Oro Valley Festival of the Arts & Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Experience the enchantment of the holiday season at the Oro Valley Marketplace! The Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration has become a beloved tradition in Oro Valley. It boasts a splendid array of holiday and Christmas-themed decorations and performances, including a special visit from Santa himself! People of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures are invited to immerse themselves in the festive spirit while celebrating the arts meaningfully and engagingly.

As one of the region’s largest fine arts and crafts festivals, second only to the Fourth Avenue Street Fair, the Oro Valley Festival of the Arts has captured the hearts of a diverse demographic spanning ages 2 to 80. With programming tailored to all age groups, including student performances, Tuba Christmas, free children’s art activities, jazz music, and a variety of cultural cuisines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These offerings provide artists with opportunities to showcase their work, educate the public about the artistic process, and allow the community to support artists financially, fostering a positive and enriching environment for all involved.

Artisan & Maker Village

From unique jewelry to fine art and handmade crafts, this vibrant holiday marketplace offers one-of-a-kind treasures from over 160 artisans. Support local talent and find the perfect gift to make the season extra special.

Foodie Experience

Explore a variety of food offerings with something for every palate!

• Fiesta Filipina Filipino and Asian Cuisine: Enjoy adobo bowls, pork skewers, shrimp tempura, and more.
• Eatgypt: Traditional Egyptian dishes like Koshary and Ta’ameya.
• Gus’s Gyros: Classic gyros, Philly cheesesteaks, and fair food favorites.
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Comfort Food: Sonoran hot dogs, BBQ nachos, and vegan desserts.
• Oh Wow Mini Donuts: Mini donuts, hot coffee, and flavored cold brews.
• Mafia Kitchen: Sicilian cannolis and Italian sodas.
• Good Eats BBQ and Fair Food: BBQ Rib Sundaes, pulled pork nachos, and more.

Golden Glow Tree Lighting & Winter Wonderland Experience

Celebrate Oro Valley’s 50th anniversary with the Golden Glow Tree lighting at 6:15 pm on Saturday, December 7. Join the community as the tree shines with over 1,000 handcrafted golden ornaments. Enjoy caroling with LED candles led by the Tucson Girls Chorus, along with a magical snowfall.

Family-Friendly Festivities

Kids can step into Santa’s Workshop to build mini wood toys, decorate cookies, and make holiday crafts. Santa’s Parade begins at 3 pm on Saturday, culminating with Santa’s arrival at the main stage.

• Santa’s Workshop: Includes ornament decorating, piggy bank painting, holiday luminaria lanterns, and free face painting.
• Giant Snow Globe Experience: Step inside for snowfall effects and photo ops.
• Community Wishing Tree: Add your holiday wish to the community art installation.
• Storytelling Igloo: Local authors and the Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library share heartwarming holiday tales.

Main Stage Performances

Saturday, December 7

• 10:00 am – Kids Unlimited: Holiday Dance Performance
• 11:00 am – Cross Middle School Jazz Band
• 12:00 pm – Wilson Elementary & Middle School Choir
• 12:30 pm – Maguire Academy of Irish Dance
• 1:00 pm – Saguaro City Music Theatre
• 1:20 pm – Desert Dance Collective
• 1:30 pm – Holiday DJ Music
• 2:00 pm – Tuba Christmas: Over 50 tuba players bring holiday classics to life
• 3:00 pm – Santa Parade & Arrival at Main Stage
• 3:10 pm – Opening Ceremony, Color Guard, and National Anthem
• 3:15 pm – Remarks by the Town Council and Sponsors
• 3:20 pm – Mayor and Santa on Stage
• 3:30 pm – Ironwood Ridge High School Jazz Band
• 4:25 pm – Elite Theater Academy Performance
• 4:45 pm – School of Rock Performance

Sunday, December 8

• 10:00 am – Holiday DJ Music
• 10:45 am – Saguaro City Music Theatre
• 11:00 am – Saguaro Stompers Clog Dance & Sonoran Sol Cloggers
• 11:30 am – Centre Stage Dance Studio
• 12:00 pm – BASIS Oro Valley Primary School
• 12:30 pm – Holiday DJ Music
• 1:00 pm – Totally Exalting the Anointed Messiah (T.E.A.M.) City Choir
• 1:45 pm – Holiday DJ Music
• 2:00 pm – NoethenButJazz Performance

Winter Wonderland Stage Performances

Saturday, December 7

• 10:00 am – Sheryl Ann McKinley’s Live Holiday Jazz Music
• 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – Red Herring Puppets: Adventures in Folklore
• 2:00 pm – Local Holiday Music Performances
• 5:15 pm – Reading of The Polar Express with Chief Riley and Chief Brandhubor
• 5:30 pm – “Light the Night” Caroling with the Tucson Girls Chorus
• 6:15 pm – Official Tree Lighting, Snowfall, and Holiday Dance Party

Sunday, December 8

• 10:00 am – Live Holiday Jazz Music
• 1:00 pm – Mariachi Innovación
• 2:00 pm – Folklorico and Dance Performances

Holiday Raffle to Support SAACA

Support SAACA’s work in the community by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win incredible prizes:

• Foodie Season Pass: VIP tickets to our 2025 culinary events & Tucson Foodie Insider Membership ($1,000+ value).
• Shop Oro Valley Basket: Curated by the Chamber of Commerce ($500 value).
• Art Lover’s Prize: Handmade artworks valued between $50 and $500.
• Hotel Lover Package: Two-night stays at Hilton and Westward Look ($800 value).

**The first 300 attendees to register at the Information Booth will receive a special gift, including painted snowflake magnets, Limited Edition Oro Valley stickers, or mini canvas painting kits.

Event Details:

Location: Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85737

Saturday, December 7, 10 am – 6:30 pm; Sunday, December 8, 10 am – 4 pm

For more information, visit https://www.saaca.org/ovholidayfestivalofthearts.html