The Christmas holidays are now upon us! If you like celebrating the holiday season by checking out light displays, you’re in luck! Arizona is home to some truly amazing displays that show off the holiday spirit, and today we’re featuring one you won’t want to miss: the Winterhaven Festival of Lights in Tucson. Get ready to experience the best winter hike in Arizona.

Now in its 70th year, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is a sparkling wonderland of cheer.
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
The Winterhaven neighborhood in Tucson goes all-out with holiday decorations. They really know how to deck the halls with amazing light displays.
You'll find hundreds of families walking the streets of the Winterhaven neighborhood in December to get a glimpse of the unique displays.
Bill Morrow/Flickr
The event has grown over the years, drawing in hundreds of thousands of curious people from across Tucson and other parts of the state. There's a reason why people consider this to be the best Christmas light hike in Arizona.
The festival's origins date back to 1949, when the neighborhood was being developed and the concept was replicated from a similar display in southern California neighborhoods. Since then, it has grown into its own event, showcasing classic Christmas displays...
Derek DeVries/Flickr
...impressive shows...
Alyson Hurt/Flickr

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...some that look like massive art installations...
hmmlargeart/Flickr
...and some that are just a bit wacky!
hmmlargeart/Flickr
Yes, that is Lady Gaga in the foreground with Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, and a breakdancing elf in the background.
The event is free to attend but residents ask that visitors bring a canned food donation. In 2016, the festival helped bring in more than 46,000 pounds of food donations to the Community Food Bank!
Alyson Hurt/Flickr
Along the way, you can also enjoy live musical performances from local musicians and snacks from food vendors. And, for those feeling a little tired or are unable to walk the entire distance, hay rides and trolleys can ride you around the neighborhood!
Bill Morrow/Flickr
Have you visited the Winterhaven Festival of Lights before? What was your experience like?
Bill Morrow/Flickr

This year, The Winterhaven Festival of Lights operates from December 14 to 29 in Tucson’s Winterhaven neighborhood, located near Tucson Boulevard and Fort Lowell Road. You can find details about the event, maps, and other ways to liven up the winter walk by visiting their website, here.

What are your favorite things to do in winter in Arizona? Want to check out another amazing light display in this great state? The largest in North America just happens to be right here in our backyard! Read about Lights of the World in One Of The Most Epic Light Displays In The Country Is Right Here In Arizona for details.

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More to Explore

best winter hike in Arizona

Elisa Regulski | October 22, 2019

What are the best walk through light displays in Arizona?

For another Christmas light hike in Arizona, venture to ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo. This holiday tradition lets you see the zoo like never before. With millions of twinkling lights, hundreds of displays, and plenty of festive treats, this annual event is like no other. They even have live reindeer and a thrilling polar slide! This merry event will definitely make you feel like a kid again.

Can I go hiking in the winter in Arizona?

There are so many great places for winter hiking in Arizona. The Bell Rock-Courthouse Butte Loop in Sedona is one of the most spectacular. This easy hike is perfect for when the weather gets cold. You’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself! When snow covers the trees, the views are astounding. Be sure to wear good shoes on this hike. In the winter, these paths can get slippery. For another gorgeous winter hike, head to the Bill Williams Mountain Trail in Williams, Arizona. At 7.5 miles long, this trail is perfect for adventure seekers. Of course, if you’re not looking for a challenge, you can always turn around after the first two miles. No matter what, you’ll be greeted with astonishing sights! For more information about winter hiking in Arizona, read our feature article here.

What are the best parks to visit in the winter in Arizona?

The Grand Canyon is an amazing place to visit during winter. Not many people think about visiting this iconic state park when it’s chilly, but the views are absolutely astounding. People also love exploring Red Rock State Park in Sedona during the wintertime. No matter where you go, one thing is certain: Arizona is home to unrivaled beauty.

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E Winterhaven Dr, Tucson, AZ 85716, USA