TUCSON, AZ — The beloved Winterhaven Festival of Lights is lighting the way toward a bigger, brighter 2025—but it needs more partners to make it happen. With over 200,000 attendees expected during the two-week event from December 13–27, 2025, organizers are urgently calling for new sponsors, designated parking partners, and trolley and wagon operators to help manage the experience, expand accessibility, and support the Festival’s mission.  

“We’re proud that Winterhaven is still completely free to attend, but that means we rely entirely on community partnerships to make it safe, sustainable, and joyful,” said Kate Marquez, Festival Chair. “This year’s improvements—more lighting, restrooms, signage, parking shuttles, and crowd control—require real investment. We’re calling on Tucson’s business and civic community to help keep the lights on.”

Festival Sponsorship Package Attached

Why It Matters: Supporting a Festival with Purpose

Now in its 76th year, the Winterhaven Festival of Lights is not only a nostalgic tradition, it’s also a powerful force for good. As a volunteer-run, nonprofit event, the Festival has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and over $30,000 annually for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

For 2025, Winterhaven’s goal is to raise $60,000 in cash donations for the Food Bank—enough to provide meals for thousands of Southern Arizonans facing food insecurity during the holidays.

Immediate Opportunities for Community Involvement

Sponsorship Packages Now Open
From small businesses to regional employers, Winterhaven offers high-visibility branding with community impact:

  • $250 – Friend of the Festival: Name on signage, newsletter, and website.

  • $5,000 – Special Event Sponsor: Branded activation booth, logo placement, yard sponsorship, and social media features.

  • $10,000 – Street Sponsor: Exclusive branding of a street, large banner at a major entrance, 5-night booth, press coverage, and souvenir displays.

  • $25,000 – Themed Night Sponsor: Naming rights to a festival weekend, full digital campaign, social stories, photo-op installations, and lead placement.

  • $40,000+ – Title Sponsor (Secured): Held exclusively by Tucson Electric Power.

A full sponsorship packet with tiered benefits is available at www.winterhavenfestival.org/sponsor.html.

Parking Lot Hosts & Shuttle Partners
Local churches, schools, and businesses are invited to apply to become Official Winterhaven Parking Partners. Winterhaven will promote your lot online, provide wayfinding signage, and coordinate shuttle access.  More information on parking and shuttle partners online at Winterhaven Festival of Lights 

Trolley, Wagon & Bus Operators Needed
Winterhaven will continue to operate trolleys and wagons on select low-traffic nights (Dec. 15–19, 24–26) and is actively seeking transportation providers to offer ticketed or donation-based rides. Safety support, route access, and promotional visibility included.  More information on operators online at Winterhaven Festival of Lights 

Be Part of Something Bigger

From magical lights to meaningful giving, Winterhaven is a uniquely Southern Arizona tradition. But it takes a village—and a city—to make it possible.

“Every light strung, every can of food collected, and every dollar raised represents someone’s holiday hope,” said Marquez. “We’re inviting Tucson’s businesses and nonprofits to step into the story and help us build something even brighter this year.”

The festival is thankful to sponsors Tucson Electric Power, Cox Communications, and SERVPRO for their continued support of the festival.  

Festival Details

  • When: December 13–27, 2025 | 6:00–10:00 PM Nightly

  • Where: Historic Winterhaven Neighborhood, Tucson, AZ

  • Admission: Free | Suggested donation to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

  • More Info: www.winterhavenfestival.org
     

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