Discover hope at the Wishing Tree!
The Wishing Tree is a place of wonder!
Each year, over 30,000 people place their hopes and dreams on this special tree in Tucson, Arizona. The colorful chains that adorn the tree give us all renewed hope for the future. Come make a wish or scroll down to feel the magic from wherever you are!
Sign up below for updates!
Want the latest news?
Want the latest news?
Updates about visiting the tree
Monthly newsletter about wishes that came true!
Signing up enters you in a drawing for a book about the Wishing Tree - Tucson!
Visit the Wishing Tree
The Winterhaven Festival of Lights is one of the longest-running festivals of its kind in the country. The festival celebrates the holiday season in Tucson and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from across southern Arizona. Come enjoy the lights! FREE!
When
December 13 - 27th. Hours: 5:30 to 10:00
Where
The Wishing Tree is located in Tucson, Arizona, in a neighborhood called "Winterhaven". Winterhaven is one square mile block, between Country Club and Tucson Blvd., and between Ft. Lowell Road and Prince Road. The tree is located on the main street called "Christmas Ave.”
Helpful hints
Winterhaven is a "walking-only" event. So you will need to park outside the neighborhood after 5:00 PM (barricades will be up).
Winterhaven's Festival of Lights includes many other attractions to see as you walk. There's even hot chocolate, cupcakes, and hot dog trucks!
Sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on The Wishing Tree's Days, Hours, Traffic, Parking, and changes.
Wish of the week
“Help me be a better version of myself. I want to do better for this world. ”
Book coming!
Every year, 30,000 people stand in author Kathleen A. Bethel’s front yard to make a wish. In her memoir, Kathleen explores how a simple tree, which started as a young girl’s science project, became a local landmark that witnesses society’s ups and downs, humanity’s overwhelming joys, greatest fears, and historic moments. The book offers an exploration of what it means to be human, and a dose of hope for the future.
The Wishing Tree offers a fascinating snapshot of our society on specific days each year. Fads and buying trends emerge as appliances, toys, and technology evolve. On a global level, the book details reactions to significant world events, natural disasters, and political scandals. On an individual level, the wishes reveal personal hardships, including those of abuse, loss, and disease. And on the brighter side, wishes tell tales of love, marriage, and family, often with humorous and unexpected results. The book of wishes archives humanity’s ability to hope, despite our struggles—and sometimes because of them.
Details about the book to come soon!
Sign up to be entered for a free book about the Wishing Tree! YOUR wish just might be in it!
