Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
November 28, 2026
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Downtown Tempe’s holiday season officially begins with this beloved tradition. The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting brings Mill Avenue to life with festive energy, live entertainment, and holiday magic for all ages.
Come early to enjoy snack and drink vendors, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere — and to secure your spot along Mill Avenue, as all parade viewing is first come, first served. At 6:00 PM, the parade steps off with dazzling floats, performers, and holiday characters lighting up the streets.
After the parade, the celebration continues at CenterPoint Plaza with the official lighting of Downtown Tempe’s 36-foot-tall holiday tree. Stick around for more live music, photos with Santa, and a letter-writing station where kids can send their wishes straight to the North Pole.
Whether you’re keeping a tradition alive or starting a new one, this event is the perfect way to kick off the season in Downtown Tempe.
What You Can Explore
Holiday Magic Captured
Find your way to the Street 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 some free parking options at select garages:
- Every Sunday: On-street metered parking is free.
- 201 S. Ash Parking Garage: Free all day Saturday and Sunday, excluding special events.
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 one of these stations to be dropped off just steps from Downtown Tempe:
- Station A13: Veterans Way & College Ave, at the Tempe Transportation Center, one block east of 5th Street & Mill Ave
- 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
During the time of the event, the Tempe Streetcar will only run between the Dorsey and 9th Street stops. For information on Tempe Streetcar, including hours of operation and rates, please visit valleymetro.org/streetcar
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
Riders are encouraged to check schedules and service alerts before traveling.