Apache Junction Holiday Program & Light Parade
Visitors can enjoy an evening of family-friendly festivities, including a Winter Wonderland, inflatables, holiday-themed games, music, and photos with Santa. The event features local vendor booths and food trucks, along with a tree lighting ceremony at the Focal Point. The celebration culminates with the annual Holiday Light Parade traveling down Apache Trail.
What to Expect
Free community celebration featuring Santa visits, tree lighting, and a light parade.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of Apache Junction Parks & Recreation
Food & Drink
Food trucks and other food options are available for an additional cost.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children
Vibe
Festive, lively, community-focused
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free event; most youth activities are free. Vendors and food options are available for additional costs.
- Hours: Flatiron Park activities: 3pm-6:30pm; tree lighting: around 6:30pm; Light Parade: 7pm.
- Parking: Parking is in the dirt lots east of the Park. Do not park in areas designated for business. North Apache Trail may be slowed and have pedestrian traffic; after 5pm, you cannot exit to Main Street from North Apache Trail. Road closures are expected from Idaho to Ironwood from about 5pm to 10pm or until roads are clear and can safely be open.
Tips & Advice
- Park in the dirt lots east of Flatiron Park and keep out of business parking, since shops along the route need those spaces for their customers.
- Don't use North Apache Trail as a shortcut, since it slows down with foot traffic and you can't exit onto Main Street from it later in the day.
- Bring one non-perishable food item, such as canned meat, soup, cereal or peanut butter in a plastic jar, for the Apache Junction Food Bank collection.
- Watch the parade from the sidewalks of Apache Trail between Phelps Dr and Gold Dr, because you aren't allowed to watch from the intersections.
- Stay after the tree lighting at the Focal Point, because the Holiday Light Parade comes right after it, and get off the median and roadway once the parade ends.
Special Events & Promotions
- Holiday food drive: bring one non-perishable food item for the Apache Junction Food Bank.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this event good for kids?
Yes, it's for the whole family. Most of the youth activities are free. Vendors and food trucks charge for what they sell.
What is there to do before the parade?
Flatiron Park has the Winter Wonderland sponsored by Chasse Building Team, photos with Santa, inflatables, holiday-themed games, music, nonprofit and local vendor booths, and food trucks. The tree lighting at the Focal Point comes next, and then the Holiday Light Parade.
Where should I park?
Use the dirt lots east of Flatiron Park and stay out of areas set aside for businesses. Apache Trail is closed from Idaho to Ironwood for the parade, so leave yourself time to get around the closures.
Where is the best spot to watch the parade?
Stand on the sidewalks of Apache Trail between N. Apache Trail/Phelps Dr and Gold Dr. The parade starts at Phelps/Main Street, heads west to Gold Dr, then turns and comes back to Phelps. You can't watch from the intersections.
How can my business or group join the parade or get a vendor booth?
Float entries are made through the city's online registration, due Friday, November 27, or until it fills up. Vendor booth registration is due Thursday, December 3, or until space is full. Booths are free for businesses inside city limits. Booths from outside the city pay a booth fee plus licensing fees. Anyone selling items needs a City and State tax privilege license.
More Christmas Events Near Apache Junction
More Christmas Events near Apache Junction
Always check the official website for the most current information.
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