Oh, What Fun! The Magic of the Holidays in Downtown Tempe

If you are searching for a little holiday magic this season, you’ve come to the right place. Downtown Tempe is your headquarters for holiday fun. We don’t just deck the halls; we light up the streets (and the lake), fill the district with cheer, and turn up the fun with festive events that officially kick off Thanksgiving weekend.

Bookmark this page because we’ll be updating it throughout the season. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and TikTok, where we share the latest happenings downtown.

Oh, what fun it is to find festive lights, holiday sparkle, unique events, local treasures, traditions, and culinary delights all in one place.

This season, every event and experience celebrates what the holidays are all about: connection, celebration, and moments of magic that delight visitors of all ages.

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting

Quote feature: “Let’s Have a Parade!” – Frosty the Snowman

In the words of Frosty himself, “Let’s have a parade!” The season kicks off with a beloved tradition, the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting, where Mill Avenue bursts with color as families line the streets to watch floats, performers, and Santa himself roll through downtown. It’s tradition wrapped in joy and topped with the lighting of the iconic 40-foot tree in CenterPoint Plaza.

This year’s parade takes place Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025.

Insider Tips: Arrive early to enjoy holiday shopping and check out the new businesses (there’s 17 of them in Downtown Tempe) in the district. Grab some caffeine or a holiday treat at Gio’s Coffee, Proof Bread, Cup of Joe or Happy Joe Coffee. The parade kicks off at XX, so get there early to scope out your spot.

Shop Small Saturday
Shop Small Saturday lands on the same day as the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade. This day is all about showing local love and supporting the heart and soul of downtown—our businesses.

Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide highlights some of the unique products, experiences, and gifts from more than 25 downtown businesses. Those who shop in person on Saturday, Nov. 29, will discover special surprises, including Shop Small reusable bags, free gift-wrapping supplies, and giveaways.

Insider Tips: Sign up for our newsletter to get all the details about what’s happening that day and every day throughout the holiday season.

Tempe Festival of the Arts: Dec. 4–6, 2025
The Tempe Festival of the Arts (TFA) is an incredible three-day celebration that showcases top-tier art, live performances, and hands-on fun for all ages. There’s a reason this is the Southwest’s longest-running and most anticipated arts event. The festival spans Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive, Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash avenues, and Maple Avenue between Fourth Street and Mill Avenue. It features more than 300 juried artists from across North America representing 18 mediums, offering one of the best and most extensive holiday shopping experiences in the Valley. Add lively music, delicious bites from dozens of food trucks and carts, entertainment, a beer and wine garden, and perfect Arizona weather, and you’ve got a true holiday bash. There’s something for everyone, including kids, who can enjoy the Kids Block with family-friendly entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.

Grab your friends, coworkers, partner, or family and join us Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 6. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Insider Tips:

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade & Fireworks

Nothing says holidays in the desert like a boat parade. The holiday spirit sets sail on Tempe Town Lake with a night of festive fun featuring a boat parade, live music, holiday market, and a fireworks show over the Mill Avenue Bridge. Dozens of boats twinkle across the water, decked out in festive décor and glowing lights. Local artisans fill the market with handmade goods, while food trucks and carts serve up delicious treats. Guests can relax at Tempe Beach Park, enjoy live entertainment on the Fantasy of Lights stage, and stay for a fireworks spectacular over the bridge. And of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without free photos with Santa. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is Tempe’s way of saying “happy holidays” in true desert style.

Insider Tips:

Menorah Lighting

As the season continues, the Fantasy of Lights Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 6th Street Park brings together community, reflection, and hope.

Find the Local Love Around Downtown

Beyond the big moments, the real magic of Downtown Tempe is found in everyday experiences. Wander the streets, explore, eat, drink, and shop your way through more than 165 street-level businesses. Check out our events calendar to see what’s happening daily, weekly, and monthly. From trivia nights and live music to parties and pop-up activations, something is always happening in Downtown Tempe.

PRESS RELEASE

Oh, What Fun! Downtown Tempe Transforms into the Valley’s Holiday Headquarters

The holiday season shines brighter in Downtown Tempe. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Downtown Tempe Authority invites Arizonans to experience the magic of the holidays with a full lineup of events, entertainment, and local experiences that celebrate connection, community, and cheer.

Downtown Tempe will sparkle with festive lights, art installations, family traditions, and culinary delights all season long, making it the ultimate destination for holiday fun in the heart of the Valley.

“Downtown Tempe truly captures the magic of the season,” said Bethany Kennedy, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications for Downtown Tempe Authority. “We light up the streets and the lake, fill the district with energy, and bring people together through events that celebrate everything we love about the holidays — community, connection, and celebration!

Visitors can plan their holidays around a full lineup of events and activities, all part of our “Oh, What Fun!” campaign.

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting | Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

In the words of Frosty the Snowman, “Let’s have a parade!” This beloved annual tradition kicks off the season as Mill Avenue bursts with color, and families line the streets to watch dazzling floats, local performers, and Santa himself roll through downtown. The evening culminates with the lighting of Downtown Tempe’s iconic 40-foot holiday tree in CenterPoint Plaza — a moment that officially marks the start of the season.

Shop Small Saturday | Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Happening the same day as the parade, Shop Small Saturday celebrates the small businesses that make Downtown Tempe unique. Shoppers can explore the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide, featuring more than 25 local retailers, artisans, and restaurants.

Guests who shop in person on Nov. 29 can enjoy exclusive surprises, including Shop Small reusable bags, free gift tags, promotions and giveaways. Visitors are encouraged to sign up for the Downtown Tempe newsletter for details about promotions and events happening throughout the holiday season.

Tempe Festival of the Arts | Fri-Sun, Dec. 4–6, 2025

The Tempe Festival of the Arts (TFA) is one of the Southwest’s longest running and most beloved events. The three-day celebration transforms the downtown district into an open-air art experience that showcases top-tier art, live performances, and hands-on fun for all ages.

The festival spans Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive, Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash Avenues, and Maple Avenue between Fourth Street and Mill Avenue. More than 300 juried artists from across North America will display their work across 18 mediums, offering one of the most extensive holiday shopping experiences in the Valley.

Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, entertainment, and a beer and wine garden, along with the popular Kids Block, featuring family-friendly activities on Saturday and Sunday. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade & Fireworks | Saturday, December 13, 2025

Tempe’s signature waterfront tradition, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, brings the holiday spirit to Tempe Town Lake. The celebration features a glowing boat parade, live music, holiday market, and fireworks over the Mill Avenue Bridge.

Dozens of boats will twinkle across the lake, decorated in festive lights and creative themes. Visitors can browse the holiday market featuring local artisans, enjoy treats from food trucks, and relax at Tempe Beach Park for live music on the Fantasy of Lights stage. To top off the evening, guests can enjoy a fireworks spectacular over the bridge and free photos with Santa.

Fantasy of Lights Menorah Lighting | December 2025

The Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 6th Street Park brings the community together to celebrate reflection, unity, and hope. The event includes live music, storytelling, and the lighting of the menorah, honoring Hanukkah traditions and the spirit of inclusion that defines Downtown Tempe.

Find the Local Love Around Downtown

Beyond the signature events, Downtown Tempe offers endless ways to celebrate the season. Visitors can explore more than 165 street-level businesses, from local boutiques and cozy cafes to rooftop bars and destination dining. Fun fact, more than 17 new businesses have opened in Downtown Tempe in 2025. The district also hosts live music, trivia nights, pop-ups, and themed activations all season long.

To see what’s happening daily, weekly, and monthly, visit DowntownTempe.com/Events and follow @DowntownTempe on Instagram and TikTok.