Head south this season to enjoy some of the great winter events in Tucson.
Original Coca-Cola Santa Claus Exhibit
Westward Look Resort has a great gallery of photos, paintings and Santa memorabilia to commemorate the original holiday figure that took shape in Tucson. In the 1940’s, artist Haddon D. Sundblom was asked by The Coca-Cola Company to create an appealing Santa Claus that has remained the same ever since. See the origins of his fluffy, white beard, furry, red suit, and see the nostalgic joy portrayed in Sundblom’s pieces. For more information, call Westward Look Resort at 1.800.722.2500.
Zoo Lights
Starting Dec. 15, Reid Park Zoo will have a nightly winter special of animal-themed sculptures and light fixtures, holiday displays, and holiday cheer from 6 to 8 p.m.. Admission is between $3 and $5. http://www.tucsonzoo.org/event/zoo-lights-3/
Sierra Vista Farmer’s Market
Take advantage of the beautiful weather on Thursdays and Saturdays in December by browsing the produce, organic goods, meats and other special products in Sierra Vista. This farmer’s market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend. http://www.sierravistafarmersmarket.com/
All Jazz, All Night New Year’s Eve 2011
Ring in the new year at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson with a special jazz performance by Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun and Euge Groove. Special lodging rates will be available to those attending the performance. There will also be a delicious dinner, dancing, and a midnight toast. http://tucsonjazz.org/index.php?option=com_tjs&;events=upcoming&Itemid=121
Thunder in the Desert 2012
Experience an extravagant indigenous cultural festival between Dec. 30 and Jan. 8. Each day, special event calendars have performers, artists, exhibits, demonstrators and more. Traditional pow-wows, dancers, foods and more will also be a part of this event that happens every four years. For more information, go online. Admission passes can be purchased for one day or multiple days. http://usaindianinfo.org/scheduleofevents.html
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights
Enjoy the annual light event in Tucson by foot or car this December. All light events take place between 6 to 10 p.m.. The winter festival offers trolley rides and hayrides as other means of transportation through the light festival. Walk through the festival Dec. 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. If you would be interested in driving through the festival, use caution through heavy traffic on Dec. 13, 15 and 20. http://www.winterhavenfestival.org/index.html
The Jupiter String Quartet
The Jupiter String Quartet and guest cello artist, Rachel Henderson, will be performing on Jan. 25. Arizona Chamber Music holds many musical and symphonic events throughout the year. This performance will include contrasting pieces, folklike melodies and dances. If you love music, don’t miss what is supposed to be a “rich and tuneful...especially zesty finale.” http://arizonachambermusic.org/regseason.htm
Daddy Longlegs
This heart-warming performance about a young orphan’s journey into love and womanhood will be in Tucson until Dec. 17 and will make its way to Phoenix between Dec. 29 and Jan. 15. Be sure to check online for tickets and showtimes as locations and scheduling varies among each show. http://www.arizonatheatre.org/our-shows/daddy-long-legs
