Celebrate the holiday season in Chandler, AZ, with a variety of festive events that promise something for everyone. Experience the breathtaking Chandler Parade of Lights, where illuminated floats and marching bands bring downtown to life. Don't miss the iconic Tumbleweed Tree Lighting, showcasing a Southwestern twist on a classic tradition.
For an unforgettable experience, venture to the Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights to marvel at millions of LED lights forming splendid animal sculptures. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Chandler's holiday events are sure to create cherished memories.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Chandler Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Chandler
See these and even more events listed below!Chandler Holiday Light Displays
Chandler Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and marching bands
Description:
Chandler's night sky blazes with color during the annual Parade of Lights. Illuminated floats and marching bands wind through downtown, creating a dazzling spectacle. Visitors can join the crowd lining the streets, cheering on local organizations and schools as they showcase their creativity. This beloved tradition began in 1957, originally featuring just a handful of entries. Now, it's grown into a major community celebration that kicks off the holiday season in style.
Website:
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Unique tree made entirely of tumbleweeds
Description:
Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree stands as a testament to Southwestern ingenuity. This iconic structure, crafted entirely from tumbleweeds, towers over Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Visitors can witness the illumination ceremony, a cherished local custom since 1957. The tree's skeleton is carefully constructed using chicken wire, then meticulously adorned with nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds. Once complete, it's sprayed with 65 gallons of flame retardant and dusted with 25 pounds of glitter, creating a truly distinctive holiday centerpiece.
Website:
Chandler Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland Express
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train ride through the desert
Description:
The Winter Wonderland Express whisks passengers on a festive journey through the Arizona landscape. This vintage train, decked out in holiday finery, departs from the historic depot in downtown Chandler. Travelers can sip hot cocoa while enjoying views of the Sonoran Desert transformed by twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The experience draws inspiration from the area's rich railroad history, which played a crucial role in Chandler's development. Keep an eye out for illuminated desert creatures that appear alongside the tracks, adding a touch of local flavor to this unique rail adventure.
Website:
Nearby Events
Zoolights (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light displays in a zoo setting
Description:
Phoenix Zoo transforms into a luminous menagerie during ZooLights. Millions of LED lights form dazzling animal sculptures and nature-inspired displays throughout the grounds. Visitors can embark on a twilight safari, spotting illuminated versions of their favorite creatures. The event began in 1992 with just 550,000 lights and has since grown into one of the largest holiday light shows in the Southwest. Listen closely for the occasional real animal calls mingling with the ambient music, adding an authentic touch to this radiant experience.
Website:
CitySkate Ice Rink (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in the desert
Description:
Chandler's CityScape transforms into a winter oasis with the arrival of the outdoor ice rink. Glide across real ice under the warm Arizona sun or starry night sky. Visitors can rent skates and take a spin around the rink, surrounded by the city's modern architecture. This unique desert attraction draws inspiration from famous outdoor rinks like New York's Rockefeller Center. The contrast of palm trees and ice creates a surreal atmosphere that perfectly captures Arizona's diverse climate and culture.
Website:
Glendale Glitters (Glendale)
What to Expect:
Largest free holiday light display in Arizona
Description:
Glendale's historic downtown ignites with 1.6 million LED lights during Glendale Glitters. This free spectacle blankets 16 blocks in a warm golden glow. Visitors can stroll through the illuminated streets, admiring the intricate displays adorning trees, buildings, and antique lampposts. The event, which began in 1993, has become a cherished Arizona tradition. Local artisans and food vendors line the streets, offering a taste of the community's vibrant culture amidst the twinkling backdrop.
Website:
Merry Main Street (Mesa)
What to Expect:
Giant holiday-themed snow globe
Description:
Mesa's Merry Main Street brings winter cheer to the desert. The event's centerpiece, a giant walk-through snow globe, offers a unique photo opportunity. Visitors can explore the festive marketplace, showcasing local artisans and their handcrafted wares. This celebration harkens back to Mesa's early days when the main street was the heart of the community during the holidays. The aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts wafts through the air, adding a nostalgic touch to the Southwestern setting.
Website:
Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Thousands of luminaria bags lining desert trails
Description:
The Desert Botanical Garden glows with the soft light of thousands of luminarias during Las Noches de las Luminarias. Hand-lit paper lanterns line the garden's winding paths, illuminating the unique Sonoran Desert landscape. Visitors can wander through the ethereal scene, discovering the beauty of native plants bathed in gentle light. This event draws from the Southwestern luminaria tradition, which dates back to the 16th century. Live music performances scattered throughout the garden add to the serene atmosphere of this distinctly Arizonan celebration.
Website:
Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Luxury resort transformed into a holiday village
Description:
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess undergoes a stunning metamorphosis for Christmas at the Princess. The luxury resort becomes a holiday village, complete with an ice skating rink and train rides. Visitors can indulge in gourmet s'mores around fire pits while admiring the 4.5 million lights adorning the property. This extravagant display pays homage to Arizona's diverse landscapes, featuring desert-themed light sculptures alongside traditional holiday scenes. The event has grown from a small celebration to one of Scottsdale's premier holiday attractions since its inception in 2011.
Website:
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Indoor snow showers in a water park resort
Description:
Great Wolf Lodge's Snowland brings a frosty touch to the Arizona desert. The indoor water park resort transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with scheduled "snow" showers in the grand lobby. Visitors can enjoy a meal in a life-sized gingerbread house, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This unique event combines the thrill of water slides with holiday cheer, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. The lodge's signature howling wolves don Santa hats, adding a playful touch to the resort's rustic decor.
Website:
Holiday Festival of Lights (Gilbert)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display in a desert setting
Description:
Salt River Fields transforms into a twinkling oasis during the Holiday Festival of Lights. This drive-through experience winds through a mile of desert landscape adorned with over 5 million LED lights. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station, synchronizing holiday music with the animated light displays. The event cleverly incorporates Arizona's natural beauty, with saguaro cacti and desert wildlife featured prominently in the illuminated scenes. Since its inception, the festival has become a modern tradition for many Arizona families seeking holiday cheer from the comfort of their vehicles.
Website:
Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade (Tempe)
What to Expect:
Boat parade on Tempe Town Lake
Description:
Tempe's Fantasy of Lights Parade culminates in a dazzling spectacle on Tempe Town Lake. Illuminated boats glide across the water, their reflections dancing on the surface. Visitors can line the shores to watch the procession, which includes everything from kayaks to luxury yachts adorned with thousands of lights. This aquatic parade, unique to landlocked Arizona, began in 1999 as a way to showcase the newly created Tempe Town Lake. The event cleverly combines the state's love for water recreation with holiday festivities, creating a truly distinctive celebration.
Website:
Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Rooftop ice skating with city views
Description:
Chandler's Winter Wonderland Ice Rink offers a sky-high skating experience atop a downtown building. Glide across the ice while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline and distant mountains. Visitors can practice their pirouettes or simply enjoy a leisurely lap around the rink. This elevated attraction provides a unique perspective on the desert city, contrasting the cool ice with the warm Arizona climate. The rink's creation was inspired by urban rooftop gardens, reimagining the concept for the holiday season and adding a touch of winter to the Sonoran landscape.