Welcome to issue #22 of Trail Mix, a weekly newsletter about the people, places, history, and happenings in Southeastern Arizona.
We're 22 issues in, and every single week, new neighbors, friends, family, and your friendly baristas are joining us here on the list at Trail Mix. It's got me thinking about even more ways I can help you get connected to what's happening in and around the greater Vail area without having to battle too many construction zones to get into the hub-bub of Tucson (because WOW are there a lot of construction zones lately).
I'll be taking a brief break for the remainder of 2026 to move our newsletter to a new platform and start building out a few more exciting things for us here at Trail Mix. Helllo prettier aesthetics and more opportunities for cool things that will bring us closer together as a community!
This will be the last official newsletter of 2025. (You may still hear from me before the end of the year with something fun, so don't go too far). I hope your family has a wonderful holiday season, wherever you're celebrating! If you're here, enjoy our warm temps, and I'll see you out there.
~ Kimberly
Field Report
WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES?
There is a specific kind of magic that settles over our corner of the desert on Christmas Eve. The air gets crisp after our extra warm days, the sky is filled with gorgeous reds and oranges at sunset, and the rush of the season finally starts to quiet down.
Whether you’ve lived in the greater Vail area for decades or you’re just looking for a place where you won't feel like a stranger, these local services are like an open front door. They aren’t just about the beautiful music or the glow of the candlelight (though those are pretty wonderful); they’re about that collective exhale we all take when we realize we’re part of a community.
If you’re looking to start a new tradition with your family, or if you just need a moment of peace and a reminder of the "reason for the season," there is a seat saved for you right here in the neighborhood.
Vail Christian Church
9455 East Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747
December 23: 7 PM
December 24: 4 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM
Pantano Christian Church
1755 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, AZ 85748
December 23: 5 PM and 7 PM
December 24: 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM
Christ Lutheran Vail Church
14600 E Colossal Cave Rd, Vail, AZ 85641
December 24: 5 PM (family service) and 7 PM (candlelight service)
December 25: 10 AM
St. Rita in the Desert
13260 E Colossal Cave Rd, Vail AZ 85641
December 24: 4 PM (Christmas Family Mass) and 6 PM (Christmas Eve Mass
December 25: Midnight Mass (Spanish) and 8 AM (Christmas Morning Mass)
Vail Valley Baptist Church
14840 E. Colossal Cave Road, Vail, AZ 85641
December 24: Refreshments at 3:30 PM, Christmas Program at 4:30 PM
Victory Baptist Church
13540 E. Garigans Gulch, Vail AZ 85641
December 24: 7 PM
Living Branch Church
Meets at Cienega High School
December 24: Holiday fun at 4 PM, Service at 5 PM
Grace Fellowship Church
Meets at Acacia Elementary School
December 24: 6 PM
Corona De Tucson Baptist Church (Also known as New Beginnings Community Church)
16540 S Houghton Rd, Vail, AZ 85641
December 24: 5:30 PM (candlelight service)
Grace Lutheran Church - Vail Location (Grace-Vail)
Meets at Esmond Station School
December 24: 6:00 PM
Don't see your Christmas Eve service listed here? Hit reply or email [email protected] to have it added.
THE CORKBOARD
Featured events and happenings around the greater Vail area.
Want to Learn More About OUr Town?
Watch this YouTube series created in Vail and about Vail by our own Vail Preservation Society. Discover the history of that old post office between the tracks in Episode One, and then continue down the rabbit hole. Chances are you won't drive down the streets without noticing glimpses of history left in our growing town after watching this video.
Scouts = No Stress Christmas Tree Recycling
Scouts BSA Troop 2020 will collect your Christmas tree for recycling at no cost; donations are appreciated. Sign up as soon as possible so we can plan ahead on logistics.
Holiday Cookie & Wine Flights
What pairs better than cookies and Colossal Merlot? Head to Charron Vineyards for a holiday cookie and wine flight anytime from now until December 29 to try this limited edition flight!
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
Albert Neutered Male Age: 4 years old Albert recently enjoyed a day trip away from the shelter and his new friend described him as a goofy and chill lovebug!
