Oh, What Fun! Holidays in Tempe
Nov 17, 2025
Media Contact: Whitney Anderson, whitney@flutterpr.com or (602) 740-2373
DOWNTOWN TEMPE SHINES BRIGHT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Beginning Nov. 29, Tempe Transforms into a Festive Wonderland Filled with Lights,
Local Traditions, Live Entertainment and Holiday Cheer for All Ages
WHAT: The holiday season shines brighter than ever in Downtown Tempe this year. Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Downtown Tempe Authority invites Arizonans to embrace the magic of the season with a full lineup of festive events, live entertainment and local experiences that celebrate connection, community and cheer.
Downtown Tempe will dazzle with festive lights, immersive art installations, cherished family traditions and irresistible culinary delights all season long — making it the Valley’s ultimate destination for holiday fun and celebration.
The holiday magic shines through beloved family-friendly traditions, including:
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting
In the words of Frosty the Snowman, “Let’s have a parade!” This beloved annual tradition returns from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, kicking off the holiday season in spectacular fashion. This free community tradition sees Mill Avenue burst with color as families line the streets to watch dazzling floats, local performers and Santa himself roll through downtown. The celebration continues in Centerpoint Plaza with live entertainment presented by Honor Health and the lighting of Downtown Tempe’s iconic 36-foot holiday tree — a dazzling moment that officially marks the start of the season.
Shop Small Saturday
In addition to the parade fun, fuel the holiday spirit with Shop Small Saturday — a celebration of the local businesses that make Downtown Tempe one of a kind. Stroll the downtown district to discover unique gifts for everyone on your list throughout our 165-plus street-level businesses, including more than 20 retail shops. There’s an extra touch of holiday magic with special surprises for in-person shoppers, including Shop Small reusable bags and complimentary gift tags (while supplies last), courtesy of Downtown Tempe Authority. Visitors can sign up for the Downtown Tempe newsletter for details on promotions and holiday happenings throughout the season.
One of the Southwest’s most beloved traditions, the Tempe Festival of the Arts transforms Downtown Tempe into a vibrant open-air gallery Dec. 5-7 (10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday). During the three-day celebration, the downtown district evolves into an open-air art experience that showcases top-tier art, live performances and hands-on fun for all ages. The event 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 15 mediums, offering one of the most extensive holiday shopping experiences in the Valley. Guests can enjoy live music, food trucks, entertainment, a wine and spirits tasting and three beer and wine gardens, along with the popular Kids Block, featuring family-friendly activities on Saturday and Sunday.
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Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade & Fireworks
Tempe’s signature waterfront celebration, the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, returns from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, bringing the holiday spirit to life at Tempe Town Lake. The celebration features a glowing boat parade, live music, holiday market with a DIY gift wrapping station 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 15 food vendors and relax at Tempe Beach Park for live entertainment on the Fantasy of Lights stage, presented by Honor Health. To top off the evening, guests can enjoy a spectacular firework display, presented by Andretti Indoor Karting Chandler, and free photos with Santa.
Fantasy of Lights Menorah Lighting
The Menorah Lighting Ceremony from 5:30-7 p.m. on Dec. 16 at Ragsdale-MLK Park, brings the community together to celebrate reflection, unity and hope. Held in collaboration with the Chabad ASU, the event includes the lighting of the menorah, traditional blessings, kosher treats, and kids’ activities and crafts honoring Chanukah traditions and the spirit of inclusion that defines Downtown Tempe.
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. The district also hosts live music, trivia nights, pop-ups and themed activations all season long.
WHY: “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, infuse the district with festive energy and bring people from all walks of life together through events that celebrate all that we love about the season, with an emphasis on community, connection and captivating holiday magic.”
WHO: Nestled along the shores of Tempe Town Lake, Downtown Tempe is a district like no other. Downtown Tempe Authority, the area’s Business Improvement District, champions more than 165 street-level businesses — the majority locally owned — and works to shape every downtown experience. From keeping streets clean and safe, to advancing parking and mobility technology, to producing signature events and activating public spaces, DTA works to create a positive and welcoming experience for residents, businesses and visitors. Follow @downtowntempe on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok, and visit downtowntempe.com to discover what Downtown Tempe has to offer.
FUN FACTS: A series of nine enormous freestanding holiday light displays dot the half-mile walk along historic downtown Mill Ave., which is home to several of the more than 17 new businesses that have opened in Downtown Tempe in 2025.
Every parade unit in the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is comprised of community members, local groups, dance teams, scouts, area businesses and more.
There will be 40,000 lights (collectively) on Tempe Town Lake during the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade.
INFO: More information about Downtown Tempe’s holiday events and merchant specials is available at downtowntempe.com/events/holidays-in-tempe
SOCIAL: Attendees are encouraged to capture and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #downtowntempe
VISUALS: To access and download visuals of Downtown Tempe during the holidays, click here.
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