When most of the United States is shivering from cold weather, Tucson 
residents enjoy balmy temperatures with warm sunshine (although as I write this, it’s cool and a little wet). What baby boomer traveler wouldn’t welcome a trip to Tucson for some holiday warmth? The celebration is in full swing with plenty of activities to keep boomers busy.
See the light
At Winterhaven Festival of Lights, ride or walk through the central Tucson neighborhood where homeowners decorate with elaborate light displays powered by environmentally friendly LED lights. The event is free but the resident’s association accepts cans of food for the Tucson Community Food Bank. Several vendors sell rides through the area on hay wagons.
Would you rather celebrate indoors? Visit the Flandrau Science Center at the University of Arizona where tis The Season is playing in the Planetarium. Learn how holiday traditions became associated with lighting up the winter sky. Afterwards stay for the live sky show, Under Arizona skies.
Visit memory lane
Stop by Westward Look’s desert gallery to view the Coca-Cola Santa Memorabilia display. Why not stay for dinner in the Lookout Bar and Grille? If the Retro Rockets are playing, Alan and I will be dancing the night away to 60’s music.
For more rockin’ entertainment 60’s style, attend Gaslight Theater’s performance of A Small Town Christmas. Will the 1961 era town regain it’s Christmas spirit? Laugh your way through this musical spoof to find out.
Be a child again
Explore Hanukkah traditions at the Festival of Friendship held at the Tucson Children’s Museum. On Sunday, December 28, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, enjoy storytelling, music and hands on activities with your grandkids.
Then, come back to the Tucson Children’s Museum on January 3 for free admission to Three King’s Day. Watch as your little one creates a Three Kings stick puppet and camel silhouette art.
Go outside
Are you missing the cold and snow? Drive the 27-mile Catalina 
Highway to Mt. Lemmon (9100 ft.) Near the top, downhill ski at Ski Valley, or, enjoy the snowy view and a cup of hot chocolate at the Iron Door Restaurant.
Take advantage of the valley’s good weather. Hike a desert trail, ride a horse, go birding, play golf or tennis, ride in a hot air balloon or simply sit by the resort pool soaking up sunshine.
Have you visited Tucson during the holidays? Post a comment to tell me how you celebrated the season.
