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Oh, What Fun! A full lineup of holiday events is coming downtown. Join us for 6 days of FREE community events in the Downtown Tempe district. Read More

Oh What Fun! Unwrap the Magic of the Holidays in Downtown Tempe

Categories EVENTS & HAPPENINGS THINGS TO DO

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.

Oh, WHAT Fun Happenings Downtown! 

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting | NOV 29, 4 PM - 8 PM

"Let's have a parade!"

Frosty the Snowman

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 36-foot tree in CenterPoint Plaza.

This year’s parade takes place Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, where the parade steps off at 3rd & Mill at 6 PM, travelling south along Mill Avenue, then turns west onto 7th Street, passing through CenterPoint Plaza, before heading north on Maple Avenue and concluding at 5th Street between Maple Avenue and Ash. Once the parade concludes, the community is invited to the tree lighting ceremony at CenterPoint Plaza. 

Insider Tips: Arrive early to enjoy holiday shopping and check out the new businesses (there’s 20 of them in Downtown Tempe) in the district. Grab some caffeine or a holiday treat at any of our local eateries. The parade kicks off at 6 PM, 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: Follow @tempeartfest on Instagram to get access to the digital program guide. You will have the schedule of events, listing of artist booths, food vendors, and other helpful info! Also, don't forget to pick up your tickets for the Wine & Spirits Tasting!

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade & Fireworks | SAT, NOV 13

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. The event takes place 4 PM - 9 PM. Visit event webpage for details.

Insider Tips: The park opens at 4 PM, so arrive early for shopping, delicious eats, and live music. Photos with Santa are aslo available at 3pm too. Check out the Plan Your Visit page for super helpful tips on the best ways to get there, where to park (if you choose to drive), parade viewing areas, and details on the clear bag policy. 

Menorah Lighting

As the season continues, the Fantasy of Lights Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park brings together community, reflection, and hope. The event is December 16 from 5:30 PM - 7 PM. This event is hosted in partnership with ASU Chabad, and honors the spirit of Chanukah with a ceremonial lighting of the menorah, traditional blessings, kids crafts, and reflection. View event details. 

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 20 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.