Good morning, Tucson.

Toy drives are underway to collect new, unwrapped gifts for local children this holiday season.

Toys for Tots live drives are set for Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 at fire stations, and Casa de los Niños is hosting a gift drive on Saturday, Dec. 14.

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is calling on volunteers to support its free tax assistance program VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) which helps households earning up to $79,000 with state and federal tax returns.

Volunteers will receive annual IRS training to handle federal and state tax changes.

The third annual Toys 4 Hope Car and Bike Show returns Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. at Main Event on 4700 S.

Landing Way, inviting Tucson residents to display their cars and donate unwrapped toys worth at least $10 to help kids.

The City of Tucson announced road closures for the Downtown Parade of Lights scheduled for Dec.

6 at 5:30 p.m. (closures on South 4th and 12th reopen by 8:30 p.m.) with the parade route ending at Armory Park likely causing delays.

Catalina United Methodist Church is handing out I.C.E. alert whistles in Tucson to warn community members when raids may occur.

Pastor Kelli Knight said the grassroots effort — started by community members — aims to keep people safe if agents arrive.

Foot Solutions in midtown Tucson kicked off its second annual holiday shoe drive (located at 5480 E Broadway Blvd) to collect lightly used shoes for direct donation to Gospel Rescue Mission.

Donations will be accepted through December.

Multiple versions of The Nutcracker run throughout December across Southern Arizona, including a Tucson Ballet production today at the Sahuarita Unified School District auditorium with its Symphony Orchestra.

Dancing in the Streets offers a free show featuring an inclusive cast (ages 4 to 78), with other productions later this month.

Catalina Foothills High School has 1,860 students thanks to specialized programs and open enrollment, but lower birth rates and more school vouchers may shrink enrollment later (district officials plan evening events to showcase programs).

The Arizona Board of Regents launched the College Ready AZ FAFSA Scholarship this week to award $2,000 to 25 high school seniors planning to attend public universities or community colleges.

Applications are open now with deadlines ending Nov. 30, Dec. 31, Feb. 28, Mar. 31 and Apr. 30.

Marana drivers at Tangerine and Adonis Roads face intersection changes as crews install a new traffic signal operating as a blinking red 4-way stop starting Dec.

4 with full functionality on Dec. 8, while lane shifts and final striping occur daily from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In January, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will launch the WISeR pilot for AI-powered prior authorizations on select Medicare services in six states including Arizona.

The program will run until 2031 and may add wait times and extra steps for doctors.

November saw the Wildcats excel as both basketball and football teams went undefeated (18-0), with men’s basketball winning ranked matchups and football reclaiming the Territorial Cup in Tempe while fans enjoyed events like El Tour de Tucson and Homecoming.

On Wednesday, Pima Community College women's basketball defeated Phoenix College (69-49) in their first ACCAC game.

Sophomore Kiley Sours-Miller scored 23 points as Pima prepares to host the Indigenous People’s Celebration Game at West Campus Aztec Gymnasium on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Downtown Parade of Lights Festival

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Armory Park — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with a dazzling display of lights in downtown Tucson.

SME Arizona Conference 2025

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa — Registration required — Explore the latest in mining, metallurgy, and geology at this professional conference.

Tucson Speed Dating for Singles Aged 40 to 50

7-9 p.m. — Aloft Tucson University — Entry fee required — Meet potential matches and explore the possibility of love at this engaging speed dating event.

Wednesday Team Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and compete for gift card prizes in a fun downtown setting.

Blue Dream Trio featuring Chelsee Hicks

10:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. — The Century Room — $10-$15 + Dice fees — Enjoy a late-night jazz session with Chelsee Hicks and holiday classics.

Tucson's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4-9 p.m. — Sky Bar Tucson — $15 online ticket — Explore Tucson's nightlife with a fun pub crawl featuring games and prizes.

Rich Hinman vs Adam Levy: An Afternoon of Guitar

4:30-6 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-$30 + DICE fees — Experience the soulful interplay of guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman and Adam Levy in a jazz-infused instrumental performance.

Tucson Speed Dating Event for Singles Ages 35-45

7-9 p.m. — Aloft Tucson University — Cost varies — Meet up to 12 potential matches and discover your next success story in love.

Candlelight: Christmas Special

6:30-8:30 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of festive music under the glow of candlelight featuring 'The Nutcracker' and other holiday classics.

The Nutcracker Returns

7-9 p.m. — Flowing Wells High School Auditorium — General Admission tickets available — Experience a modern twist on the classic Nutcracker with new adventures and holiday traditions.