Did you know there is an old western town in Tucson that was built in 1939 & is a movie set used in multiple movie scenes including moves like the Three Amigos & Tombstone and shows like Little House on the Prairie. That location is called Old Tucson! It is still open as a filming location & when there isn't anything being filmed there you can visit to explore the town or participate in one of their holiday events. On December 23rd, we took a road trip to Old Tucson to experience Yuletide the old west way. The tickets may seem slightly pricey however all of the shows & rides at the park are included in the price of admission & there is quite a bit to do.
When you first arrive, the first show is the opening ceremony. You'll learn the story of how the "West Pole" came to be & how Santa made his secondary home Old Tucson. Santa is brought into town in a wagon & he welcomes everyone to Old Tucson with a tree lighting ceremony. However, things don't go quite as planned when Jack Frost shows up to try & ruin the night. Everyone at Yuletide is invited to help join in the festivities to chase Jack Frost away and show the power of Christmas Magic.
For entertainment there are magic shows, stunt shows, trivia games for kids, live blacksmith demonstrations, The goofs on the roof which are two adorable elves that sit on top one of the buildings talking with all of the guests. There is also a horse drawn carriage ride where you can sing Christmas carols, a train ride that takes you around the circumference of Old Tucson allowing you to see some sights & buildings you aren't able to see from inside of the town.
That isn't all, they had a small movie theatre playing classic holiday movies, a small maze for kids, skee ball, a carousel, face painting, a shooting range, photo opportunities & you can explore Jack Frosts layer to see what he has been up to at Old Tucson. If you are looking for a way to warm up in the chilly night there is hot chocolate for sale along with a few spots to grab food or you can head inside for some in doors activities like pictures with Santa, Story time with Mrs. Claus or write a letter to Santa. There is also a small museum with movies props from films/shows that have taken place there, two sweets shops and of course gift shops.
As mentioned, there was a lot to do! We went from one show or ride right to another, they kept the schedule packed and well organized. We spent a few hours at Old Tucson & enjoyed everything they had to offer especially the stunt show. There were a few neat stunts, but that isn't what really made the show, the actors themselves are what made the show quite entertaining. While this event might be over for the time being, if you are close & able to travel to Tucson you should consider visiting this event at the end of 2024!
🌵 If you live in Arizona check out the "Things to do in Arizona" (Click or locate it on the right-hand side of my page) section of my blog to find entertainment, restaurants, vacation spots & more. This was not a sponsored review, we paid to get into the zoo ourselves. I enjoy being able to share spots like this with my readers who may not be able to visit in person but are still interested in learning more about these spots, or for anyone planning vacations in the area.
27 comments:
This looks awesome. I love all Christmas activities.
This looks like such an amazing way to celebrate the holidays. I'd love to take my family there.
What a hidden treasure in Tuscan. My family would enjoy this over the holiday season. Stephanie
That tree though! It is so gorgeous! I am a sucker for a big Christmas tree.
This is such a cool looking film set, somewhere I would love to see - it look very oldy-worldy. I love how they have made a showcase of it for Christmas, it looks great.
What a festive journey! Yuletide at Old Tucson sounds enchanting.
This looks like such a fun place to go to in Tucson. I like the mix of games and things to look at.
What a lovely place to visit, it looks so festive and perfect for the Christmas time celebrations
I'd love to experience something like this in person!! Looks like so much fun!
Your discovery of Old Tucson as a movie set and its transformation into a festive Yuletide experience is truly intriguing! The fact that it's a filming location, with ties to iconic movies and shows, adds an extra layer of excitement. Thanks for sharing this hidden gem and the unique way you spent December 23rd. Can't wait to explore it myself!
Looks like you had a really fun and memorable time! What an exciting place to celebrate the season...looks like a lot of fun and very interesting too to see all the old cinema trivia!
I certainly does sound like you had a really good time there. The magic shows would be perfect for the kids to enjoy.
Ammmmazing...I would love to experience this amazing place, it feels magical, I love it!!!
This looks like such lovely place to visit. I imagine it's extra magical during the festive period :)
Christmas kind of feels like a distant memory now, but this looks stunning. Such a great place to experience in the festive season and it looks so pretty x
What a festive adventure! Yuletide at Old Tucson sounds like a delightful journey into the Old West's Christmas magic.
Thanks for sharing as my family would have a blast at Yuletide at Old Tucson. Will have to put his on our calendar for next year. Stephanie
Your post about Yuletide at Old Tucson captures the festive spirit beautifully! 🎄 The charming descriptions of the holiday decorations and the joyful atmosphere paint a vivid picture. It's heartwarming to read about the traditions and celebrations at Old Tucson during the Yuletide season. Thanks for sharing this enchanting experience – it feels like taking a stroll through a winter wonderland.
I like that there was a small theater. Those can be fun!
Thank you for sharing your delightful experience at Old Tucson's Yuletide event! Your detailed description painted a vivid picture of the festive atmosphere and the range of activities available, making it sound like a wonderful holiday destination.
Your storytelling about the opening ceremony with Santa's arrival and the unexpected visit from Jack Frost added a charming touch to the festivities. The diverse entertainment options, from magic shows and stunt performances to trivia games and carriage rides, created a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
It's evident that you made the most of your time at Old Tucson, seamlessly transitioning from one attraction to another. The inclusion of indoor activities like story time with Mrs. Claus and the opportunity to explore Jack Frost's lair showcased the thoughtfulness in planning the event.
Your positive feedback on the well-organized schedule, entertaining actors in the stunt show, and the overall variety of attractions is not only informative but also inviting for readers who might consider visiting in the future.
Your mention of the non-sponsored nature of the review adds credibility, and your personal touch in recommending the event for those close to Tucson in 2024 creates a friendly and genuine vibe.
Additionally, the inclusion of information about your blog's "Things to do in Arizona" section provides a valuable resource for readers interested in exploring more activities in the area.
Overall, your review is engaging, informative, and warmly encourages others to experience the Yuletide magic at Old Tucson. Well done! 🌟
Great read! Your lively description of Old Tucson's Yuletide celebration really brings it to life. It sounds like a perfect holiday spot. Thanks for sharing!
Such a great place to visit. Yuletide sounds amazing for a short family visit during Christmas time.
This sounds like it would have been such a fun Christmassy experience. It would be so much fun for the kids. That Christmas tree is amazing!!!!
I'm sure that an uncommon place is worth exploring. This is the first time I know about Old Tucson and it's interesting to visit it one day.
Seem a fun place to visit and you guys look silly in the picture with the bath haha. Would love to visit this next Christmas.
Over here we have this thing called "The Christmas Village" where everything looks so Christmasy and there is a stage that looks similar to that you shared.
I hope one day, we get to go to Tucson and experience how you celebrate Christmas there.
This is so cool, I did not know that they had this in Tucson & I've been there a few times. I will have to visit this next holiday season.
Post a Comment