As the days grow crisp and the nights turn chilly, there’s a special magic that descends upon Southern Arizona during the fall and winter months. It’s a time of year when hot cocoa warms our hands, colorful leaves create a vibrant tapestry, and a sense of community comes alive through the myriad of outdoor events. At Oasis Cooling & Heating, we understand the importance of staying warm and comfortable while savoring these precious moments, and we’re here to share our expertise with you. In today’s blog, we’ll provide you with valuable insights on how to stay cozy and make the most of the seasonal festivities that grace our beautiful region. Join us as we explore some awesome tips and recommendations, ensuring that you can fully enjoy all the events happening around Tucson and the surrounding areas while keeping the chill at bay. 

Read on for some tips on how to stay warm outside the home, and keep reading for some fun events happening in and around the Tucson, AZ area.

1. Dress in layers: To stay warm, it’s important to wear the right layers that are suitable for cold weather like quick-drying and temperature-regulating base layers followed by insulated mid and outer layers. By doing this, you are giving yourself the option of peeling off layers if you start getting too warm. The last thing you want to do is start sweating.
2. Stay Dry: Moisture can chill you quickly, so when you’re out in the cold, it’s important to minimize sweating.
3. Keep Head, Neck, Hands, and Feet Toasty: Your extremities are where you lose the most heat, so keep them wrapped with warm scarves, hats, mittens or gloves, and thick socks!
4. Use Hand and Toe Warmers: These amazing inventions are so versatile. You can use them in so many ways, put one in your beanie/cap to keep your head warm, stick one on the back of your phone to keep the battery from draining, and so much more. Be creative!
5. Eat Snacks, Not Meals: Meals make you colder, as they cause your blood to rush to your digestive system. Snacks are easier to digest, and warm drinks will warm you from the inside, which brings us to number….
6. Stay Hydrated: As mentioned above, warm drinks warm you from the inside out, but a full bladder will make you significantly colder, so stay hydrated & don’t avoid drinking fluids just so you won’t have to go.
7. Keep Moving: Move, Move, Move. And then move some more. It’s basic, but it works. We all know that with movement comes circulation, and with good blood circulation comes warmth. So just keep moving.

Having covered the essential tips for staying warm during the enchanting fall and winter months in Southern Arizona, let’s now turn our attention to the vibrant events that dot the calendar. The local community comes alive during this season, offering an array of festivals, gatherings, and activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether you’re a fan of arts and culture, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone. Join us as we explore some of the must-attend events in the region that will add warmth and excitement to your cold-weather adventures.

November Events

• Desert Air Market
  When: Saturday, Nov. 11th | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Where: 439 N. Sixth Ave.
  What is it? A pop-up market run by local creators & makers with more than two dozen vendors with a wide array of artisan products from clothing and jewelry to pottery and candles! 
• The Mercado Flea
  When: Sunday, Nov. 12th | 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Where: Mercado District, 100 S. Avenida del Convento
  What is it? A vintage flea market with vendors from all over the area selling antique and vintage items. 
• Fall Artisans Market
  When: Friday – Sunday, Nov. 17th – 19th | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.
  What is it?  A dreamy market full of more than 100 artists featuring their pottery, glasswork, jewelry, and more! Get your holiday shopping started…or finished at this veritable wonderland!
• 2nd Annual BOB FEST
  When: Saturday, Nov. 25th | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Where: MLK Lot, 55 N. Fifth Ave.
  What is it? BOB FEST will be the largest Black Business festival in Arizona with a goal of 75+ vendors and live musicians/performers this year! 

December Events

• 18th Tucson Tamal & Heritage Festival
  When: Saturday, Dec. 2nd | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Where: AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road
  What is it? This festival celebrating all things tamales is back for another year at Casino Del Sol. Attendees will enjoy a tamale contest, live entertainment, and food and artisan vendors.
• Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting
  When: Saturday, Dec. 2nd | 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  Where: Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.
  What is it? Start the holiday season off with a bang at Marana’s holiday festival and Christmas tree lighting. Snap a photo with Santa, order food from one of 30 food vendors, watch live performances, shop from artisans, plus enjoy lots of kid-friendly activities like crafts, train rides and inflatables. At 6 p.m. Marana will light their 40-foot Christmas tree.
• Fourth Avenue Street Fair
  When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 8-9;
  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
  Where: Along North Fourth Avenue
  What is it? More than 350 artists and vendors come together for the ultimate street fair, with live music and more food than you could dream of. Get your holiday shopping done and support local artists!
• Winterhaven Festival of Lights
  When: Dec. 9th – 25th | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  Where: Winterhaven neighborhood
  What is it? Spanning more than 7 decades, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights makes its return on Dec. 9. Walk through this charming neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and displays.
• Downtown Parade of Lights
  When: Saturday, Dec. 16th | 4 p.m.
  Where: Armory Park (Click here for parade route)
  What is it? A tradition of almost 30 years in the making, the Downtown Parade of Lights will snake through the Armory Park area this holiday season. Last year’s parade had more than 30 floats and 1,000 participants. Before the parade starts, a festival will take place at 4 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and music.

In the heart of Southern Arizona, where the sun continues to shine even in the cooler months, staying warm while attending outdoor events is not only achievable but an opportunity to revel in the unique charm of the region. With the knowledge and insights provided in this blog, you can make the most of the season, staying toasty as you immerse yourself in the local culture, art, and festivities. From the crisp air to the cheerful laughter of fellow event-goers, there’s something truly magical about this time of year in Tucson. 

At Oasis Cooling & Heating, we’re committed to ensuring your comfort and enjoyment, whether it’s through our expert heating solutions or our heartfelt recommendations for embracing the spirit of the season. So, as you step out to savor the chilly nights, warm your soul with memories that will last a lifetime, knowing that warmth is never far away, thanks to your friends at Oasis Cooling & Heating. Keeping Southern Arizona Cool Since 1983!