About Tucson's Winterhaven

One of the most special events that happens in Tucson during December is the Winterhaven Festival of Lights.

Winterhaven is a wonderful little community in the central area of Tucson. The neighborhood, which was started in 1949, has held this event every year for 62 years and is the longest running festivals of its kind in the country. It's a time honored festival that draws tens of thousands every year.

I had the opportunity to walk through last year, never knowing that I would actually live a block away. I can't wait to be able to spend a few nights walking through and taking in the decorations - (my camera is not the best at night)

Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel - I made it out of clay

The Penguin Patrol!
There was a sign that stated that some of the penquins had escaped and were wandering around the Winterhaven neighborhood. If found, please return! They were hidden in other displays.

A portion of a Christmas village

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you'll see in Winterhaven.

Residents take months to plan, layout and then decorate their homes for this. Some folks don't go as all out as what you see above - they are more subtle in their decorations but they all do a wonderful job.

The neat thing about this is the fact that the Winterhaven Organization collects donations for our local food bank each year. Last year, they collected over 44,000 pounds of food and almost $30,000 in monetary donations.

If You Want to Go:

*There are specific nights where you can drive through the neighborhood. They are: Dec. 13, 15 and 20th.
*Walk thru nights are: Dec. 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th,18th,19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, and 25th
*The event starts each night at 6pm and ends promptly at 10pm
*On the walk thru nights, you can take a hayride or a trolley ride through the neighborhood but you need to make reservations. Click for more information

For more information on homes available in the Winterhaven neighborhood, click on any of the green houses on the map below: