12 DAYS OF
​HOLIDAY CHEER

December 9 - 23, 2020

The holiday season might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with extra cheer. The Oro Valley Marketplace will host a twelve-day celebration in honor of arts, culture, and community in partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, beginning Dec. 9 at the open-air shopping center in Oro Valley, AZ.   

From local puppet performances outdoors and strolling carolers to boogie-woogie music and the arrival of the Snow Globe Santa experience, the celebration will make the season a little brighter for Southern Arizona families with unique experiences and pop up engagement opportunities.

​To comply with local COVID-19 safety precautions, all experiences will be presented in a safe, socially distanced setting throughout the shopping center at the entrance of participating retailers.  

Free Admission

There is no cost to attend the pop up events, or performances.  Seating is not provided at any of the performances.  All experiences are intended to enhance the outdoor shopping experience in front of participating retailers.  

EVENT PARTNER

LOCATION

Oro Valley Marketplace
12155 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, Arizona - AZ 85737

Oro Valley Marketplace has amassed a brilliant collection of boutiques, national retail anchors, unique eateries and traditional restaurants. For a quick bite, a special occasion, a gallon of milk, or an afternoon of retail therapy, the marketplace delivers.

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

Letters of Hope
The coronavirus pandemic has impacted our community in various ways, including causing many people to feel lonely and isolated.  Beginning Dec. 9 through Dec. 23., the community is encouraged to drop off a personal “Letter of Hope” at the Oro Valley Marketplace Holiday Tree, located near Best Buy.  These “Letters of Hope” will be shared with residents of nursing homes and local first responders, and essential workers.  Letters should recount a personal story of an act of kindness or service the writer has seen, experienced, or done personally, or a sentiment they hope to share with someone in need of encouragement.  
Holiday Tree
The holidays are in the air here at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Come celebrate the most wonderful time of the year as we light the community Holiday Tree for the season and join many of our community partners in bringing the holiday spirit to the Town of Oro Valley.  
Wednesday, December 9 | 4PM-6PM
Photos with the Snow Globe Santa at the Holiday Tree
Santa refuses to allow COVID-19 to stop his important visits this holiday season. The Oro Valley Marketplace will be bringing the Snow Globe Santa to Oro Valley this holiday season.  This creative solution and snow globe “PPE” is based on the children’s book The Snow Globe Santa, fresh off the press and written by Kathryn Burgess of Richmond, Virginia. In the whimsical holiday tale, Santa comes home from vacation to find his elves creating beautiful new snow globes. He slips just as an elf sprinkles magic elf dust and it traps him inside a globe of the North Pole! Happily, all ends well for the man in the red suit and the children who long to see him.
 
A military spouse and mother to three young children, Burgess authored her first book for children, The Snow Globe Santa (Atlantic Publishing Group), as a way for parents, caregivers, and educators alike to regain control over the narrative that affects how and when children will encounter Santa during a pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic freezes other public plans, the experience with Santa and help maintain our beloved holiday magic through protective barriers that mitigate COVID risk, provide proper distancing, and maintain the magic of the Santa experience.
 
Free photography will be provided for attendees and participants can download their photos after each evening at the SAACA event website.

COVID-19 Precautions
  • Attendees will be asked to wait in line at a minimum distance of 6' from other attendees, following the ground markings for direction and waiting distances
  • Cards will be provided where attendees can download their photos in a touchless experience (no sign-up or registration required)
  • Santa will be inside a special PPE snow globe for safety. Attendees can still talk to Santa, and the globe will be wiped down between meetings
  • Participants are asked to wear face masks while in line and while talking to Santa
  • Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks will be provided at the Photo area
Friday, December 11 | 4PM-6PM
Strolling Carolers - Havin' a Blast
If you enjoy barbershop music as much as we do, then you will certainly enjoy our quartet, Havin' a Blast!  Havin' a Blast members include: 
Lead: Elissa Fazio
Bass: Teresa Taylor
Baritone: Eileen Fernstrom
Tenor: Molly Gerbi

For more information about this group please visit: 
http://www.tucsondesertharmony.org/​

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The performance will take place outdoors with the performers strolling from the Holiday tree near Best Buy to the Century Theaters Courtyard
  • Performers will wear clear face shields and maintain 6' of distance from each other and will have stanchions around their performance area
  • Shoppers are asked to wear a face mask while shopping, in accordance with Marketplace requirements, and maintain 6' of distance from the performers
Saturday, December 12, 2020 | 4 Outdoor Performances
11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM
​Red Herring Puppets
Charred Pie Outdoor Patio. Make a reservation for a table by calling: (520) 395-2232
​
Adventures in Folklore
Enjoy multi-cultural tales hosted by Rowby, a friendly green alien who loves sharing stories he collects from Planet Earth. Each show includes four stories:
  • Jack and the Beanstalk: a Celtic rendition, with music and narration by world-renowned harpist Robin Williamson
  • Dogs and Masters: a romp through the parks of Paris with animated cut-outs and music
  • Kamala's Drum: a Himalayan folk tale about the spirit of generosity
  • The Three LIttle Pigs, a fast-pased, rap version of the popular tale
The Los Angeles Times described Adventures in Folklore as: "Full of charm and creative whimsy."

For more information about this group please visit:
https://www.redherringpuppets.com/adventures-in-folklore.html 

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The performance will take place outdoors in front of the Charred Pie outdoor patio
  • Attendees are asked to make a reservation for a table by calling: (520) 395-2232
  • Attendees not eating at Charred Pie are asked to wear a face mask during the performance and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees
​Sunday, December 13 | 5PM-7PM
Boogie Woogie Holiday Performance with Diane and Lisa
Charred Pie Outdoor Patio. Make a reservation for a table by calling: (520) 395-2232
International touring artists Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and boogie-woogie. They take their act to festivals, clubs and theatres around the world and are known for creating an atmosphere of intimacy with their humor and joyful interactions with the audience. Recent performances include the Thredbo Blues Festival in Australia; Fenn Valley Vineyards and Box Factory for the Arts, Michigan; Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Blues in Bisbee and Tucson Folk Festivals, Arizona; Yoshi’s in California; and the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland. Diane Van Deurzen and Lisa Otey have been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. Lisa has also been inducted into the Tucson Music Hall of Fame and appeared on the Grammy-nominated CD, “Ladies Man” with Pinetop Perkins.

For more information about the group please visit:
Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey | Facebook

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The performance will take place outdoors in front of the Charred Pie outdoor patio
  • Attendees are asked to make a reservation for a table by calling: (520) 395-2232
  • Attendees not eating at Charred Pie are asked to wear a face mask during the music and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees
Sunday, December 13, 2020 | 1PM - 4PM 
Grab and Go Arts & Crafts with Lucky Cat Social
Near the Holiday Tree (Best Buy)
We believe that in today's tech heavy society that getting together face to face with your nearest and dearest is so special!  Sometimes putting down the phone and using your hands to create something feels so good!  We love the idea of people getting together socially and also creating art.  Hence, the "social art" part of our name.  The" lucky cat" part?  Who DOESN'T want to be a lucky cat?

For more information about Lucky Cat Social please visit:
Lucky Cat Social Art – Tucson's Best Mobile Paint Parties

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The grab and go arts and crafts will take place outdoors in front of the Holiday Tree near Best Buy
  • Participants are asked to minimize their time at the Grab and Go table to less than 10 minutes
  • Crafts will be pre-packaged in a take-home format. Artists will be onsite to answer any questions about the projects and demo what to do with the materials
  • Hand Sanitizer and additional face masks will be provided at the Crafts table. 
  • Attendees are asked to wear a face mask in accordance with Marketplace requirements and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 
Holiday Chalk Art Mural by Alejandra Trujillo 
Century Theatres Courtyard
​
Born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico… Raised in Nogales, Arizona; I now make my home in Tucson, Arizona with my husband and our three beautiful children. I draw inspiration for my art from my past, my present, and what I want for our future. I am so grateful for the love and appreciation I receive from those who stumble across my art and the patrons who support me. Tucson is the perfect community to nurture an artistic soul.

