Mill Avenue District, in downtown Tempe, Arizona, will host tens of thousands of visitors for its annual winter holiday events in November and December, including the Fantasy of Lights Parade, the Tempe Holiday Boat Parade, the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This series of annual events makes Tempe an ideal, if not unexpected, destination for a bit of holiday cheer if you find yourself traveling through southern Arizona during the months of November and December, with three consecutive weekends offering a variety of special offers. seasonal events.
If you need a last minute gift, visit the Tempe Arts Festival, or if you want a romantic date by the water, head to the Tempe City Lake for the Christmas Boat Parade, no matter what weekend you visit Tempe, you’re sure to find something you will enjoy in this great little town.
The Fantasy Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
On November 24, 2017, the event kicks off with the illumination of hundreds of thousands of festive lights along Mill Avenue, which is where you will also see the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade presented by Wells Fargo, the ceremony community tree lighting officer. , street performers and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy as community members and artists from across the state come together for the parade, dressed in millions and millions of little Christmas lights as they march through the decorated streets of downtown Tempe.
The parade route begins at Third Street and Rio Salado, continues south on Mill Avenue to 7th Street, west on 7th Street to Maple, and then north on Maple to 5th Street. Centerpoint Plaza is where the Christmas tree lighting takes place, but you should expect road closures on Mill Avenue from 7th Street south to Rio Salado, and around 5th to 7th streets in that area, which could cause delays significant on your arrival if you don’t plan ahead.
The fantasy of lights Parade of boats
On December 9, a parade of a different kind arrives in downtown Tempe: the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, inviting the community (and guests) to participate in a holiday celebration along the banks of the river. Lake Tempe Town.
Santa Claus arrives at Tempe Beach Park along with a host of food vendors, sponsored activity stations, and well-decorated boats of all shapes and sizes for the 19th annual parade presented by SRP. Floating units enter Tempe Town Lake at the marina and head to and from the north shore of the lake, creating a U-shape of dazzling lights that reflect off the calm surface of the water.
The event also features a variety of holiday shopping from local 6th Street Market vendors, as well as choir performances by local artists César Chávez, dance team Trevor Browne, Joey Unami, and 76th Stree starting at 4 p.m. Later in the evening, the parade (which begins at 7) is immediately followed by a dazzling fireworks display and performances by more local 2Tone Lizard Kings talents.
