridge. Available from 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm at the north end of the festival near Fork and Fire.
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – Sheryl Ann McKinley: Live Holiday Jazz Music
- 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – Red Herring Puppets Shows – Adventures in Folklore
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Kids Unlimited: Holiday Dance Performance
- 2:30 pm – 3:45 pm – Silk and Soul: Holiday Jazz Music
- 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm – Retro Swing Xmas Quartet: Holiday Swing Music
- 5:15 pm – Reading of The Polar Express with Chief Riley & Asst. Chief Grissom
- 5:30 pm – “Light the Night” Community Caroling and Sing-Along with LED Candles, led by the Tucson Girls Chorus.
- 6:00 PM – 6:15 pm – Official Tree Lighting with Live Snow Fall Show and Holiday Dance Party
Sunday, December 8
- 10:00 am – 10:45 am – Holiday DJ Music
- 11:00 am – 11:45 am – Tucson Chinese Cultural Center: Lion Dance & Fashion Show
- 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm – Ballet Folklorico Alexa Zozaya
- 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Mariachi Innovación
- 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm – Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona
- 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm – Lajkonic Polish Dance Ensemble
Main Center Stage
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Vendors
Eatgypt
Egyptian, Health Food, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Serving traditional Egyptian dishes such as Koshary, Ta’ameya (Egyptian falafel), Bamia (okra stew), and Sweet Goulash (similar to baklava). Drinks include Karkade, a hibiscus lemonade.
Gus’s Gyros
Greek and Fair Food
Menu items include gyros, Philly cheesesteaks, hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, pretzels, funnel cakes, and French fries. Beverages include lemonade, bottled water, and sodas.
Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
Vegetarian and Vegan Comfort Food
Offers Sonoran hot dogs, mac and cheese, BBQ “beef” nachos, walking tacos, and gluten-free chili. Baked goods include cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and gluten-free crème pies.
Oh, Wow Mini Donuts
Donuts and Beverages
Serving mini donuts, hot coffee, flavored cold brew, limeades, hot chocolate, and apple cider (weather permitting).
Hector’s South of the Border
Mexican Food Fusion
Carne asada, al pastor, birria tacos, Burros carne asada, pastor, birria. Quesadillas. French fries.
Mafia Kitchen
Italian Desserts and Beverages
Specializing in Sicilian cannolis, Italian sodas, fruit lemonades, and customizable non-alcoholic mocktails. Other seasonal offerings include hot cocoa, hot coffee, cider, and chai.
Cooks Kettle Corn
Kettle Corn and Beverages
Kettle corn options include regular, caramel, cheddar cheese, and Chicago style. Also serving lemonade and ice cream bars.
Good Eats
American, BBQ, Fair Food, Vegetarian Options
Offers American BBQ with fair food and vegetarian options. Enjoy a BBQ Rib Plate with two sides or ribs on their own. Try the BBQ Rib Sundae or Pulled Pork Sundae, layered with baked beans, meat, cole slaw, and potato salad. Pulled Pork Plates are available with a choice of two sides, including Cowboy Caviar, Cole Slaw, and Homemade Baked Beans. Nachos are available plain, with Pulled Pork, or with BBQ Rib Meat, topped with cheese and jalapeños. Dasani Water is also available.
Col Mustard’s Hot Dogs / Mr. Ice Guy Italian Ice
American Food, Hot Dogs, Frozen Desserts
A mobile hot dog cart specializing in New York-style hot dogs with toppings like chili, cheese, and sauerkraut. Also serving bratwurst, Polish sausages, and a variety of sodas and chips. Mr. Ice Guy offers Italian Ice made with real fruit for dessert.
Pupuseria Rositas
Authentic Mexican and Salvadorian Food
Serving Lemonade, Health Food and Gluten Free options, as well as authentic Pupusas, Pupusada, Pupubirria, Tacos and Quesadillas
Cafe Santa Rosa Bar and Banquet
Native American / Indian Fry Bread
Offering homemade authentic Native American cuisine and Tucson’s Best Indian Fry Bread! They also specialize in savory tacos and sweet popovers.
RAFFLE TO SUPPORT THE ARTS
Support SAACA’s work by purchasing raffle tickets at the Central Information Booth. Raffle tickets are priced at 2 for $10 and 5 for $20. Prizes include:
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