Tucson may not be known for having a white Christmas, but that doesn’t mean it’s not filled with Christmas traditions. At Jeff GOULD Law, we know some of our favorite traditions have been canceled this year due to pandemic concerns. Gone from our 2020 holiday is the Winterhaven Festival of Lights, a Tucson tradition that has been held for more than 70 years. Other traditions have been altered to fit the times. For instance, Las Posadas will go on, just as it has for the last 83 years, but this year it will be a virtual event. Whether your favorite traditions can be observed this season or have been adapted to fit the times, here is a list of some of our favorites. If your traditions are being altered this year, perhaps this list can help you find a new one.
Enjoy Tamales – All Season
Some Christmas traditions just can’t be messed with. The joy of unwrapping tamales while unwrapping presents is an age-old ritual for many Tucson residents. If you don’t already have a fridge stocked with them, there are plenty of places to help you with your masa and meat needs. Try the Tucson Tamale Company.
Arizona Inn Christmas Decor – Dec 1st – Dec 25th
For more than 80 years, Tucson residents have been visiting this historic inn to take in the holiday cheer and Christmas Decorations. Relaxing in the library of the Arizona Inn near a 14-foot Christmas tree with a champagne cocktail or a steamy cup of holiday cheer — as a cozy mesquite fire crackles nearby — is bliss.
Winter Wanderland – Dec 3 – Jan 3
For over 30 years, the Tucson Botanical Gardens has been wowing residents with holiday cheer, and this year will be no different. For 2020 they invite you to enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst more than 3,000 luminaria lights, stunning Korean lanterns, and elegant poinsettias. Visit Santa’s mailbox, or enjoy a 10’ tall poinsettia tree. New this year will be a colorful array of LED lighting and a festive playlist.
Christmas at San Xavier – All Season
For the past 25 years, Patronato’s Christmas at San Xavier has become Southern Arizona’s unofficial start to the holiday season. This year, the concert will be held virtually with spectacular drone footage of the Mission interior, providing access like never before. In previous years, tickets for this event started at $100. This year, with a one-time contribution in any amount, you will receive a link to the 2020 concert to enjoy on-demand through the month of December.
Jubilee of the Las Posadas – Dec 17th
Each year, since 1973, Carrillo Elementary students have dressed as angels to carry the Nacimiento through the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood. A reenactment of the journey Joseph and Mary took as they searched for shelter. This year, the virtual event can be enjoyed from the safety of your home. You can watch it here, via zoom starting at 6:30 pm.
Happy Holidays
As you can see by the list, some of Tucson’s favorite holiday traditions will not be held this year due to health and safety concerns. But, at Jeff GOULD Law, we see that as an opportunity to create some new ones to call our own. How will you be celebrating a socially distanced Christmas this year? Let us know in the comments! From all of us to all of you, we hope that your Holiday Season is healthy, happy, and bright!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this blog/site is NOT, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. It is for general informational use only. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Further, this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.