Illustration of a family walking past houses covered in colourful lights with a sleigh on a rooftop (LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination)
Christmas Lights

LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination

Designed by public garden landscape architect Tres Fromme, the grounds transform into a sequenced series of illuminated experiences with over one million twinkling lights. Visitors can stroll past glowing luminaria chandeliers, twinkling tin stars, and sculptures custom-built by local artisans. Guests can also enjoy holiday treats, hot cocoa, and grab-and-go bites from on-site food and drink vendors.

Nov 27, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Hours

6:00 pm – 9:30 pm; last ticket sold at 9:00 pm.

Food & Drink

Edna’s Eatery serves holiday cookies, hot cocoa, and grab-and-go bites; Peddler on the Path serves hot drinks in Porter Patio on Thursday through Sunday nights.

Accessibility

Non-motorized wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at admissions.

Pets

Dogs are not allowed; trained service dogs identified with a vest or collar are welcome.

Location

Tucson Botanical Gardens · 2150 North Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families and holiday-light fans

Vibe

Festive and immersive

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Reserve your tickets online in advance, because LightsUp! does sell out, even though tickets are also sold at the door.
  • Come on a Thursday through Sunday night if you want hot drinks from Peddler on the Path, which sets up on Porter Patio on those nights.
  • Don't cut it close at the end of the night, because the last tickets are sold half an hour before the lights close.
  • If you need a wheelchair, ask at admissions when you arrive, since the free non-motorized chairs are loaned first-come, first-served.
  • Dress for the weather, because the whole walk is outdoors and the Gardens stay open rain or shine.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Thursday through Sunday nights, Peddler on the Path serves hot drinks on Porter Patio.

Links & Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets ahead of time?

Tickets are sold online and at the door, but the event does sell out. Reserve in advance to be safe.

What food and drinks are there?

Edna's Eatery serves holiday cookies, hot cocoa and grab-and-go bites. From Thursday through Sunday nights, Peddler on the Path also sells hot drinks on Porter Patio.

Is it indoors or outdoors?

All of the garden spaces are outdoors, and the Gardens stay open rain or shine.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Trained service dogs identified with a vest or collar are welcome.

Are wheelchairs available?

Yes. Several non-motorized wheelchairs are loaned free on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask staff at admissions when you arrive.

Featured Video

Browse Christmas in Tucson

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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