More information on Alex
www.atrujillo-art.com  

​COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The artist will be surrounded by 10' of stanchions. Please respect social distancing while enjoying the art being created. 
  • Attendees are asked to minimize their time with the artist to less than 10 minutes
  • ​Attendees are asked to wear a face mask in accordance with Marketplace requirements and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees.
​Wednesday, December 16 | 4PM-6PM
Photos with the Snow Globe Santa at the Holiday Tree
​Santa refuses to allow Covid-19 to stop his important visits this holiday season. The Oro Valley Marketplace will be bringing the Snow Globe Santa to Oro Valley this holiday season.  This creative solution and snow globe “PPE” is based on the children’s book The Snow Globe Santa, fresh off the press and written by Kathryn Burgess of Richmond, Virginia. In the whimsical holiday tale, Santa comes home from vacation to find his elves creating beautiful new snow globes. He slips just as an elf sprinkles magic elf dust and it traps him inside a globe of the North Pole! Happily, all ends well for the man in the red suit and the children who long to see him.
 
A military spouse and mother to three young children, Burgess authored her first book for children, The Snow Globe Santa (Atlantic Publishing Group), as a way for parents, caregivers, and educators alike to regain control over the narrative that affects how and when children will encounter Santa during a pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic freezes other public plans, the experience with Santa and help maintain our beloved holiday magic through protective barriers that mitigate COVID risk, provide proper distancing, and maintain the magic of the Santa experience.
 
Free photography will be provided for attendees and participants can download their photos after each evening at the SAACA event website.
​
COVID-19 Precautions
  • Attendees will be asked to wait in line at a minimum distance of 6' from other attendees, following the ground markings for direction and waiting distances
  • Cards will be provided where attendees can download their photos in a touchless experience (no sign-up or registration required)
  • Santa will be inside a special PPE snow globe for safety. Attendees can still talk to Santa, and the globe will be wiped down between meetings
  • Participants are asked to wear face masks while in line and while talking to Santa
  • Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks will be provided at the Photo area
Thursday, December 17, 2020 
Holiday Chalk Art Mural by Ignacio Garcia
Walmart
Muralist and Public Artist Ignacio Garcia is well known throughout Arizona and California for his 3D chalk murals and large, colorful photo-realistic murals that often play on whimsical, playful pop art ideas. His mural of Bill Walton riding a Jackalope on the side of Rialto Theater in Tucson is one of the most photographed images of the downtown Tucson corridor. Garcia is an artistic studies graduate of the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa, AZ and the Gnoman Workshop in Hollywood, CA.  Learn more about this artist on Instagram @azchalkguy

I find inspiration from Artist Mark Bradford and Gerald Richter and offer my innovative and unique point of view, a fundamental motivation of my work is to challenge to my audience’s and my own point of view. My craft thrives on the emotional and physical reaction it induces in the viewers.  The research, reflection, and exploration of a topic that precede a finished piece of work are meant to invoke authentic, unpredictable, and organic responses from each member of the audience. 

​COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The artist will be surrounded by 10' of stanchions. Please respect social distancing while enjoying the art being created. 
  • Attendees are asked to minimize their time with the artist to less than 10 minutes
  • ​Attendees are asked to wear a face mask in accordance with Marketplace requirements and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees.
Friday, December 18, 2020 | 4PM-6PM
Holiday Strolling Caroling with Havin' A Blast

If you enjoy barbershop music as much as we do, then you will certainly enjoy our quartet, Havin' a Blast!   We love performing for you and the community.   
Havin' a Blast members...

