Illustration of a light display scene (Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade)
Christmas Lights

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Tempe Town Lake comes alive with boats of all shapes and sizes decorated in glowing holiday lights, inflatable characters, and creative themes. Visitors can browse a holiday market featuring local vendors, enjoy live music and entertainment, and purchase food and drinks from food trucks and beer and wine gardens. The event also features Santa photo opportunities, letter writing for kids, and a grand fireworks finale over the water.

What to Expect

Holiday boat parade on Tempe Town Lake ending with fireworks.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Tempe

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown Tempe Authority

Food & Drink

Food truck, snack, and drink vendors offer seasonal eats and treats, with beer and wine gardens and cozy drinks also available.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and lively

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

Free

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

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

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Free.
  • Parking: Parking, transportation and road-closure information is linked.

Tips & Advice

  • Bring a clear bag or leave your bag at home, because every guest has to follow the clear bag policy to get in.
  • Come early enough to shop the holiday market, write a letter to Santa and grab a drink before the boat parade starts.
  • Stay after the boats go by, because the night ends with a fireworks show over Tempe Town Lake.
  • Read the event's parking, transportation and road-closure details before you head downtown so you know how you'll get to Tempe Beach Park.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do besides watching the boats?

There's a holiday market with local vendors, live music and entertainment, food trucks with snack and drink vendors, and beer and wine gardens. Kids can also write letters to Santa and get a photo with him.

Is there a bag policy?

Yes. All guests must follow the clear bag policy to get in.

How does the night end?

After the boat parade, there's a fireworks show over the lake.

Is it a good outing for kids?

Yes. It's a free, family-friendly night, and kids can write letters to Santa and get a photo with him.

How can I get involved?

Downtown Tempe takes event applications, volunteers and sponsors for the boat parade.

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlycommunity celebrationseasonal activitiesfireworksfree eventholiday traditionfestive atmosphereholiday cheer

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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. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team