Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Experience the magic of the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park. This beloved tradition transforms Tempe Town Lake into a dazzling spectacle of holiday lights as decorated boats cruise by. Enjoy live entertainment, a bustling holiday market, delicious food and drinks, and photo opportunities with Santa. The evening culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display over the water, creating a truly unforgettable festive celebration for all ages.

What to Expect

Boats decorated with holiday lights on Tempe Town Lake.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Parking: Information available on parking options and transit.
  • Accessibility: For ADA or accessibility accommodation or information, click here.
  • Pets: Service animals only

Other Christmas Events Near Tempe

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and couples

Vibe

Festive and magical

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (5/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Photos with Santa
  • Letters to Santa
  • Holiday market
  • Roaming entertainment
  • Fireworks finale

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlySanta visitsfireworksfestive foodholiday marketcommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesfree event

Location

Tempe Beach Park
80 W Rio Salado Pkwy
Tempe, AZ
85281

Event Details

Duration

5 hours (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Tempe

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown Tempe Authority

Food & Drink

Food truck, snack, and drink vendors available; Beer & Wine Gardens.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the boat parade and fireworks, as this popular event draws large crowds.
  • Familiarize yourself with the clear bag policy before arriving to ensure smooth entry into the park.
  • Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to avoid potential parking challenges.
  • Dress in layers, as December evenings in Tempe can be cool, especially near the water.
  • Bring cash for vendors at the holiday market, though some may accept cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the boat parade start?

The boat parade is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM.

Is there a cost to attend the event?

No, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is a free, family-friendly event.

What are the operating hours for the event?

The event runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Are pets allowed at the event?

Only service animals are permitted at the event; pets are not allowed.

What kind of food and drinks will be available?

Attendees can enjoy a variety of food trucks, snack vendors, and beer and wine gardens.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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