Here in the heart of the Arizona desert, the sights and sounds of Christmas can be few and far between. After all, prickly cacti, palm trees and year-round sunshine don’t exactly scream “Santa Clause is Coming to Town.” However, there is a way to get in the holiday spirit, and it doesn’t involve a trip to the airport. In the midst of their second year running, the JW Marriott Starr Pass has made a tradition of transforming their luxe grounds into a Winter Wonderland, and this year is no different.
Starting tomorrow, plan to stop by the resort for plenty of family-friendly holiday entertainment—it’s sure to get even the grumpiest of Scrooges in the Christmas spirit.
Officially opening to the public tomorrow, Dec. 18, the JW Marriott’s Winter Wonderland is sure to be better and more elaborate than ever this year. The resort will feature an exciting holiday environment as well as fantastic entertainment for all ages. Some of the winter additions to the resort will include the Arctic Pass—a custom ice skating rink that will be available through Valentine’s Day, a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus and, of course, plenty of snow.
In addition to the gorgeous holiday ambiance that will be available at the resort, tons of activities and entertainment options have been scheduled for your family to pick and choose from. Here are some of the highlights taking place within the next couple days to kick off this year’s Winter Wonderland:
Friday, Dec. 18:
7-8:30p.m.: Palo Verde High School, followed by the Tucson Boys Chorus sing all your favorite Christmas carols.
8:30 p.m.: Santa Claus arrives in luxury via helicopter on the JW Marriott lawn.
8:45-10:15 p.m.: Come get your family picture taken with Santa, a Christmas tradition not to be passed up.
9:15 p.m.: Mrs. Claus engages children in a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Saturday, Dec. 19:
10 a.m.-6 p.m.: Kick back and relax with the Holiday Movie Marathon—pick and choose your favorites to watch on the gigantic indoor movie screen.
12-9 p.m.: Take part in a favorite holiday activity that is rare to come by in Tucson: Sledding!
12-5 p.m.: Children can participate in Santa’s workshop and make their own creative gifts for their loves ones.
1-3 p.m.: Kids can play animal scientist with furry friends who will be all dressed up in their holiday best.
6-9 p.m.: What’s Christmas without festive tunes? Wind down with this Holiday Concert, sure to play all the carols you like to sing along with.
6:30-9:30 p.m.: Santa will visit each little resort-goer to wish him or her sweet dreams. Reservations are required.
For more information on the JW Marriott Starr Pass’ Winter Wonderland, visit www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com.
