Every year thousands of people flock to downtown Chandler, Arizona’s Dr. AJ Chandler Park, for the annual Chandler Parade of Lights and the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting, which takes place in 2018 on Saturday, December 1, 4. : 30 to 9 pm
As the name implies, the event features a full parade and the lighting of one of the most unique Christmas trees in the United States accompanied by Christmas music and dancing by local artists throughout the night; Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit Santa’s House to sit on Santa’s lap and enjoy some local food at one of the many vendors on site.
Admission to the Chandler Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Tree Lighting events is free, but there may be a charge for some activities. There is free parking around downtown Chandler, including municipal garages and lots, the library parking lot, and Chandler High School. Please allow extra time as several intersections will be closed for this event and the parade. Handicap parking (license plate or plate required) is located between Boston Street and San Marcos Place on the west side of Arizona Avenue (enter from Boston on Frye Road to California Street and on to Boston).
History of the Tumbleweed Christmas tree
In 1957, Chandler resident Earl Barnum came up with the idea for a tumbleweed tree after seeing a similar one in Indiana built from cone-shaped chicken wire with pine branches stuck into the holes. Community members helped create the first tree in Chandler using tumbleweeds they collected from the city.
Since then, this annual tradition has become a must-see attraction for Arizona Christmas visitors, showcasing some of the best talent and most dazzling light displays in the region, and the parade began just a few years after it opened. the first tumbleweed tree. built and has since become a citywide event.
However, since the event takes place in early December, you’ll also want to check out our comprehensive guide to Christmas vacations in the Greater Phoenix area if you plan to visit the state at this time of year, as there are plenty of activities to keep you going. in the holiday spirit for the rest of the month.
Activities and attractions in the parade
While some features change from year to year, visitors to Chandler can always expect to find local businesses, dance companies, performances, and artists on display during the Parade of Lights, with artists taking to the main stage between 4:30 and 8:15 pm
Visitors can also stop by the Santa Claus House during the concert (the house will be closed during the parade) where they can take a photo with Santa Claus, create handmade decorations in Santa’s workshop, or even write and send a letter. to the main Santa Claus at the North Pole.
The Parade of Lights begins at 6:45 pm and features over 50 entries, including floats, dancers and local businesses, and immediately after the parade the Tumbleweed Tree will be lit up. The parade route will begin at the corner of Arizona Avenue and Frye Road and proceed north on Arizona Avenue past Chandler City Hall and continue through downtown.
When you reach the north end of Dr. AJ Chandler Park, the procession will turn right onto Buffalo Street, followed by another right onto Arizona Place. After moving down the east side of Dr. AJ Chandler Park, the parade will end at the corner of Boston Street and Arizona Place.
For more information on the events taking place at this year’s event, visit the Chandler Parade of Lights online.
