Tempe Christmas Holiday Festivals
and Holiday Shopping Traditions
Holiday festivities in Tempe. The Mill Avenue area of Tempe is arguably the
most vibrant and festive place in the Greater Phoenix area. But come the holiday
season there is little doubt that Tempe is the brightest, most enjoyable place to get
into the holiday spirit. Its festive display of holiday lights makes Christmas shopping
an entertaining attraction.
It all begins the day after Thanksgiving. Tempe kicks-off the season with its
Fantasy of Lights Parade in the Mill Avenue District in downtown Tempe. The
event opens with the annual tradition of lighting hundreds of thousands of holiday
lights. The opening night entertains everyone with its holiday tree lighting ceremony
as street entertainers get everyone in the mood for the arrival of Santa Claus as they
line the streets waiting for the Fantasy of Lights Parade.
Festival of the Arts. The Tempe Festival of the Arts has two annual festivals.
The Spring event is generally held in late March. The Fall Festival is held in very
early December to kick-off holiday shopping celebration. The event is held over a
3-day weekend and typically attracts about 250,000 visitors that browse and
purchase original art from over 400 exhibitors that are set-up on the streets in the
Mill Avenue Shopping District. Festival goers enjoy the fantastic holiday lights,
more street entertainers, music and food concessions.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. Held in mid-December, over 35,000 fun-loving
attendees gather along the south shores of Tempe Town Lake for the annual
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. When the evening skies turn dark above the lake
at about 7:00 PM over 50 boats of varying sizes, all adorned with Christmas lights
and decorations entertain folks with Christmas spirit. The Metro Light Rail
installs even more lighting effects on the Tempe Bridge setting the stage for a
festive fireworks show that is the grand finale of the event.
Dates, Schedules and More Info
Call the Tempe Convention and Visitor's Bureau at (800) 283-6734 for exact
dates, times and scheduled current event entertainers. About a third of the Tempe
Festival of the Arts attendees are from out of the Phoenix area. Choose from a
wide variety of Tempe Hotels conveniently located near the Tempe Holiday
Events. Also visit the following websites for more detailed information.
Besides Mill Avenue, Tempe Marketplace is a premier shopping destination
and entertainment venue. With is extravagant Christmas lights and holiday
decorations, concert stages, outdoor fireplaces, water features, great restaurants
and nightlife spots, Tempe Marketplace will put you in the Christmas spirit. Visit
Christmas Time at Tempe Marketplace for a gallery of pictures for your
viewing enjoyment compliments of Robert Body.
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