Tempe Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025
Your complete guide to the best christmas events in Tempe and surrounding areas
Tempe welcomes Christmas 2025 with historic downtown Tempe Town Lake and Mill Avenue shining with seasonal charm during ZooLights, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, and Las Noches de las Luminarias. Wander holiday markets and enjoy family-friendly holiday activities against the backdrop of Hayden Butte and the Tempe Center for the Arts. Whether you’re hunting for things to do, seeking festive lights displays, or enjoying local performances, Tempe’s mix of markets and tours delivers holiday magic for all ages.
Find the best Tempe Christmas happenings this year!
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Christmas Lights
29 eventsValley's favorite holiday tradition with new lights and lanterns.
Christmas Markets
14 eventsNationally ranked fine art festival with over 350 juried artists.
Christmas Shows
13 eventsGrammy-nominated mariachi ensemble performing holiday favorites.
Christmas Activities
28 eventsCandy Land themed light walkthrough and electric light parade.
Editor's Picks (6)
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ZooLights
(Phoenix)
Valley's favorite holiday tradition with new lights and lanterns.
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Valor Christmas Holiday Light Show
(Gilbert)
Spectacular walk-through synchronized LED light show.
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Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Boats decorated with holiday lights on Tempe Town Lake.
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World of Illumination Presents Cosmic Sleighride
Intergalactic drive-through holiday light show.
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Christmas in the Park 2025
(Surprise)
Free immersive Christmas Story reenactment with snow.
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Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
(Chandler)
Over 7 million lights and a gingerbread house light show.
Events Happening Soon (6)
Christmas Parties Near Tempe
Festive dining experiences, holiday parties, and Christmas-themed food and drink events in Tempe.
Bar Blitzen Holiday Pop-Up
Bar Blitzen, the popular holiday pop-up, returns to Gilbert and Tempe from November...
View full details →Sippin' Santas Pub Crawl
Get ready to sleigh the holiday season at the Sippin' Santas Pub Crawl...
View full details →Tempe Christmas Events Map
See every Christmas event, light display, and market on one map.
Also Near Tempe
Christmas Events Road Trips & Weekend Getaways
Worth the drive for more holiday events near Tempe!
Tempe Christmas FAQ
The biggest annual events include the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting in late November and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake in December. Both events feature festive lights, entertainment, and community celebrations.
Tempe’s unique traditions include the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, where decorated boats light up the lake, and the Native Holiday Market showcasing Indigenous artists. These events highlight local culture alongside classic holiday festivities.
Beloved neighborhoods near Tempe offer charming holiday lights and walking trails, with many residents decorating their homes extensively. Specific neighborhood names vary, but local favorites often include areas close to downtown and residential streets known for festive displays.
Christmas markets and local makers can be found at Tempe Center for the Arts during the Native Holiday Market and at Tempe Beach Park during the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. These venues host artisan vendors, craftspeople, and food stalls throughout the holiday season.
Free or budget-friendly options include visiting neighborhood light displays, attending the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, and exploring the Native Holiday Market. Many public events offer free admission and festive entertainment for all ages.
Family-friendly picks include the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade with its fireworks and Santa photos, the Rockin’ Christmas drive-through light show at Diablo Stadium, and the Native Holiday Market with crafts and live performances. These events offer fun and engaging experiences for children.