Lead: Elissa Fazio
Bass: Teresa Taylor
Baritone: Eileen Fernstrom
Tenor: Molly Gerbi

For more information about this group please visit: 
http://www.tucsondesertharmony.org/​

​COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The performance will take place outdoors with the performers strolling from the Holiday tree near Best Buy to the Century Theaters Courtyard
  • Performers will wear clear face shields and maintain 6' of distance from each other and will have stanchions around their performance area
  • Shoppers are asked to wear a face mask while shopping, in accordance with Marketplace requirements, and maintain 6' of distance from the performers
Saturday, December 19, 2020 | 3PM - 6PM
Jazz and Holiday Favorites with Amor & Lund
The Keg Restaurant Outdoor Patio
Make a Table Reservation Here

Gabriel Naïm Amor is a French born, Parisian musician who moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1997. Joined by beloved Tucson bassist, Thoger Lund, the duo performs a mix of isntrumental jazz standards, classics, French music, holiday favorites, and originals. Both active contributors to the local jazz, pop, and composition music scene, Amor has released nine records of original music. For more information about this group, please visit: http://www.naimamor.com/

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The performance will take place outdoors on the Keg outdoor patio
  • Attendees are asked to make a reservation for a table by visiting: https://kegsteakhouse.com/en/get-table
Sunday, December 20, 2020 | 1PM - 4PM 
Grab and Go Arts & Crafts with Lucky Cat Social
Near the Holiday Tree (Best Buy)
​We believe that in today's tech heavy society that getting together face to face with your nearest and dearest is so special!  Sometimes putting down the phone and using your hands to create something feels so good!  We love the idea of people getting together socially and also creating art.  Hence, the "social art" part of our name.  The" lucky cat" part?  Who DOESN'T want to be a lucky cat?

For more information about Lucky Cat Social please visit:
Lucky Cat Social Art – Tucson's Best Mobile Paint Parties

COVID-19 Precautions:
  • The grab and go arts and crafts will take place outdoors in front of the Holiday Tree near Best Buy
  • Participants are asked to minimize their time at the Grab and Go table to less than 10 minutes
  • Crafts will be pre-packaged in a take-home format. Artists will be onsite to answer any questions about the projects and demo what to do with the materials
  • Hand Sanitizer and additional face masks will be provided at the Crafts table. 
  • Attendees are asked to wear a face mask in accordance with Marketplace requirements and maintain 6' of distance from other Marketplace attendees.
​Wednesday, December 23 | 4PM-6PM
Photos with the Snow Globe Santa at the Holiday Tree
​Santa refuses to allow Covid-19 to stop his important visits this holiday season. The Oro Valley Marketplace will be bringing the Snow Globe Santa to Oro Valley this holiday season.  This creative solution and snow globe “PPE” is based on the children’s book The Snow Globe Santa, fresh off the press and written by Kathryn Burgess of Richmond, Virginia. In the whimsical holiday tale, Santa comes home from vacation to find his elves creating beautiful new snow globes. He slips just as an elf sprinkles magic elf dust and it traps him inside a globe of the North Pole! Happily, all ends well for the man in the red suit and the children who long to see him.
 
A military spouse and mother to three young children, Burgess authored her first book for children, The Snow Globe Santa (Atlantic Publishing Group), as a way for parents, caregivers, and educators alike to regain control over the narrative that affects how and when children will encounter Santa during a pandemic. While the COVID-19 pandemic freezes other public plans, the experience with Santa and help maintain our beloved holiday magic through protective barriers that mitigate COVID risk, provide proper distancing, and maintain the magic of the Santa experience.
 
Free photography will be provided for attendees and participants can download their photos after each evening at the SAACA event website.

​COVID-19 Precautions
  • Attendees will be asked to wait in line at a minimum distance of 6' from other attendees, following the ground markings for direction and waiting distances
  • Cards will be provided where attendees can download their photos in a touchless experience (no sign-up or registration required)
  • Santa will be inside a special PPE snow globe for safety. Attendees can still talk to Santa, and the globe will be wiped down between meetings
  • Participants are asked to wear face masks while in line and while talking to Santa
  • Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks will be provided at the Photo area

Special Thanks To Our Event Sponsors