Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the excitement of the holiday season in Tempe! Our guide is your ticket to all the festive events and activities happening around the city. For those who call Tempe home and those just visiting, this guide showcases the city's festive charm.
Popular events abound during this joyful time of year. The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting brings together the community with dazzling floats and a grand tree lighting ceremony. In addition, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake offers a unique waterfront display featuring illuminated boats sailing across the lake. And the World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is something you definitely don't want to miss, inviting families to experience an enchanting drive-through light show. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Tempe Holiday Light Displays
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
- What to Expect
- Annual holiday event with a festive street parade and tree lighting ceremony.
- Description
- The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting is a holiday tradition featuring a street parade, tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and Santa photos.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
- What to Expect
- Dazzling boat parade with varied boat designs and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake features a dazzling boat parade with boats of all shapes and sizes, holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, and a spectacular fireworks show.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
- What to Expect
- Jungle-themed drive-through light show with exotic animals and synchronized lights.
- Description
- World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is a drive-through light show featuring millions of synchronized lights and festive music, set in a jungle-themed adventure with exotic animals and interactive displays.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Live music and snowfall at a festive holiday tree lighting event.
- Description
- Tempe Marketplace's Holiday Tree Lighting features a 50-foot Christmas tree, live music performances, including "Scrooge The Musical" by Arizona Theatre Company, an LED Drum Line Performance, free hot chocolate from Cinnaholic, and festive cocktails from the Sip & Stroll Holiday mobile Bar. The event also includes free professional Santa photos and a Naughty or Nice art installation.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Holiday Tree Lighting at Tempe Marketplace
Las Noches de las Luminarias
- What to Expect
- Geometric light displays combining nature and light.
- Description
- Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features glowing luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holiday lights, musical performances, and festive food and drinks. This year, the Garden presents an even brighter spectacle with LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning geometric brilliance.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Las Noches de las Luminarias
Zoolights - Phoenix Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light and sound displays.
- Description
- The Phoenix Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle with millions of twinkling lights, guiding visitors through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats. The event features a brand-new light show, vibrant visuals, and mesmerizing music, along with cozy s'mores pits and hot cocoa. Visitors can also enjoy the Lake Lights Show, Glow Garden, and Wildlife Lanterns.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Zoolights - Phoenix Zoo
Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
- What to Expect
- Holiday lights and train rides in a festive setting.
- Description
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park transforms into a vibrant holiday setting with illuminated lights and captivating displays. Visitors can step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a journey through the park's seasonal spectacle, including train and carousel rides. The event offers a variety of food and drink options at Hartley’s General Store and the opportunity to explore the intricate Model Railroad Building.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Holiday Lights - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Glendale Glitters
- What to Expect
- Twinkling lights and interactive experiences in downtown Glendale.
- Description
- Downtown Glendale transforms into a vibrant spectacle with twinkling lights, numerous selfie spots, and new ways to give back, creating an exciting atmosphere for all to enjoy.
- Where
- Glendale | More Info : Glendale Glitters
Annual Holiday Water Tower Lighting and Concert
- What to Expect
- Horse-drawn carriage rides and festive family activities.
- Description
- The Annual Holiday Water Tower Lighting and Concert in Gilbert, Arizona, features horse-drawn carriage rides, family-oriented activities, holiday-themed vendor booths, and a variety of food trucks. Families can write letters to Santa, enjoy live music, and participate in festive games like Penguin Whack-Mole and ring toss. The event includes a fun family photo opportunity and delicious holiday-themed snacks.
- Where
- Gilbert | More Info : Annual Holiday Water Tower Lighting and Concert
Christmas On Orchid Lane
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with photo stations and toy collection.
- Description
- Christmas On Orchid Lane is a festive holiday event featuring 15 homes in Ray Ranch Estates, Chandler, decorated with lights and larger-than-life decorations. The event includes photo stations and a toy collection drive to benefit Toys For Tots.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Christmas On Orchid Lane
Lights at the Farm - Vertuccio Christmas Farm
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday activities with festive music and treats.
- Description
- At Vertuccio Farms Christmas Encounter, stroll through the holiday event enjoying classic holiday music, taking pictures at the Giant Ornament, and visiting the 25 ft Corn Stalk Tree. The play area features tube Slides, mini golf, ping pong, and corn hole fun. Snuggle up with furry friends at the petting zoo or take a pony ride. Warm up by the fire pits with s'mores and visit the craft barn to write a letter to Santa. Holiday sweets and treats are available for purchase.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Lights at the Farm - Vertuccio Christmas Farm
12 Days of Snowfall at Tempe Marketplace
- What to Expect
- Snowfall in the desert.
- Description
- Tempe Marketplace transforms into a winter wonderland with snowfall every night at 7 and 8 p.m., starting December 13th, near the District Stage.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : 12 Days of Snowfall at Tempe Marketplace
Tempe Holiday Markets and Shopping
Second Sundays on Mill
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly market with local artisans and live entertainment.
- Description
- Second Sundays on Mill is an outdoor market featuring homemade goods and gifts from Arizona local artisans, crafters, and makers. The event includes live music, entertainment, snack vendors, and a variety of activities for the whole family.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Second Sundays on Mill
Mesa Christmas Market 2024
- What to Expect
- Hand-crafted gifts and local entertainment.
- Description
- The Mesa Christmas Market 2024 is an outdoor event inspired by European markets, featuring live entertainment, local vendors, and holiday baked goods. Enjoy hand-crafted gifts and unique food items while celebrating the season with local artists and festive activities.
- Where
- Mesa | More Info : Mesa Christmas Market 2024
Tempe Other Holiday Activities
Glistening Gardens - Butterfly Wonderland
- What to Expect
- Interactive butterfly and rainforest animal exhibits with educational activities.
- Description
- Explore the beauty of butterflies and rainforest animals at Glistening Gardens, where you can learn about butterfly gardens, attend painting classes, and participate in various interactive events.
- Where
- Scottsdale | More Info : Glistening Gardens - Butterfly Wonderland
Menorah Lighting at Ragsdale-MLK Park
- What to Expect
- Community celebration of Hanukkah with traditional menorah lighting.
- Description
- Join Downtown Tempe and ASU Chabad for the third annual Menorah lighting ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park. The event features a special holiday celebration with programming starting at 6:00 PM and concluding at 7:00 PM.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Menorah Lighting at Ragsdale-MLK Park
Christmas at the Petersen House
- What to Expect
- Historic house tours with Danish heritage decorations.
- Description
- The Petersen House, a historic Queen Anne Victorian brick residence, is decorated in high style to emphasize its Danish heritage. Enjoy free self-guided historic house tours, light refreshments, entertainment, and fun activities.
- Where
- Tempe | More Info : Christmas at the Petersen House
Phoenix Festival of the Arts
- What to Expect
- Community-driven art festival with interactive activities and live performances.
- Description
- The Phoenix Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of local art, music, and food in downtown Phoenix. Featuring over 150 art vendors, live performances, and a variety of local cuisine, this event brings the community together for a weekend of cultural activities.
- Where
- Phoenix | More Info : Phoenix Festival of the Arts