From twinkling lights to festive nights, the holidays hit different in Downtown Tempe. Oh What Fun is your season-long invitation to experience the magic — with memorable moments happening all throughout the district.
Kick things off with the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade as Mill Avenue glows with lights, music, and a community tree lighting. Watch decorated boats drift across Tempe Town Lake at the dazzling Boat Parade, or join the community for a meaningful Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Ragsdale – MLK Park.
You’ll also find local holiday shopping, cheerful pop-ups, and more surprises all season.
Scroll below to explore the fun!
Oh, What Fun It Is to Find...
This season, get a taste for what the holidays are all about!
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
Kick off the holiday season with a beloved Downtown Tempe tradition! Enjoy festive floats, dazzling lights and live entertainment as the parade makes its way through Downtown Tempe, followed by the official lighting of the holiday tree at Centerpoint Plaza.
Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
More than 50 years strong and ranked among the top art festivals in the nation. Twice a year, 350+ juried artists line Mill Avenue and surrounding streets, joined by chalk muralists, wine and beer gardens, live music, a kids block, and local food favorites.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade lights up Tempe Town Lake with festively decorated boats and a spectacular fireworks finale! Enjoy a holiday market, live entertainment and family-friendly fun at Tempe Beach Park.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Join us for the annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony, featuring traditional blessings, kids’ activities and kosher treats. Gather with friends and neighbors for this special Chanukah tradition, hosted in partnership with ASU Chabad.
Find your way Downtown!
Downtown Tempe offers several nearby parking garages and surface lots within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences throughout the district.
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
Hop on board the Tempe Streetcar and travel to destinations at 14 stops along the 3 mile route. Streetcar operates seven days a week and arrives at stops every 15-20 minutes.
Streetcar Routes, Hours & Fares
Multiple Valley Metro Bus routes continue to serve Downtown Tempe throughout the summer, 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
Some routes or stop locations may be temporarily adjusted during construction activity, so riders are encouraged to check schedules and service alerts before traveling.