Must sees between Christmas ‘24 & NY Day?

Question

Husband and I will be visiting the Catalina Foothills area at Christmas. Staying at the Westin La Paloma. Any special events to take note of? Must sees? Things I should pack that I might not initially consider?

Answer

Visiting Tucson’s Catalina Foothills area over Christmas and New Year’s is a fantastic time. The weather is usually mild during the day, though nights can be chilly, and the desert landscape is beautiful with winter light. Staying at the Westin La Paloma puts you in a prime location for both relaxation and exploring nearby attractions.

Special events and seasonal highlights:

Christmas and holiday lights: Many local neighborhoods and attractions feature festive light displays. La Encantada and downtown Tucson often have holiday decorations worth seeing.
Tucson Botanical Gardens Winter Nights: Seasonal lighting events and holiday-themed exhibits.
Old Tucson Studios: Occasionally hosts holiday events, and the historic Western setting is fun to explore.
Local farmers’ markets: Some remain open over the holidays, offering seasonal crafts, foods, and local products.

Must-see attractions:

Saguaro National Park (East and West): Iconic desert landscapes and scenic drives; even short hikes give you a sense of the desert’s scale.
Mount Lemmon: Just a short drive from the Foothills, great for scenic views, hiking, or even light snow depending on elevation.
Pima Air & Space Museum: One of the largest aviation museums in the world.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum—perfect for understanding the desert ecosystem.
Sabino Canyon: Tram rides and short hikes are family-friendly and showcase desert scenery.

Things to pack that might not be immediately obvious:

Layered clothing: Daytime can be in the 60s–70s°F, but nights can drop into the 30s–40s°F, especially at higher elevations like Mount Lemmon.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential even in winter because the desert sun is strong.
Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking boots for trails and uneven desert terrain.
Reusable water bottle: The air is dry, and staying hydrated is important.
Binoculars or camera: For wildlife and birdwatching, especially in Saguaro National Park.
Light jacket or windbreaker: For breezy evenings or higher elevations.

Tips: Tucson is very safe for outdoor activities in winter, and daylight hours are shorter in late December, so plan hikes or sightseeing earlier in the day. Booking tours or tram rides in advance can help avoid holiday crowds. Dining reservations may be wise for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as local restaurants can fill up quickly.

In summary, you’ll enjoy a mix of desert scenery, holiday festivities, and cultural experiences. With layered clothing and planning around daylight, your trip to Catalina Foothills will be both comfortable and memorable.