Soak up the sun, Tucson! You get more sun in a single morning than an Alaska city gets all December | Local

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TUCSON, Arizona – Arizonans deserters already have great bragging rights when it comes to winter weather conditions. But news from an Alaskan climatologist really shows how lucky Grand Canyon State residents are.

While the rest of the country struggles with freezing temperatures, snow and ice, some Arizonans only experience warm temperatures and sunshine.

The state’s weather conditions have even created a new term for a specific type of traveler known as “snow birds”. The tourists, or sometimes part-time residents, have been known to travel to Arizona to escape the bitter cold elsewhere.

Recent data released by a climatologist may reveal one place snowbirds come from: Fairbanks, Alaska.

“How little solar energy does Fairbanks get in December, they get the same solar energy as Tucson, AZ all month long at 8:30 am on December 1st,” wrote climatologist Brian Brettschneider on Twitter.

How little solar power is Fairbanks getting in December, for the entire month through December 1st at 8:30 a.m. they get the same solar power as Tucson, AZ. Note: Calculated using 12-year USCRN solar data from NCEI. @AlaskaWx @NWSFairbanks @NWSTucson

– Brian Brettschneider (@ Climatologist49) December 1, 2021

The National Weather Service Station in Tucson stepped in to continue Arizona’s long-standing tradition of bragging about our weather by sharing an Oprah meme saying everyone will get a cactus.

pic.twitter.com/eCIw4prA2o

– NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) December 1, 2021

To celebrate, here are some winter activities that Tucsonans and other desert-dwelling Arizonans can partake in that no one else can partake in:

Stroll through the Tucson Botanical Gardens in Wanderland

Desert foliage does not have the same risk of being snowed or frozen over in winter as in other areas. Visitors to the Tucson Botanical Garden don’t need to button themselves to see some of Arizona’s native plants either.

The garden organizes its illuminated winter light walk “Wanderland” from December 3rd to January 2nd.

The event includes “more than 3,000 luminarias, over a dozen stunning Korean lanterns, more than 200 elegant poinsettias, a three-meter-tall, juicy tree, colorful LED lighting and festive Christmas music that is played in the gardens,” reads the Site of the gardens.

Those wishing to attend the event can buy tickets here on the gardens website.

See some animals sunbathing and “snow” at the Reid Park Zoo

Have you ever been snowed in with short sleeves?

Well now you can. The city’s Reid Park Zoo pumps out artificial snow for visitors during its Zoolight 2021: Holiday Magic events.

The zoo event runs from December 3rd to December 30th. Each night features a different type of holiday entertainment from local artists.

For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the zoo’s website here.

Take a hay cart, trolley or party bike to see Winterhaven’s festival of lights

Although the festival was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s officially back this year.

The festival began the same year the city of Winterhaven was founded: 1949. What began as a tribute to the Christmas lights in Beverly Hills has now taken on a life of its own as one of Tucson’s first vacation attractions.

This year’s celebration marks the 72nd year the city is holding the event and is one of the greatest sources of support for the city’s chalkboard, according to the event’s website.

“The festival is one of the most important events for the Community Food Bank in Tucson,” says the website. “In 2019, the festival donated $ 22,015 and pounds 46,474 of groceries to the Food Bank.”

Information about the event can be found here on the website.

Hike ice-free desert trails

There are numerous hiking trails in and around Tucson that nature lovers can enjoy during the winter months.

Thousands of people have rated trails across the region and found the top 10, including:

1. From Bear Canyon to Seven Falls Trail
2. Blackett’s Ridge Trail
3. Green Falls Trail Tank
4. Tusamoc hill
5. Seven Falls on Bear Canyon Road
6. Bridal Wreath Falls Trail
7. Pima Canyon Trail
8. Circuit to Catalina Canyon
9. Mount Kimball via Finger Rock Trail # 42 and Pima Canyon Trail # 62
10. Lunda Vista circular route

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