76 Years of Tucson’s Most Beloved Holiday Tradition
The 76th Annual Winterhaven Festival of Lights illuminates December evenings from December 13-27, 2025, continuing one of the longest-running light festivals in the United States. This extraordinary neighborhood celebration transforms the historic Winterhaven community into a wonderland of twinkling displays, elaborate themed decorations, and creative holiday artistry that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Southern Arizona and beyond. Nestled between East Prince Road, North Country Club Road, East Fort Lowell Boulevard, and North Tucson Boulevard, this residential neighborhood becomes the epicenter of Tucson’s holiday spirit, where residents dedicate months of preparation to creating magical displays that bring joy to visitors while supporting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Historic Origins and Vision
The festival’s origins trace back to 1949 when CB Richards, founder of the Winterhaven development, was inspired by a similar display he witnessed in Beverly Hills during the 1930s. Richards purchased the first set of Christmas lights and donated them to the neighborhood, establishing a tradition that would grow to become Arizona’s most celebrated holiday light display. He also arranged for the planting of Aleppo pine trees at regular intervals throughout the neighborhood, with electrical connections installed near each tree to power the elaborate displays that would define Winterhaven’s holiday character for generations to come.
Creative Community Displays
Each participating residence creates unique displays that range from traditional holiday themes to elaborate fantasy worlds featuring everything from Disney princesses to zoo animals. Resident Jim Tofel, now in his 22nd year of participation, creates dual displays including the “Winterhaven Zoo” with roughly 170 wired animal figures and a Disney princess collection that requires approximately 20 people to set up each year. Other popular displays include igloos constructed entirely of lights, Whoville and Nightmare Before Christmas mashups, superhero-themed yards, and intricate displays that tell visual stories through coordinated lighting sequences.
Genuine Community Spirit
The festival operates as a genuine community effort, with residents volunteering countless hours and investing significant personal resources to create and maintain their displays throughout the two-week celebration period. Many families have participated for decades, passing down display traditions through generations while continuously evolving and expanding their contributions. The collaborative spirit extends beyond individual displays, as neighbors coordinate timing, share electrical resources, and assist each other with setup and maintenance throughout the festival period.
Essential Event Information
🗓️ Festival Dates: December 13-27, 2025
⏰ Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM nightly
📍 Location: Winterhaven Neighborhood
Bounded by E Prince Road, N Country Club Road, E Fort Lowell Boulevard, and N Tucson Boulevard, Tucson, AZ
💰 Admission: Free to walk through the neighborhood
Transportation Options
🅿️ Ways to experience the festival:
- Walking: Free self-guided tours throughout the neighborhood
- Free Shuttle: ADA-compliant service with wheelchair lifts
- Trolley Tours: $16-20 per person (ages 13+), $12-15 for children (ages 5-12). Prices increase after December 15. Reservations recommended.
- Hayrides: Propane-powered historic jeeps pulling wagons, 40-minute tours, operated by Winterhaven Rides (520) 825-0208
- Arizona Party Bikes: $22 per seat or $330 for entire 14-person bike rental
- Silent Adventures: New silent-disco tour experience with festive playlist
🚌 Public Transportation: Sun Tran provides special service schedules with multiple routes serving the area during festival dates.
Contact Information
📞 Mailing Address: Winterhaven Public Events, PO Box 42634, Tucson, AZ 85733
Website: winterhavenfestival.org
Tour Reservations: winterhavenrides.com
Phone: (520) 825-0208 (Winterhaven Rides)
🏢 Organization: Winterhaven Public Events (Community volunteer organization)
Community Impact and Food Bank Support
Community Impact: The festival serves as the second-largest annual fundraiser for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. In 2023, visitors donated $31,222 and 37,800 pounds of food during the festival. Donation stations operate at all four neighborhood entrances throughout the festival period, accepting both monetary contributions and non-perishable food items.
Most Needed Food Donations
- Peanut butter
- Canned protein (tuna, chicken, beans)
- Whole grain cereals
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Rice and pasta
Accessibility Features
♿ Accommodations available:
- Trolley tours include wheelchair lifts and ADA compliance
- Hayride companies provide ramps for wheelchair access
- Drop-off areas available at Tucson Boulevard and Prince Road entrances for visitors with mobility challenges
- Wide neighborhood streets accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices
Festival Logistics
📋 Important information:
- No drive-through nights scheduled for 2025
- Free event with voluntary food bank donations encouraged
- Refreshment vendors operate throughout the neighborhood
- Restroom facilities available at multiple locations
- Lost and found services provided by neighborhood volunteers
More Than Holiday Entertainment
The Winterhaven Festival represents more than holiday entertainment—it embodies community values of generosity, creativity, and shared celebration that define the best aspects of Arizona’s cultural character. Residents invest significant time, energy, and financial resources to create displays that bring happiness to strangers, demonstrating the kind of neighborly spirit that builds strong communities. The festival’s longevity testifies to these enduring values, as new generations of residents embrace the tradition while adding their own creative interpretations.
Economic and Regional Impact
The event’s economic impact extends throughout the Tucson region, as visiting families often combine festival attendance with dining, shopping, and lodging experiences that support local businesses. Hotels near the neighborhood report full bookings during festival weeks, while restaurants and retail establishments benefit from increased visitor traffic. The ripple effects demonstrate how community-generated cultural events can contribute significantly to regional economic vitality while maintaining their authentic, grassroots character.
Family Tradition and Holiday Memories
For many Tucson families, attending Winterhaven has become an essential holiday tradition, with multiple generations returning annually to experience familiar displays while discovering new creative additions. The festival provides an opportunity for families to create shared memories while supporting community charitable efforts, combining entertainment with social responsibility in ways that reinforce positive community values.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors should plan to spend 2-3 hours exploring the full neighborhood, as displays are distributed throughout the residential streets rather than concentrated in a single area. The walking experience allows for intimate appreciation of the detailed craftsmanship that goes into each display, while ride options provide efficient touring for visitors with mobility limitations or time constraints. Evening temperatures in December typically range from the 40s to 60s Fahrenheit, making comfortable outdoor exploration possible with light jackets or sweaters.
Continuing the Legacy
The 2025 festival promises to continue evolving while maintaining the authentic community spirit that has made it Arizona’s premier holiday celebration for more than seven decades. New residents regularly join the tradition, bringing fresh creative perspectives while learning from established participants who serve as mentors and guides. This intergenerational collaboration ensures that the festival remains vibrant and relevant while honoring the foundational vision that CB Richards established in 1949.
