Oro Valley Festival of the Arts and Holiday Tree Lighting

About the Event

Embrace the holiday magic at the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts and 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.

Event Mainstage :

Over 300 performers will take the main stage throughout the two-day festival at the center of the event layout, featuring a diverse lineup of holiday dance, choral music, student band performances, and special presentations.

10:00 am - 10:45 am – Kids Unlimited: Holiday Dance Performance
11:00 am - 11:45 am – Cross Middle School Jazz Band
12:00 pm - 12:25 pm – Wilson Elementary and Middle School Choir
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm – Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
1:00 pm - 1:15 pm – Saguaro City Music Theatre
1:20 pm - 1:30 pm – Desert Dance Collective
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm – Holiday DJ Music
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm – Tuba Christmas: Over 50 tuba players from the University of Arizona and local community members are invited to present holiday favorites. Celebrating 51 years of TUBACHRISTMAS®, a tradition that began in NYC’s Rockefeller Plaza in 1974.
3:00 pm - 3:10 pm – Arrival of Santa Parade
3:10 pm - 3:15 pm – Opening Ceremony with Welcome Speech, Color Guard by American Legion Post 132, and the National Anthem.
3:15 pm - 3:20 pm – Town Council & Sponsor Remarks
3:20 pm - 3:30 pm – Mayor and Santa on Stage
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm – Ironwood Ridge High School Jazz Band
4:25 pm - 4:40 pm – Elite Theater Academy Performance
4:45 pm - 5:30 pm – School of Rock Performance

Winter Wonderland Stage Performances

10:00 am - 12:00 pm – Sheryl Ann McKinley: Live Holiday Jazz Music
12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – Red Herring Puppets Shows – Adventures in Folklore
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm – Live Holiday Music from Local Performers
5:15 pm – Reading of The Polar Express with Chief Riley and Chief Brandhubor
5:30 pm – "Light the Night" Community Caroling and Sing-Along with LED Candles, led by the Tucson Girls Chorus.
6:15 pm – Official Tree Lighting with Live Snow Fall Show and Holiday Dance Party

​Holiday Tree and Winter Wonderland Experience

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 and Elf Training School Tent
A hands-on workshop for families to make festive decor and holiday gifts. Activities include:

- Mini Wood Toy Building
- Ornament Decorating
- Personalized Snowflake Ornaments
- Holiday Cookie Decorating with the Oro Valle Youth Advisory Committee
- 3D Snowman Building
- Crown or Hat Crafting
- Holiday Luminaria Lanterns
- Christmas Tree Cone Craft
- Candy Cane Reindeer Craft
- Coloring Books and Friendship Bracelets
- Mini Car and Nutcracker Painting
- Free Face Painting
- Piggy Bank Painting presented by Pima Federal Credit Union

Comicbook Mobile with Frank Powers
Frank Powers will be onsite teaching kids about self-expression through comics, with a focus on art education and coping skills.

Community Wishing Tree
Add your wishes to the community wishing tree, inspired by Tucson’s Winterhaven tradition. Strips of paper with hopes and dreams will be linked to create an inspiring centerpiece and interactive art installation.

Giant Snow Globe Experience
Step inside a giant snow globe for "snowfall" effects, photo ops, and a winter scene in the desert.

Letters to Santa Station
Drop a letter to Santa at the Winter Wonderland Post Office for delivery to the North Pole.
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Storytelling Igloo
Inside this cozy igloo, local authors and artists will share holiday stories and folktales with visitors.

Lucky Cat Social
Engage in arts and crafts activities with Lucky Cat Social, and $5 holiday gift wrapping. 

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