“Albert enjoyed the car ride to In-N-Out and had himself a puppy patty. Loves to play with toys (would not fetch, but tossed his toy around). Went for a night and then a morning stroll. Slight tug at the leash but otherwise well behaved. He was not reactive to other dogs out walking. He sticks to you like Velcro. If something is going on, he's by your side wanting to know what's up! He's a total lovebug and enjoys many belly rubs and scratches behind his ears. Gives a lot of kisses. He will nap when his environment is calm. He really enjoyed watching Bluey. Albert is a really good boy.”
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
Need Neighbor Gifts?
'Tis the season to treat your neighbors. At our house, we've already received cookies, bread, and even a Christmas salsa! If you're looking for a fun way to spread the joy around your neighborhood this season without firing up the oven, try this mason jar of Mexican Hot Chocolate for your neighbors, teachers, and friends.
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
December 18
Story Time: Happy Birthday, Jesus! | Vail Christian Church | 9 AM - 10 AM
It's Babytime! Storytime for Babies | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at Noon
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 PM
Holiday Concert Series | Park Place | 6 PM - 8 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 19
Winterfest Storytime | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Adam Rex Reads His Newest Book | Murphy-Wilmot Library | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Flashback Cinema: How the Grinch Stole Christmas | Galaxy Theatres | Showtimes at Noon and 3 PM
Festive Fridays at Trail Dust Town | Trail Dust Town | 4 PM - 8 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Community Ugly Christmas Sweater Party | Pioneer Hall- Sonoita Fairgrounds 3142 AZ-83, Sonoita, AZ 85637 | 5 PM - 8 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
Ballet Rincon's Nutcracker | Vail Theatre of Arts | 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Katinas Christmas Concert | Calvary Tucson East | 7 PM - 8:30 PM
December 20
Dirt Divas and SDMB COED 8ish Days of Christmas Ride | Vail Vortex on Camino Loma Alta and Garigans Gulch | 9 AM (Wear your ugly sweater or festive garments, check your bike, and get ready to ride 12 - 24 miles!)
The Old World Holiday Market | The Meading Room in Sonoita | 1 PM - 7 PM
Ballet Rincon's Nutcracker | Vail Theatre of Arts | 2 PM - 3:30 PM and 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Winter Solstice Bonfire | AZ Hops and Vines | 5 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 21
Live Music: Damon McLaughlin | Charron Vineyards | 2 PM - 4 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 4 PM - 9:30 PM
Dinner wtih Santa | Pinnacle Peak | 4 PM - 6 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 22
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 9:30 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 PM
Holiday Concert Series | Park Place | 6 PM - 8 PM
Winterhaven Festival of Lights | Winterhaven | 6 PM - 10 PM
December 23
Kid's Craft Hour! | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Read to a Dog | W. Anne Gibson-Esmond Station Library | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Tucson Holiday Ice | Tucson Convention Center | 10 AM - 9:30 PM
Yuletide | Old Tucson | 5 PM - 10 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
Holiday SNACK MIX
Half of one 12 oz. bag of slim pretzel sticks or nuggets, or a bag of microwave natural popcorn
Half of one 12 oz. box of whole wheat square cereal
Half of one 12 oz. box of blueberry or frosted cornflakes cereal
Half of one 14 oz. package of frosted oatmeal cookies, broken into large pieces
Two 5 oz. bags of yogurt covered pretzels
Half of a 12 oz. bag of white chocolate chips
Half of a 12 oz. bag of seasonal chocolate chips or coated blue and white chocolates
One 3 oz. container of dehydrated marshmallow bits
Half of one 14 oz. package of vanilla wafer cookies, broken in half
One 10 oz. bag of Hershey’s kisses
Open the contents of all ingredients.
In an oversized, clean, rectangular plastic food storage container, 1.5 gallons or larger, begin assembling the ingredients, layering them almost like a lasagna.
First, pour an even layer of pretzels, then the cereal, then the oatmeal cookies, and finally the yogurt pretzels.
Layer the white and seasonal chocolate chips, followed by the marshmallow bits.
Finally, gently place the wafer cookies on top and top with Hershey’s kisses.
Mix all ingredients by hand.
Using a large plastic cup, disperse ingredients into goodie bags or smaller containers.
THE OUTDOOR REPORT
Sunrise: 7:18 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM
Air Quality: Fair (48 AQI)
Moon Phase: Waning Crescent
SEE YOU OUT THERE
Publisher, Arizona Trail Mix
Southern Arizona's Unofficial Hype Woman