Soft Santa Claus Sculpture at O'Shaughnessy's

I have found the best Christmas decorated restaurant in Tucson. Since it is supposed to “feel a lot like Christmas” it is a shame that few streets or places except perhaps Shopping Malls make you feel that it is Christmas time. Of course there is Winterhaven, famous for their Holiday lighting, but on very few streets as you drive throughout Tucson do you feel like it is actually the Christmas season. .

If you really want to feel like Christmas is here, I recommend you visiting one of my favorite restaurants in Tucson, O’Shaughnessy’s Restaurant and Song Club. The decorations in this unique restaurant are some of the most spectacular I have ever seen in a restaurant. Once you walk into the door you will quickly agree with me. Christmas ART, ART, ART everywhere.

Christmas Greeters at O'Shaughnessy's

In the front window as you enter you will see probably one of the oldest Nativity scenes in Tucson. It was handcrafted in Austria around 1880 and brought to America in the early 1900s by the George P. Driscoll family. Mr. Driscoll was the Postmaster General during the Teddy Roosevelt Presidency.  Each piece of the Nativity set was first created by the artist designing a heavy gauge wire frame skeleton and applying plaster of Paris and then sculpted the final design.

Historic Nativity Sculptures

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Santa Claus and child by Sundblom

Have you ever wondered who was the first person in America to paint a picture of jolly old Santa Claus? We all know that he exists and brings wonderment to us all this time of year but WHO first revealed how he really looked?

You may be surprised to find out that Santa has a Tucson connection. In the early 1930s, an artist named Haddon H. Sundblom was commissioned by the Coca-Cola Company to create a Santa that would be more appealing to the children than the tall, thin somewhat serious Kris Kringle of European legend. (more…)

Tucson’s Elemental Artistry Fire Performance Troupe will be heating up the parade with their special performance. They will feature poi spinners, hula hoopers, jugglers, stilt walkers and more to add some fiery excitement to the parade this year. Because the parade will be moving down the street and the public viewers near,  they will be using LED lights instead of actual fire.

Jill Hofer and Syndi Taylor at the Tucson Celtic Festival 2009. Photo by Gary Jean

Elemental Artistry Fire Performance Troupe has brought numerous performances and a variety of fire art classes to the Tucson community since 2004. This dedicated group of professional performers has over 50 years combined experience in teaching and performance. (more…)