Desert Nights Downtown Lights
Supporting a Vibrant Downtown Holiday Season
Desert Nights Downtown Lights is an annual holiday promotional and placemaking campaign organized by the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP). For 2026, the campaign is made possible in part through the generous support of Pima County, with additional sponsorship from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam.
The campaign enhances Downtown Tucson's streetscapes and public spaces through seasonal lighting, decorations and community activations. Each year, DTP coordinates the installation of LED lights on more than 100 street trees, encourages property owners to illuminate their buildings and businesses to decorate their storefronts, and helps bring Jácome Plaza to life with holiday decorations, photo installations and seasonal festivities.
Through these coordinated efforts, Desert Nights Downtown Lights supports local businesses, encourages visitation and creates a welcoming holiday atmosphere for residents and visitors throughout the downtown district.
Street Illumination
Each holiday season, Downtown Tucson Partnership transforms downtown's main streets with thousands of warm white LED lights. More than 100 trees are wrapped from trunk to canopy, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the district. Stroll beneath the illuminated trees and enjoy the glow of downtown on a cool desert evening.
Building Illumination
What's that shimmering in the nighttime desert sky? Yep, that's downtown. The Building Illumination Program began in 2017 as a unified initiative to illuminate Downtown Tucson's skyline for the holidays and attract people from all over the region to dine, shop, play and stay downtown. Downtown Tucson Partnership encourages property owners to purchase warm white LED light line for this cooperative display of lights. The result is a striking silhouette of the downtown skyline visible from Interstate 10, the Catalina Foothills and beyond.
Downtown Tucson's Holiday Tree
Standing 36 feet tall in the heart of Downtown Tucson, Tucson's Christmas Tree brings holiday cheer to Jácome Plaza (101 N. Stone Avenue). The tree serves as a festive centerpiece throughout the season, with a special tree lighting ceremony bringing the community together to celebrate the start of the holidays. Stop by to admire the lights, take holiday photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the plaza.
Tucson's Christmas Tree is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam.
Shop Small This Season
Shop, dine or support downtown small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and all holiday season long!
Downtown Tucson Gift Card
Give the gift of downtown this holiday season! Share what you love about Tucson with a gift of downtown’s best dining, entertainment, shopping, arts and services. The all NEW Downtown Tucson Gift Card can be used at over 50 downtown businesses. This Card is issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC.
Downtown Holiday Activities
Beyond the seasonal lights and decorations, Downtown Tucson comes alive with holiday events, festivals and community celebrations throughout the season. These activities bring people together, support local businesses and offer opportunities to explore downtown's shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. From annual traditions to special seasonal happenings, there's plenty to discover and enjoy during the holidays.
Thank you to the 2026 Downtown Tucson Desert Nights Downtown Lights Sponsors
Downtown Tucson's holiday festivities are made possible in part through the generous support of Pima County, with additional sponsorship from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and Casino Del Sol, Vahi Taaʼam.
