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.

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Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
Is your name on the Naughty or Nice list? // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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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.

READ: What You Should Know: Another Winter Storm for Arizona

Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
The snowmen in Winterhaven. // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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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.

Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
The Winterhaven Snow Machine. // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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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

Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
The Grinch visits Winterhaven. // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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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.

Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
A display inspired by "Game of Thrones". // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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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.

Winterhaven Annual Festival of Lights in Tucson
Val and her daughter as we paused during one of our colder visits to Winterhaven. // Photo by Val Davidson//TSM
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Sources: WinterhavenFestival.org | Pima County Library | Winterhaven Rides | Community Food Bank of Southeastern Arizona

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