The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa brings the best of the North Pole to the Southwest the weekend of December 11-13, 2015. The Starr Pass Winter Wonderland holiday event has become a beloved yearly tradition here in the Sonoran Desert. A visit from Santa, magical snow, and plenty of fun, festive activities are sure to bring joy to children of all ages and create a special family memory.

Santa Claus is set to fly in on Friday, December 11, at 6 p.m., and the JW Marriott will celebrate his arrival with a stunning fireworks display. Santa will stop by the Meecha Lawn for portraits after his arrival and that night there will also be games, snow sledding, and a movie night at Blur Teen Lounge. Of course, these festivities are in addition to the main attraction of the Winter Wonderland—snow! Friday night and into Saturday, families can revel in sledding and snow play at the resort’s private snow hill created with 60 tons of snow. Scarves and mittens are encouraged to keep little fingers warm!

After a day full of fun and wonder, the kids are certain to have sweet dreams of sugar plum fairies Friday night after Santa’s elves host a bedtime story in the lobby. Saturday the elves will be tucking in all the little ones spending the night. (Reservations are required for the Elf Tuck-In).

Santa’s elves will be busy at the resort hosting all of Saturday’s activities. Take the kids out for a resort-wide Ornament Hunt or cheer on the best-dressed waterfowl in the Rubber Duck Derby at Starr Canyon River. Kids can get in some craft time by decorating cookies or visiting Santa’s workshop (these events are an additional charge). There will also be face painting, a traditional horse carousel, a holiday candy bar, folklorico dancers, laser tag, and the Polar Express Train Ride in addition to all the rest of the fun. For the perpetually cool teenagers, Saturday after 8 p.m., the Blur Teen Lounge will be hosting a Winter Wonderland Ball where they can dance the night away.

On Sunday, families can join Santa for Breakfast (reservations required) and one last photo opportunity with the big man himself before wishing him a fond farewell … until Christmas Eve, that is.

According to Bryan Bartlett, Recreation Manager at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa, “This weekend is packed full of fun for our registered guests. The whole family can indulge in all the winter holiday fun and spend some time with Santa and his talented elves as part of a seasonal escape from the mundane. From outdoor activities, to indoor crafts, there are treats galore to make every guest’s visit memorable. Make your holiday one to remember at Starr Pass.”

These events are open to registered guests of the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. A detailed schedule with times and locations of events is available online at: http://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/tussp-jw-marriott-tucson-starr-pass-resort-and-spa/recreation/uq5qqgv/holiday-events.mi.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass is offering a Winter Wonderland deal through December 13. Rooms are available from $159/night, $189 per night with a $50 resort credit, or $209 nightly with a $100 credit. Daily resort credits can apply toward Breakfast with Santa, Winter Wonderland activities, retail purchases and more, but cannot apply to room rate, tax, or resort fee and may not be redeemed for cash.