Holiday shopping in Tucson is a joyful experience, blending Sonoran desert charm with the season’s festive spirit. From the city’s vibrant markets and holiday fairs to boutique shops with one-of-a-kind finds, Tucson has something for everyone and then some.
Holiday Shopping Deals
Every year, the names of major shopping events ring out like the warmest-sounding holiday bells. Black Friday and Cyber Monday often start days or weeks before, with local shops holding sales on-site and online. Tucked between these two major shopping events is Small Business Saturday, a fantastic opportunity to support small, locally-owned businesses and invest in Tucson’s economy.
Holiday Shopping in Tucson
Holiday shopping on a snowless, sun-soaked weekend in November or December is a dreamlike experience. After a lengthy summer, we welcome the cooler temperatures to enjoy massive holiday shopping opportunities like December’s Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair. A longtime Tucson holiday tradition, the fair hosts over 350 vendors who set up shop directly on Fourth Avenue to sell a wide range of one-of-a-kind gifts.
Also in December, held just west of 4th Ave on 7th Street, The Made in Tucson Market is a day-long event that celebrates Tucson’s maker movement and gives locals another chance to support one of Tucson’s most essential pillars—our highly creative and talented artists.
For more holiday shopping, stop by the always impressive City of Tucson Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair at Reid Park the weekend after Thanksgiving. Held for over four decades, this popular event hosts over 140 vendors, all selling unique, handmade goods covering an extensive array of diverse selections. This one is perfect for those especially hard to shop for names on your list.
Shopping Local
Tucson’s cultural richness, abundance of inspiring local artists, and vibrant community make it ideal for shopping local, especially during the holidays.
Stroll through downtown and the Fourth Avenue District with its eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and singular boutiques to find well-made, meaningful holiday gifts.
In the Mercado District adjacent to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex features locally owned shops housed in cool modified shipping containers. Here and within other Mercado shops, you’ll discover first-rate gifts while you enjoy the eye-catching setting.
Di Luna Candles on Campbell Ave is your go-to spot for hand-poured 100% soy wax candles, stationary, accessories, and drinkware. A great idea for the creative candle lover on your list is gifting a ticket to one of Di Luna’s candle-making workshops.
On South 4th Ave, pop into Galleria Mitotera, a Latinx/Queer-owned gallery. From totes to jewelry to accessories to self-care items and home decor, this beautiful locally-owned business has the gifts you need.
Don’t forget the nearby Arizona Poppy Shop for local handmade creations, vintage items, and plants. Finally, Midtown Mercantile Merchants is a vintage heaven that’s not to be missed.
Tucson shopping centers such as Tucson Premium Outlets and La Encantada and shopping malls like Park Place and Tucson Mall will help cover any name-brand bases to wrap up your holiday shopping!