Et Cetera

Lighting it up in downtown Tucson

Snow may be thin on the ground here, but the city can still hold its own when it comes to Christmas celebrations.
This year's annual downtown Parade of Lights has a new route, plus cash prizes based on presentation, craft, use of lights and creativity.
When: Saturday December 15th, 6:30pm
Deadline for entries: Friday November 30th
Info: Presented by the Downtown Tucson Partnership

Music, Art and HOPE

Sweet Little Bonnie at HOPE Animal Shelter

Steinway Piano Gallery is behind this perfect combo of art, music and animals in need. The evening includes a Holiday piano duet, a silent and live art auction, wine bar and hors de'oevres from Acacia.
When: Saturday December 1st, 7:00 - 9:30pm
Where: Steinway Piano Gallery, 3001 East Skyline Drive at Campbell in Gallery Row
Tickets: $75 Seats. Reservations at 888 325 9797.
To donate or volunteer at HOPE Animal Shelter click here.

Also worth checking out:
HOPE's 3rd Annual Books and Bake Sale,
December 8th and 9th, 10am - 4pm, 2011 E. 12th St. Tucson. Call 520 792 9200 for details.

Property news

It's a seller's market and inventory is low. And Tucson is rated by two sources as a great place to retire. Read all the latest region's property news from Brent VanKoevering.

4th Avenue Winter Street Fair

What would we do without the innovative, laid-back, counter-culture delight that is 4th Avenue?

Celebrate all that's fab about 4th at its Winter Street Fair when no less than 400+ artists will have booths covering the spectrum from fine art to country crafts. Add to that two stages featuring original music and local community performances and food including Greek, Mexican, Thai and BBQ, and you've got three days well worth marking in your calendar.

What: 4th Avenue Winter Street Fair, 4th Avenue, Tucson

When: December 7, 8, 9, 2012. Open Daily 10am to 6pm

Featuring: Arts and crafts, food, entertainment - from flight simulators and climbing rocks to face painting and live music.

More info: Fourth Avenue Merchant's Association or call (520) 624-5004

A Free Day at MOCA

Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and pay a free visit to MOCA the first Sunday of every month.
As well as art to view there's art to make, with art materials on the Sculpture Plaza for all ages.
When: December 2, 2012, 12-5pm. Sunday Studio See Art Make Art, starts at 1pm
Where: 265 S. Church Ave, Tucson
More info: 520 624 6873 or [email protected]

Shopping for a cause

Splurge and donate at the same time at CRIZMAC Marketplace's Holiday Open House. A portion of proceeds from sales will go to the Tucson Community Food Bank. You can choose from unique ornaments, folk art, jewelry and more.
Where: 1642 N. Alvernon Way Tucson
When: November 30th, 5 - 8:30pm; December 1st and 2nd, 10am-4pm
More info: 520 323 8555

Literacy Connects Presents Stories that Soar!

If you haven't heard or seen Stories that Soar!, it's time you were in on it. Through the talent, artistry and quick on-the-feet thinking of an ensemble of professional actors, stories donated by kids are transformed into innovative theatrical production. This one, presented by Literacy Connects, is free and open to the public.
When: November 30th, 2012 8 - 9am
Where: Holaway Elementary School, 3500 N. Cherry Avenue, Tucson Guests must sign in at the main office.
More info: Literacy Connects, (520) 882-8006

Make-your-own glass beads

If you're looking for a funky Holiday gift, or just some chillax time for yourself, try this beginning beadmaking class at Sonoran Glass School.
Where: 633 W. 18th Street Tucson
When: Sunday December 16th, 2 sessions available: 9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm
Cost: $30 per session. For reservations: Call 520 884 7814. Space is limited!

Don't forget the Zoo Lights!

Here's a bit of insider gossip: the guy who hangs the lights at Reid Park Zoo camps out at the zoo. Like one of Santa's elves, he sneaks in from out of town, sleeps on the premises, and does all his work after-hours when visitors have gone home.
Enjoy the fruits of his night-time labors beginning December 1st and every weekend in December,6pm-8pm weekends in December, starting Dec 1st.
Where: 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson
More info: 520 881 4753 or visit Reid Park Zoo


Cost: $6 adults; $4 children 2-14; $1 off per admission for members.