December 2026 brings plenty of exciting events to Arizona. Discover five of the best upcoming winter festivals.
It may seem like it was summer just a minute ago, but Arizona’s high country has already seen its first snow of 2026. Yet in true Arizona fashion, Flagstaff and the White Mountains are bundling up, while Phoenix and Tucson are still swapping sweaters for sunglasses by mid-afternoon.
Wherever you live, the season brings a lineup of festivals, from new additions to the calendar to long-standing favorites. They all promise food, drinks, family fun, and plenty of festive cheer, with no winter sports skills or “Let It Go” karaoke talent required.
1. City of Avondale Winterfest — December 5, 2026
In Avondale, the festive season kicks off with Winterfest. In 2025, Winterfest drew upwards of 4,000 visitors, and Winterfest 2026, which is free to enter and runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 5, promises to be another great year.
The official Winterfest activity and vendor schedule has not yet been released, but festival attendees can expect performers and entertainers, the famous Avondazzle light display, a tree lighting, plenty of delicious food and drink, and even a visit from Santa himself.
2. Winterfest and Parade in El Mirage — December 5, 2026
Another event on the first weekend in December, El Mirage’s Winterfest and Parade is a winter festival with a little something for everyone. Starting at 6 p.m. at Bill Gentry Park, the festival bills the parade as a major highlight, and with good reason. But in addition to the sights and sounds of the parade, the band Bangerz in Wonderland will be providing live music as the soundtrack of the evening.
Beyond that, kids can have a ball at the bounce houses, while adults can live dangerously and try their hands at axe throwing. And everyone can enjoy a ride on the trackless train, or meet some of El Mirage’s youngest innovators and see their products at the children’s entrepreneurs market. Also, while it may seem surprising, Santa will be making an appearance, even though he’s also in Avondale that evening. Don’t ask how it works; it’s just magic.
3. Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair — December 11-13, 2026
One of the longest-running and most famous Arizona winter festivals, the Historic Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair is celebrating its 57th year in 2026. Held by the non-profit Fourth Avenue Merchants Association on one of the most beloved streets in Tucson, the Winter Street Fair is one of two annual Fourth Avenue street festivals, and both draw big crowds. In fact, organizers expect the 2026 festival to potentially draw upwards of 350,000 visitors.
What can you expect if you plan to be one of those numbers? Well, for starters, you should be aware that unlike a lot of winter festivals in Arizona, this isn’t chiefly a holiday event. Instead, the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair is first and foremost a celebration of the arts. Over 350 artists from around the world will have their work on display, all free to look at but available for purchase (talk about a unique holiday gift!). Beyond that, expect some of the most delicious ways to have a taste of Tucson at the food vendor stalls, and be sure to check out Fresh Off Fourth, the curated farmers’ and makers’ market within the festival, offering locally-produced food, drink, and gifts from members of the Tucson farming, ranching, and handicraft communities.
4. Luces de Navidad Street Festival — December 12-13, 2026
Luces de Navidad is Spanish for “lights of Christmas,” and this community street festival in Tolleson is certainly illuminated and full of festive vibes. Admission to the festival, which takes over Van Buren Street for two days in December, is free, but there will be food, drink, and gifts available for purchase. Be sure to check the festival schedule if you want to be there for one of the major highlights—the traditional Light Parade, which takes place on the evening of Saturday the 12th.
Whenever you visit, though, there will still be plenty to enjoy. Entertainment, including live music, will be performed on the main stage throughout both days of the festival, so bring your dancing shoes. Children can also enjoy the Kids Zone, which will feature carnival rides and even an ice skating rink, as well as an opportunity to meet Santa. It’s really very nice of him to take time out of his busy December schedule to attend so many winter festivals in Arizona, isn’t it?
5. Winterhaven Festival of Lights — December 12-26, 2026
Tucson’s historic Winterhaven neighborhood is getting ready to transform itself once again for the 77th annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights, which surely makes the festival, as well as the neighborhood it’s held in, historic. Since 1949, Winterhaven has welcomed all of Tucson and beyond to the neighborhood for a free festival full of festive decor, activities, and, of course, plenty of shining, twinkling lights. Beyond the lights, though, be sure to grab a snack from one of the many local food vendors who’ll be setting up on site and selling everything from popcorn, hot chocolate, and coffee to Ensenada-style fish tacos.
The event is held rain or shine (barring extreme weather), and is free to visit, but does support a good cause; guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or donate funds through the festival’s cashless donation points to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. And don’t worry about parking your car; the festival has set up partnerships with local schools, churches, and other sites to ensure there’s plenty of free parking available.
Whether you’re based in the heart of one of Arizona’s biggest cities, or prefer to enjoy the winter season with plenty of small-town charm, there’s an Arizona winter festival out there promising a good time this season.
