Art State Arizona Presents the 14th Annual Oro Valley Holiday Festival
Published on November 20, 2025
Art State Arizona Presents the 14th Annual Oro Valley Holiday Festival of
the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration
December 6–7, 2025 • Oro Valley Marketplace
Oro Valley, AZ — Art State Arizona and the Town of Oro Valley are once again joining forces to present one of Southern Arizona’s most cherished seasonal traditions: the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts & Tree Lighting Celebration, returning December 6–7, 2025 to the Oro Valley Marketplace. With free admission, more than 150 artists and exhibitors, over 500 performers, and two full days of family-friendly holiday magic, the event has become a defining celebration of art, culture, and community in the region.
What began as a small local art market more than a decade ago has grown into a cornerstone of Southern Arizona’s creative identity. The festival is now a homecoming of sorts—where neighbors, artists, students, and families return year after year to reconnect, support local makers, and welcome the winter season under the glow of Oro Valley’s towering 35-foot holiday tree.
A Two-Day Celebration of Creativity, Culture & Community
The Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts has earned its reputation as one of the region’s most immersive holiday experiences. The event transforms the Oro Valley Marketplace into a vibrant celebration filled with art, music, food, and hands-on activities that reflect the heart of the community. Visitors can explore an expansive and vibrant marketplace of 150+ artists and makers, showcasing everything from jewelry and ceramics to textiles, photography, woodwork, leather, metal art, painting, and heritage crafts. The festival has become a vital platform for emerging and established creatives across Arizona, many of whom rely on this event as a major year-end opportunity to sell work, grow their audiences, and support their livelihoods.
Over 500 professional, community, and student performers will bring the festival to life. From youth choirs and jazz bands to musical theater performers, mariachi musicians, folklórico dancers, barbershop quartets, and community ensembles, the weekend will highlight the extraordinary range of local talent that calls Southern Arizona home. A signature favorite—TUBACHRISTMAS, featuring more than 75 tubas and euphoniums—will return to deliver one of the most memorable holiday performances in the state.
On Saturday evening, the community will gather for the beloved 35-Foot Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 PM, complete with caroling, snowfall, and a joyful Santa parade. This year’s tree will return with a shimmering gold and red theme to honor Oro Valley’s recent 50th Anniversary and will feature more than 1,000 hand-crafted ornaments inspired by the glow of the Sonoran Desert.
Experiences for Families, Children & the Young at Heart
Families, children, and people of all ages will find endless opportunities for hands-on creativity throughout the weekend. Santa’s Workshop Tent will be home to wood-toy building, ornament decorating, cookie decorating led by the Oro Valley Youth Advisory Committee, snowflake art, 3D-snowman craft activities, painting projects, face painting, and piggy bank painting supported by Pima Federal Credit Union. Children can also write letters to Santa at the Winter Wonderland Post Office.
Guests can explore a Storytelling Station with local authors, Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library, and rotating holiday book readings. Throughout the Marketplace, visitors will encounter strolling carolers including the Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus, What the Dickens, Arizona Women’s Chorus, and more. On Saturday, families can experience the BubbleManiacs Snow, Bubble, and Foam Party from 4:00–6:00 PM—an immersive holiday experience.
Free Santa photos return Saturday at the iconic Golder Ranch Fire District truck and Oro Valley Police motorcycles—set against a stunning view of Pusch Ridge. Golder Ranch Fire District will also host donation boxes for their annual toy drive benefiting Aviva Children’s Services.
Explore the celebrations of the season with the Holidays Around the World immersive scavenger hunt. Grab your card at the central Information Booth, and once complete, turn it in for a chance at a prize at the Art State Arizona spinning wheel.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
Food is at the heart of every community celebration, and the festival brings together a lineup of festive food trucks, holiday treats, hot cocoa stations, kettle corn, local restaurant partners, and specialty sweet and savory offerings. Families can explore flavors from across the region while enjoying music, art, and seasonal activities.
A Festival Rooted in Mission, Impact & Shared Community Pride
Behind the festivities is a deeper purpose: supporting Arizona’s creative sector and strengthening the cultural vitality of the region. Each year, the Oro Valley Holiday Festival of the Arts provides meaningful economic opportunities for more than 150 artists, artisans, performers, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs. The event draws thousands of attendees to the Oro Valley Marketplace, supporting local commerce and creating ripple effects that benefit the broader Pima County economy.
“As Art State Arizona expands to support a statewide mission, festivals like this one remind us why the arts matter,” said Kate Marquez, CEO of Art State Arizona. “This weekend is more than a celebration—it’s a living example of how creativity builds belonging, strengthens economies, and helps communities thrive. Oro Valley has become a leader in showing how arts and culture can shape a community’s identity and its future.”
Presented in Partnership with Local Leaders & Community Champions
This event is made possible through the commitment and generosity of community
partners, including: Town of Oro Valley • Pima County Attractions & Tourism • Country Financial (Megan
Hawkins) • Town West Properties • Pima Federal Credit Union • Lisa Bayless • 94.9 MIXfm, The Christmas Station • Waste Management • Arizona Pro Sound
Additional appreciation is extended to the Oro Valley Police Department, Golder Ranch Fire District, local businesses, volunteers, student groups, and the dedicated Art State Arizona and Catalyst Creative Collective team who bring this two-day celebration to life.
Event Details & Logistics
Saturday, December 6, 2025 — 10:00 AM–6:30 PM*
Sunday, December 7, 2025 — 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony: Saturday at 6:00 PM
*Artisan vendors close at 5:00 PM Saturday. Winter Wonderland and select food vendors remain open until 6:30 PM.
