Tucson’s holiday season takes flight as JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa’s annual tree lighting ceremony transforms into a dazzling Winter Wonderland with Santa’s grand arrival by helicopter, a festive fireworks display and a holiday toy drive to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Tucson. Locals attending the tree lighting ceremony are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to spread holiday joy and support local children in need.
This year’s tree lighting will take place Tuesday, December 2nd, beginning at 5 p.m. The festivities are complimentary and open to the public.
Last year, JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa expanded its holiday offerings to both resort guests and the public to include private dining under the stars in twinkling-light igloos, a life-sized gingerbread house and ginger bar in the resort lobby, Christmas room décor packages, holiday workshops, elf tuck-ins, story time with Santa’s Elves, brunch with Santa and s’mores in the Fireside Village.
For a full listing of resort activities, dates, times, availability and room reservations, click here.
Private Igloo Experience
Nestled under a canopy of twinkling lights and surrounded by festive décor, each igloo features a private gas fire pit and plush, cozy blankets. The igloos will be available to reserve beginning December 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Cost per igloo begins at $200 and includes a charcuterie board and s’mores kit for six guests. Perfect for family gatherings, romantic evenings or celebrating the season with friends. Price is exclusive of tax and service charge.
Fireside Village – S’mores Experience
Enjoy s’mores in the Fireside Village and gather around the campfire to experience this mouthwatering holiday tradition. The s’mores experience is available daily beginning December 5th, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are available in 45-minute increments for $45 per session and includes 8 s’mores. Additional s’mores are available for $25 per package of four s’mores.
Brunch with Santa at Passaggio
Celebrate this favored holiday tradition between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and share breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 6th, 13th or 20th, for a festive feast of traditional holiday favorites and brunch classics. Kids will enjoy holiday activities and photos with Santa while adults enjoy gourmet offerings and a holiday hot chocolate bar. Cost is $55 per adult, $25 per child (ages 3-12) and children two and under are complimentary. Price is exclusive of tax and service charge.
Life-Sized Gingerbread House Experience
Step inside this storybook setting and experience an enchanting life-sized gingerbread house that is handcrafted with all of the sweet details of the holidays. Guests can enjoy personalized service and culinary delights in this private holiday hideaway that can be reserved for two sessions nightly at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reservations include a charcuterie board and dessert platter for up to 6 guests. Cost is $250 per session and reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Price is exclusive of tax and service charge.
Savor Festive Flavors at the Ginger Bar
Guests can sip on holiday libations and soak up the season at the Ginger Bar in the resort lobby every Friday and Saturday from December 5th through December 20th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Located adjacent to the resort’s life-sized Gingerbread House, guests can also enjoy holiday cocktail favorites from the Ginger Bar on Christmas Eve from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holiday Workshops at JW Market
‘Tis the season to be creative with a festive lineup of hands-on experiences for all ages. Featured every weekend in December from the 5th to the 20th, and on Christmas Day, holiday activations will include snow globe workshops, holiday cookie kits-to-go, stocking decorating, holiday ceramic ornament painting and more. Some workshops have fees per person.
Elf Tuck-Ins
Available on select Fridays and Saturdays beginning at 7 p.m., resort guests can treat their children to a magical bedtime experience with the Elf Tuck-In Service. One of Santa’s elves will tuck them in with a cozy blanket and read their favorite bedtime story. Reservations are required. Price begins at $30 per room.
Story Time with Santa’s Elves
Kids will gather ‘round one of Santa’s elves in the resort lobby to listen to “how to catch an elf” and “how to catch a reindeer” every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., beginning December 5th through the 20th.
Christmas Room Décor Package
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the seasonal festivities to your room! Each Christmas room décor package includes a pre-lit Christmas tree, pre-lit garland and Christmas crafts.
