This Arizona Neighborhood has the Best Light Display is the Best in the World
Winterhaven: Festival of Lights - A Tucson Tradition
In Southeastern Arizona, no winter holiday season is complete until you've toured the annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights. According to the Pima County Library, the beloved annual tradition began in 1949.
"C.B. Richards, the founder of the Winterhaven Water and Development Company, was inspired by Christmas decorations in Beverly Hills, California.
Richards donated the first set of lights to residents, along with pine trees that were planted throughout the neighborhood."
The beloved holiday tradition returns this year, running from December 14th to December 28th. It will be open each night from 6 to 10 PM.
How Winterhaven's Festival of Lights Began
Winterhaven's annual light festival is the longest-running neighborhood festival of its kind in the country. It has been held continuously since it first began in 1949.
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In all that time, there have only been two years when the festival has failed to brighten up Tucson.
The first time was during the 1970s when the ongoing energy crisis hit the residents of Winterhaven. The neighbors took a vote and decided not to put up their displays to conserve power. The second time the festival remained dark was during the Global Pandemic in 2020.
Visiting Winterhaven Over the Holiday
The residents of Winterhaven use their creativity to create interesting and engaging holiday displays in their yards. The Winterhaven neighborhood committee presents awards for various categories.
Tucson Electric Power sponsors the neighborhood tradition annually. The festival is free to attend, but donations to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona are gratefully accepted.
Visiting Winterhaven: What to Expect
You can tour Winterhaven on foot with a self-guided tour. Keep in mind that even though it's held in Tucson, it can get chilly. Be sure to wear good shoes and dress for the weather. Believe it or not, it can get cold enough for winter hats, scarves, and mittens.
READ: The Reason Why Arizona's Winter Could Be Bitterly Cold This Year
Can't or Don't Want to Walk? Take a Ride Through Winterhaven!
If you don't want to walk, there are several options for riding through the displays.
You can take the tour by hayride wagon, bus trolley, or novel pedal-powered group bike. If you decide to go that way, advance reservations are recommended. The cost varies depending on the option you choose. See the website for links.
Add an evening of adventure to your holiday bucket list with the Winterhaven Festival of Lights. You'll make family memories that will last a lifetime.
Sources: WinterhavenFestival.org | Pima County Library | Winterhaven Rides | Community Food Bank of Southeastern Arizona
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