Christmas Lights in Tucson, Arizona

Christmas is a magical time of the year throughout the world, but here in Tucson Arizona we are always happy to talk about our Festival of Lights. Now I'm sure every community has certain neighborhoods that really go all out with Christmas decorations, but here in the Old Pueblo, Winterhaven, in my opinion has taken this to the next level. As the population of Tucson increases each winter from all of the people escaping the cold in other parts of the country, the residents of this nationally recognized historical neighborhood have decorated their homes for over 50 years, providing residents and visitors alike a truly spectacular sight to help celebrate the seasons.

Winterhaven is a historical neighborhood in central Tucson that was built in 1949. For the past 50 years they have pulled out all the stops when it comes to lighting up the neighborhood during the holidays. This Historic District is made up of around 265 residences and has become renowned for their Festival Of Lights every year by attracting thousands of visitors who visit this neighborhood each year. The Festival which dates back to 1949 and was inspired and planned by the sub-division's developer: C.B. Richards. Richards took his inspiration from a similar display in Beverly Hills, CA, and therefore as part of his vision planted Allepo pine trees at regular intervals along the main streets and pre-wired each tree with electric outlets for Christmas lights. He also named the neighborhood's primary street; Christmas Avenue.

All this may sound a little over the top but when this neighborhood flips the switch it is truly a sight to see. The Festival goes on for two weeks throughout the holidays. Over the years the Festival has taken on a life of its own in that now there are only certain days you can drive your own car through, the rest of the days are walking tours only. A local transportation company, has teamed up with the community and you can now participate in a traditional horse drawn hayride or maybe taking a traditional 1880's stagecoach is more to your liking making your Southwest Christmas complete.

This event is sponsored totally by the individual homeowners as a gift to the community. This Tucson Festival is totally without cost with the exception of participating in the hayrides or taking a stagecoach through the community. This Festival of Lights is has turned into a annual fundraiser for the Tucson Community Food Bank and all visitors are encouraged to bring a donation. Last year there was a discount for the wagon and stagecoach rides when you brought 2 cans of food for the food bank.

This is one event that has turned into a holiday tradition for our family; we really enjoy going down and climbing onto the hayrides and taking the trip through Winterhaven. There really is nothing quite like a Southwest Christmas of a hay or stagecoach ride in 70 degree temperatures looking at all of the beautiful lights. If your holiday plans include a trip to the Old Pueblo, this is one event I would highly recommend a look see.