12155 N Oracle Road, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Located between Fork & Fire and the former Red Lobster
Free parking throughout the center with 4,300+ spaces, including ADA and motorcycle
Additional Opportunities:
Volunteers are encouraged to join and support the event.
MAIN STAGE — Saturday, December 6
10:00 AM — Casas Christian School Middle School Praise Team (School Chorus)
10:20 AM — Cross Middle School & Canyon del Oro High School Advanced Choirs (School
11:00 AM — Cross Middle School Jazz Band (Student Jazz Ensemble)
12:00 PM — Kids Unlimited (Youth Choir & Dance)
12:40 PM — Saguaro City Music Theatre (Musical Theater Performance)
1:00 PM — Oro Valley Team Dance (Youth Dance Ensemble)
1:15 PM — Omkara School of Dance (Indian Classical Dance)
2:00 PM — Tuba Christmas (Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble)
3:00 PM — Santa Arrival Parade (IRHS Nighthawk Vanguard Marching Band)
3:10 PM — Opening Welcome & Presentation of Colors
3:12 PM — Star-Spangled Banner — Performed by Jessiah
3:15 PM — Town Welcome & Remarks
3:20 PM — Mayor & Santa on Stage
3:30 PM — Elite Theater Academy (Youth Choir & Dance)
4:00 PM — Wilson Elementary & Middle School Choir (Youth Choir)
4:30 PM — City Psalms Choir (Community Choir)
TREE LIGHTING STAGE — Saturday, December 6
10:00 AM — Sheryl Ann McKinley Quartet (Holiday Jazz)
12:30 PM — Oro Valley Jazz Band (Big Band Holiday Jazz)
1:45 PM — Saddlebrooke Barbershop Quartet (Barbershop Quartet)
2:30 PM — Jessiah (Jazz & Soul Vocalist)
3:30 PM — Wally Lawder and the Desert Sky (Holiday Folk/Pop Band)
5:15 PM — The Polar Express Reading (with OVPD & GRFD Leadership)
5:30 PM — Tucson Girls Chorus (Caroling Sing-Along)
6:00 PM — Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Featuring Art State Arizona, Santa, Event Partners, and Mayor Winfield
6:15 PM — Lighting of the Oro Valley Holiday Tree & Snowfall
KIDSZONE & STROLLING PERFORMERS — Saturday, December 6
11 AM - 2 PM - Zach the Juggling Elf (Strolling Juggler)
12:00–2:00 PM — Kindred Chorus (Strolling Carolers)
2:00–4:00 PM — U of A Carolers Ensemble (Strolling Carolers)
3:00–6:00 PM — What the Dickens (Strolling Carolers)
12:30–2:30 PM / 3:30–5:30 PM — Photos with Santa at the Golder Ranch Firetruck
10:00 AM–6:00 PM — Sparkled Wings Facepainting (Facepainting & Glitter Art)
MAINSTAGE — Sunday, December 7
10:00 AM — BASIS Oro Valley Primary Choir (Youth Choir)
10:40 AM — Derdog (Acoustic Guitar & Vocals)
11:10 AM — Saguaro Stompers & Sonoran Sol Cloggers (Folk Dance Ensemble)
11:40 AM — Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus (Women’s Chorus)
12:20 PM — Holiday Background Music
1:00 PM — What the Dickens (Caroling)
1:30 PM — Rezonators Brass Band (Brass Ensemble)
2:30 PM — Arizona Women’s Chorus (Choral)
3:30 PM — Centre Stage Dance Studio (Contemporary Dance)
TREE LIGHTING STAGE — Sunday, December 7
10:00 AM — Retro Swing Xmas Quartet (Holiday Swing & Jazz)
12:15 PM — Kids Unlimited (Youth Choir & Dance)
1:00 PM — Mariachi Innovación (Traditional Mariachi Ensemble)
2:00 PM — Compañía de Danza Folklórica Arizona (Ballet Folklórico)
3:00 PM — T.E.A.M. City Choir (Community Gospel Choir)
3:40 PM — Chris Baron (Folk Rock Holiday Performance)
KIDSZONE & STROLLING PERFORMERS — Sunday, December 7
11 AM - 2 PM - Zach the Juggling Elf (Strolling Juggler)
11:30 AM–2:30 PM — What the Dickens (Strolling Carolers)
2:00–4:00 PM — Tucson Desert Harmony Chorus (Strolling Carolers)
10:00 AM–4:00 PM — Comic Bookmobile (Interactive Arts & Literary Activities
Art State Arizona strengthens Arizona’s cultural and economic fabric by making the arts essential to everyday life. Through statewide festivals, public art, creative workforce programs, and the Catalyst Creative Collective, the organization partners with communities of all sizes to spark creativity, collaboration, economic growth, and social well-being. Art State Arizona envisions a future where the arts are integrated across every sector—community development, business, education, and health—advancing equity and shaping a more resilient, imaginative Arizona.
About the Town of Oro Valley
The Town of Oro Valley is committed to investing in arts, culture, parks, outdoor experiences, and community-centered programming. Through long-standing partnerships and a dedication to creative placemaking, the Town supports initiatives that enhance quality of life, celebrate local talent, and strengthen the cultural heartbeat of the community.
Media Contacts:
Da’Lice Shepard
Director of Marketing & Programs
dalice@artstateaz.org
Art State Arizona