Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Presented by
Tempe Beach Park
December 12, 2026
4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Each December, Tempe Town Lake becomes the most magical place in the Valley as the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade sets sail. This free, family-friendly tradition draws thousands to the waterfront to experience a night of lights, music, and holiday cheer under the stars.
The event features a festive holiday market with local vendors, live entertainment throughout the evening, and plenty of seasonal eats and treats. Write letters to Santa, snap a photo with the big guy himself, and grab a cozy drink while you wait for the main event — a dazzling boat parade featuring vessels decked out in holiday lights, inflatable characters, and creative themes.
After the parade, the celebration ends with a stunning fireworks show over the lake — a crowd favorite and the perfect way to wrap up a night filled with festive fun.
IMPORTANT POLICIES & EVENT INFORMATION
All guests must follow the clear bag policy for entry.
Parking, Transportation & Road Closures View Clear Bag Policy
Festive Fun To Explore
Event Schedule
4:00 PM: Tempe Beach Park opens for holiday shopping, photos with Santa, write letters to the North Pole, live entertainment from DJ Nasdak, enjoy a variety of food and snack vendors, beer and wine gardens, and more!
7:00 PM: Boat parade starts on Tempe Town Lake
8:15 PM: Firework finale starts
9:00 PM: Event ends
Food & Drink Vendors
Holiday Magic Captured
Find your way to the Boat Parade!
With a little planning, it's easy to get to and through Downtown Tempe.
Downtown Tempe offers several nearby parking garages and surface lots within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences throughout the district.
Here are the special event parking rates at these select garages:
For real-time parking availability, rates, and directions as you arrive, use Tempe TRiP on your phone or desktop.
The most hassle-free way to get to Downtown Tempe is to ride the Valley Metro Light Rail. The Light Rail provides free parking at 13 Park-and-Ride locations, so you can ride the train directly into the Downtown district.
Exit at this station for a short walk to the Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park:
- Station A14: Mill Ave & 3rd Street, just outside of Loco Patron
Park & Ride Locations:
- Metro Parkway- 250 spaces
- 19th Ave/Dunlap Avenue – 415 spaces
- 19th Avenue/Montebello Avenue – 794 spaces
- 19th Avenue/Camelback Road – 410 spaces
- 7th Avenue/Camelback Road – 123 spaces
- Central Avenue/Camelback Road – 135 spaces
- 38th Street/Washington Street – 189 spaces
- Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard – 190 spaces
- McClintock Road/Apache Boulevard – 300 spaces
- Price - 101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard – 693 spaces
- Sycamore Street/Main Street – 802 spaces
- Mesa Drive/Main St – 448 spaces
- Gilbert Rd/Main St- 250 spaces
Hop on board the Tempe Streetcar and travel to destinations at 14 stops along the 3 mile route. Streetcar operates seven days a week and arrives at stops every 15-20 minutes.
Exit at one of these stations to be dropped off just steps from the Boat Parade:
- Station 12: Tempe Beach Park/Rio Salado Pkwy
- Station 13: Hayden Ferry/Rio Salado Pkwy
- Station 14: Marina Heights/Rio Salado Pkwy
Streetcar Routes, Hours & Fares
Multiple Valley Metro Bus routes serve Downtown Tempe, with service centered around the Tempe Transportation Center near 5th Street and Forest Avenue.
Free neighborhood circulators also provide easy access around Tempe and the ASU area:
- FLASH circulates around the ASU Tempe campus and Downtown area
- ORBIT connects Downtown Tempe to surrounding neighborhoods throughout the city
Recommended stop:
- Bus Stop: Rio Salado Pkwy & 400 West
Riders are encouraged to check schedules and service alerts before traveling.
Get Involved Event Applications Volunteer Sponsor
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
PRESENTED BY
SANTA TENT SPONSORED BY