Best Holiday Photo Spots in Downtown Tempe
Category Inside Scoop
Happy Holidays! Downtown Tempe is getting a little extra sparkle this holiday season! ✨📸
Starting November 5, 2026, festive photo installations will be popping up throughout the district, creating picture-perfect backdrops for your holiday memories.
Grab your friends or round up the family and explore these festive photo spots while enjoying everything Downtown Tempe has to offer along the way. Don't forget to tag @downtowntempe in your photos so we can see your holiday snapshots!
Photo Spot 1: Located at Flower Power Park (7th and Mill)
Say hello to this whimsical walk through photo backdrop. It lights up at night and is perfect for a quick selfie or family photo. Located directly adjacent to the Westin, stop by and enjoy a meal or quick drink at Skysill Rooftop bar, the tallest open-air rooftop bar in Arizona.
Photo Spot 2: Located just outside of Devil's Hideaway at 4th & Mill
We've got another festive tree in the district! This whimsical tree makes the perfect holiday photo backdrop and is located just outside Devil's Hideaway at 4th Street and Mill Avenue (on the east side of Mill).
If you're out for the evening, pop into Devil's Hideaway for a quick drink or bite to eat, or discover The Green Room, a secret bar experience tucked away inside. Just across the street, you'll find even more options to keep the night going! Sing your heart out at 414 Karaoke, grab some Indian street food at Masala Maniac or satisfy your taco cravings at Tacos Calafia.
Photo Spot 3: Located at 699 S Mill Ave (near the Bank of America)
There's a fun holiday surprise waiting for you at 699 S. Mill Avenue! And while you're in the area, you've got some pretty tasty neighbors to check out. The newly opened Proof Bread is just steps away, serving up freshly baked goodies and seasonal favorites (pumpkin, anyone?). Across the street, Prince St. Pizza is dishing out its famous slices, and Fat Tuesday has frozen drinks ready to go. Not a bad lineup for a little post-photo treat!
Photo Spot 4: Located at the corner of 5th and Mill, by the Post Office
Say hello to Sundae! This photo op is perfectly located near Crispy Cones, so after snapping your picture, head across 5th Street to treat yourself to something sweet!
Looking to cross a few names off your holiday shopping list? You're also just steps away from The Plant Mill for plant lovers, Lizard Head Trading Co. for thrifted finds, Cactus Sports for sports gear and Knee Deep Tempe, where you can create your own custom T-shirt!
Photo Spot 6: Located at Flower Power Park (7th and Mill)
This holiday photo op is hard to miss! Take a seat in the oversized chair surrounded by glowing candy cane arches and giant swirly candies for a picture-perfect holiday moment. And with Taco Boys, Zipps, Matsuri Izakaya and Cupbop all nearby, you've got plenty of options to grab dinner or a quick bevvy while you're in the area. Make a night of it!
Photo Spot 5: Located at the corner of University & Mill (near Filthy Animal)
Take a stroll down to University and Mill for the Candy Cane Arch and gift boxes. This light up candy sparkles day and night and makes a perfect backdrop to any photo. Head next door to enjoy happy hour or a meal at Filthy Animal, connected cocktail bar Drop Dead Gorgeous, or a low key brew at our favorite dive bar University Sports Grill.
Photo Spot 7: The 36-Foot Tree at Centerpoint Plaza (outside of AMC & Pedal Haus)
Just a reminder that this one doesn't light up until AFTER our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026. See all of the magical event details are here.
