Welcome to issue #21 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
There's so much happening around the greater Vail area right now, including here at Trail Mix! I'll be making a few aesthetic changes over the coming weeks, so if you notice things looking a tad different, that's why. LOTS of exciting things to come in the New Year after we hop to a new platform to deliver you these weekly love letters. Local guides. Merch. SO. 👏🏼 MANY. 👏🏼 GREAT. 👏🏼 THINGS!
And today is no different. I'm sharing a few ways you can make this time of year feel even more festive and fun for your family with Christmas lights, and of course, our weekly calendar of events. Let's jump in.
Field Report
THE STORY BEHIND THE “VAIL HAVEN” LIGHTS
A dazzling holiday tradition is lighting up the Vail area, transforming Via Cerro Del Molino into a charming Hallmark Christmas-worthy street. What started as a simple idea among a few neighbors in 2022 has rapidly blossomed into an entire street’s commitment to spreading Christmas cheer.
The spark ignited when neighbor Melissa Matias began crafting the now-iconic light arches. “She asked us if we wanted to join in,” Benilda Devarie of Mother Chalker shared, “and word spread quickly! Next thing you know, more arches were popping up.” The street’s camaraderie is so strong that neighbors have volunteered to purchase or build arches for others, and when someone moves, they often leave the display pieces for the new residents to continue the festive legacy.
The motivation is simple: the infectious "Christmas spirit" and the joy of seeing visitors. "Seeing their faces and smiles light up as they walk through our arches is enough to make you want to just keep it going," says Devarie. Each home brings its unique "personality" to the display, from a fun Disney theme to custom wooden cutouts of dogs, Mickey, and even Godzilla! It’s a wonderfully personal and diverse experience.
Setup typically begins right after Thanksgiving, with neighbors often helping each other with the arches. But the true highlight is December 20th from 6pm to 7:30pm. Residents describe it as a “Halloween but make it Christmas” event—a fun, interactive night where houses give out hot cocoa, cookies, trinkets, and even special Christmas light glasses!
Devarie mentioned the heartwarming compliment she received: "Someone called us Vail Haven (like our own little Winterhaven), and it totally made my night." The neighbors of Via Cerro Del Molino are proud to offer the community a beautiful, accessible place to enjoy the holiday lights close to home. Be sure to drive or stroll down the street this season and experience Vail's newest, brightest tradition!
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Another Light Display to Add To Your List!
Grab your cozy blanket and favorite cup of hot chocolate because Will's Christmas Lights are back at it this year! Enjoy a perfectly timed light display to Christmas music while you sit in the comfort of your warm car. This display is in Rincon Trails on Camino Adamada. Show times 6PM to 10PM. Tune to 89.7
Sonoita Small Town Christmas
The Santa Cruz County Fair & Rodeo Association invites the community to celebrate the holiday season at Sonoita Small Town Christmas on Saturday, December 14th from 10 AM – 4 PM. 🎄✨ Enjoy barrel racing, team roping, jumping castles, over 40 local vendors, food trucks, yard games, and a special visit from Santa from 10 AM – Noon. Free admission—shop local and make holiday memories in Sonoita!
Vail Coffee Stop Paint Party
Head to Vail Coffee Stop between the tracks to paint something festive while sipping a festive drink! Registration is required, so scan that QR code to reserve your seat.
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project, a job opening, or just want to give a shout out to one of your neighbors? Trail Mix has you covered.
PET OF THE WEEK
Chocomilk
Neutered Male
Age: 3 years old
Chocomilk spent time in a foster home, where he got a rave review:
“Chocomilk was an absolute gem and one of the best foster dogs we have had. He is very attentive to humans, listens exceptionally well, and is obedient – a perfect gentleman. He is very cuddly and affectionate and loves to share the couch with you, plus his silky-smooth coat and velvet ears are hard to ignore and just beg to be petted!"
He was nondestructive and house-trained, even after being left home alone for 8 hours. He is very good with commands, and since he is food-motivated, he learns super quickly! He knows “paw,” “down,” “sit, ” and “stay.” He has also been very good with kids.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12 pm - 7 pm. Wednesday 1:30 pm - 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
HOME ON THE RANGE
IT’S BAAACK
These squirrely little elves feel like a perpetual hiding of Easter baskets... only during December when we're already drowning in ALL THE THINGS. Still, kids love 'em, so the effort can be worth it.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
December 11
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Decorate Cookies with the Grinch | Kirk-Bear Canyon Library | 4 PM - 5:45 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Festive Fridays | Trail Dust Town | 4 PM - 8 PM
Holiday Concert Series | Park Place | 6 PM - 8 PM
December 12
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair | Fourth Avenue | 10 AM - 5 PM
Preschool Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at Noon and 3 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
December 13
Second Saturday Market | Vail Coffee Stop | 8 AM - 1 PM
Christmas Market | Awaken Acres in Benson | 9 AM - 1 PM
Free Succulent Saturday | Four Arrows Garden Center | 9 AM
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair | Fourth Avenue | 10 AM - 5 PM
Santa Paws: Photos with Santa Benefiting Friends of Pima Animal Care Center | Dogs-n-Donuts | 10 AM - 2 PM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at 2 PM and 5 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
A Festival of Carols | Christ Community Church | 5 PM - 7 PM
Christmas Balloon Glow | Pima Air and Space Museum | 5 PM - 8 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 14
Cookies with Santa | Ace Hardware on Houghton | 10 AM - 2 PM
Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair | Fourth Avenue | 10 AM - 4 PM
Coffee, Cookies, and Ornaments! | Historic Page's Palace in Benson | 11 AM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 5:15 PM
Nightmare Before Christmas Movie Party! | The Loft Cinemas | 2 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Dinner with Santa | Pinnacle Peak | 4 PM - 6 PM
A Festival of Carols | Christ Community Church | 5 PM - 7 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 15
Adam Rex Christmas Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM * Registration required, only 15 spots open!
Blood Drive - American Red Cross | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 11 AM - 4 PM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM and 10:30 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Chanukah Celebration | Del Lago Golf Club | 5 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
Holiday Concert Series | Park Place | 6 PM - 8 PM
December 16
Family Storytime | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at 3 PM, 6 PM and 8:15 PM
LEGO Club | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 17
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
Add an upcoming event to the Trail Mix calendar! It's free right here. ⤵️
SNACK BREAK
Christmas Crisp
1 (12 ounce) package crispy corn and rice cereal (such as Crispix)
3 cups pecan halves
3 cups whole almonds
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup corn syrup
½ cup butter
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Lightly butter a large roasting pan and 2 baking sheets; set baking sheets aside.
Combine corn-rice cereal, pecans, and almonds in the prepared roasting pan.
Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Heat to 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms a soft ball that flattens when removed from the water and placed on a flat surface. Off heat, stir in vanilla extract.
Drizzle syrup over cereal mixture; toss to coat.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; stir and continue baking 30 minutes more. Spread cereal mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, separating any large chunks with 2 forks; cool.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 7:13 AM
Sunset: 5:18 PM
Air Quality: Fair (27 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman