Tempe has a variety of events and activities to get your whole family feeling festive.
Check out the listings below for all the holiday fun that awaits…
Nov. 15-Dec. 29, 2024: World of Illumination
Experience World of Illumination, “the world’s largest animated drive-through light show,” taking place at Tempe Diablo Stadium this holiday season. This mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music— a must see treat for the entire family.
Nov. 27, 2024 -Jan. 12, 2025: ZooLights
ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo — the Valley’s most cherished holiday tradition — is back with millions of twinkling lights, animal lanterns, light displays and a brand-new music and light show. Visit this magical setting after sunset (5:30 to 10:30 p.m. daily) to stroll through the 200-foot-long light tunnel, take a photo with Santa and warm up around the cozy s’mores pits and sip on hot cocoa. Enjoy a ZooLights is the perfect way for all ages to celebrate the season.
Nov. 29, 2024: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
The Downtown Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade in Tempe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 (Black Friday). A holiday tradition enjoyed by generations, this festive event includes at night parade, a tree lighting ceremony at Centerpoint Plaza, live entertainment, Santa photos and so much more.
Nov. 29 and 30, Dec. 1, 6, 7, 13-15, 18-23 and 26-30: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Desert Botanical Garden is bringing by Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the garden. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminarias, musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights that line the Garden’s iconic trails for a picture-perfect night.
Dec. 20, 2024: Menorah Lighting
Head to Downtown Tempe’s Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park) for this special holiday event at the second annual Menorah lighting ceremony at Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park), presented by Downtown Tempe Authority and ASU Chabad.
Dec. 6-8, 2024: Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts
The Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts returns to Downtown Tempe the first weekend in December. This well-loved community event showcases unique and hand-made artwork from more than 350 artists.
Dec. 7-28, 2024: Arizona Theatre Company presents “Scrooge!”
Enjoy the holiday musical extravaganza “Scrooge!,” presented by Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts. Based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” this enchanting holiday musical extravaganza celebrates the season with the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring a distinguished cast of more than 24 actors, live musicians, and an all-star creative team and songs by Oscar- and Grammy-winning and Tony-nominated composer Leslie Bricusse, “Scrooge!” is set to be an annual tradition for the entire family.
Dec. 14, 2024: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
Light up the night and be dazzled this holiday season at Tempe Town Lake on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake is the Valley’s most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade featuring boats of all shapes and sizes and a spectacular fireworks show.
Dec. 17, 2024: La Posada
Returning to Desert Botanical Garden on Dec. 17, La Posada is a celebration that pay tribute to the Mexican holiday tradition by the same name. On this evening, guests are invited to join in the festivities (included with ticket), which features piñatas, traditional food and drink, and two singing processions through the Garden.
Through Jan. 20, 2025: Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO
This holiday season, Desert Botanical Garden is hosting Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO, a truly unique collection of light installations. As the sun sets, each of the mesmerizing displays comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the garden’s paths and plants. Experience the convergence of light and nature that illuminate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape in a new way. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.
This list will be updated regularly, so check back often for new additions! If you know of anything I have missed, let me know by sending a email to Veronical@macaronikid.com.
