Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner

We have a visitor staying with us from back east - it's been a while since he's been to Tucson and one of the things he keeps mentioning are the mountains!

We do have some beautiful mountains and it's good that someone notices it and reminds me to stop and take a look around from time to time. To get a snapshot idea - the city of Tucson sits in the middle of a "bowl" and on each side are a set of gorgeous mountains.

To the north are the Catalina Mountains, to the east - the Rincons, the south are the terrific Santa Rita Mountains and to the west are the Tucson Mountains.

One thing is for sure, if you visit Tucson - you'll have lots to do in any of these mountain ranges - hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and most of all you will have a beautiful view no matter what direction you look!

Here are holiday events happening around Tucson today!

"A Tucson Pastorela", Borderlands Theater at 7:30 p.m.

"Hope, Light and Peace" with the Arizona Repertory Singers, 7:30 p.m. at the Desert View Performing Arts Center.

"Christmas with Aaron Neville", Fox Tucson Theatre downtown Tucson, 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.foxtucsontheatre.com .

Events that are ongoing today include:

"Zoo Lights" continues on tonight at Reid Park Zoo.

"Christmas in the Big Apple" at the Gaslight Theatre has shows again tonight at 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.

"Winterhaven Festival of Lights" Winterhaven Neighborhood. Tonight is a walk through night and don't forget a can of food to donate for the Community Food Bank.

"A Christmas Carol" has another showing tonight at the Comedy Playhouse at 7:30pm.

Something interesting and different tonight in Tucson is at the La Encantada shopping center on Skyline Drive - "Snowing in Tucson"! The Enchanted Snowfall runs for 15 minutes twice on Friday and Saturday evenings, at 6 and 6:45 p.m., through Dec. 23. And every night a different singing group performs.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas! Tucson events happening around town today include:

"A Tucson Pastorela" at Leo Rich Theatre in the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

with the Borderlands Theater group at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $6-$10. Borderlands makes us laugh and puts us in the spirit with its "Tucson Pastorela." It's written in rhyme, weaves in local and national news from the past year, and has angels and devils you'll just love.

Ongoing Holiday Events tonight in Tucson:

"Zoo Lights" at Reid Park Zoo.

"Christmas in the Big Apple" at the Gaslight Theatre - show times are 3, 6, and 8:30 p.m.

"Christmas at San Xavier" with the Sons of Orpheus and Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus - shows are at 6 and 8 p.m.

"Winterhaven Festival of Lights" at the Winterhaven Neighborhood. Tonight is a drive through night and it will be jam-packed so go early and be prepared for long waits!

And the big holiday event to plan for is the Tucson Parade of Lights - this coming Saturday in Downtown Tucson!

It's coming up on as fast and Tucson glitters even more as the big day approaches - the biggest event in town right now is the Winterhaven Festival of Lights! The event starts at Christmas Ave. in the subdivision located near Grant and Country Club. Be sure to check the schedule for walk thru and drive through nights. Today, is a walk thru night. It's free to go through - but as with every year - they appreciate donations of canned food for the Community Food Bank.

"Christmas in the Big Apple" is playing again tonight at the Gaslight Theatre. Show times are 3, 6 and 8:30 pm.

So what's hot and trendy for holiday gifts this year? According to a Cyber Monday study - footed PJs are tops on the buying list for many! Here are some other trendy ideas:

Hoodie Buddies. Hoodie shirts and sweatshirts with little pocket compartments for MP3 players cords.

Touchscreen compatible gloves - so when your hands are too cold to take your gloves off - but you need to answer your phone - this is the item you need!

Books- imagine that! I was excited to read that books were tops on the list for purchases!

Retro items - lava lamps, and retro "heros" such as the Cookie Monster and Ninja Turtle sleepwear or shirts seem to be popular sellers.

Footwear. Surprisingly, boots sales soared over running shoe sales - tops on the list of purchases Ugh Boots - if you can afford them they are a big "want" - if you can't - many stores have knock offs that will do! But I still prefer running shoes!

As Tucson gears up for a big holiday weekend, here are some things happening today to get you more in to the holiday cheer:

"Flute and Guitar Christmas Concert" with the Silverwood Duo performing classical music and other Christmas favorites. Show starts at 1:30 p.m. at the Oasis Junior League, 2099 E. River Road and the cost is $10.

"Trumpet Spectacular" and piano accompaniment duo plays holiday favorites in a unique way! The program is free but donations are suggested - it's all at St. Philip's in The Hills at 7 p.m.

"A Cactus Christmas" - a family-friendly holiday story performed by local favorites! Show starts at 7pm at Beowulf Alley Theatre and the cost is $15.

Holiday events still going on this week:

"Zoo Lights" at Reid Park Zoo

"Christmas in the Big Apple" at the Gaslight Theatre.

"Away With the Manger" at the Waypoint Theatre Company.

And don't forget to get ready for two big events this weekend:

Tucson's Downtown Fourth Avenue Street Fair and the Winterhaven of Lights Festival begins on Saturday!