Most-festive events for celebrating the season in Tempe
Tempe, Arizona, is one of the best spots to celebrate the magic of the holiday season. It’s not a snowy winter wonderland, but there are all kinds of festive events and activities that will get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you are looking for a date night idea or an outing the entire family will enjoy, Tempe offers endless possibilities for memories and magic this season.
November
Nov. 28. 2026: Native Holiday Market presented by OXDX
Tempe Center for the Arts: 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Tempe Center for the Arts, OXDX and Cultural Coalition, Inc. present Tempe’s annual Native Holiday Market. Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Small Business Saturday, this FREE event showcases talented Arizona Indigenous artists, designers, jewelry makers and other small business operators as well as food trucks, crafts, live music, captivating performances and more.
Nov. 28, 2026: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting
Downtown Tempe: From Mill Avenue and 3rd St to Centerpoint Plaza
Kick off the magic of the season with the Downtown Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting. A holiday tradition enjoyed by generations, this festive event includes at night parade down Mill Avenue, a tree lighting ceremony at Centerpoint Plaza, live entertainment, Santa photos and so much more.
December
December 2026 (date TBA): Menorah Lighting
Ragsdale-MLK Park: 24 E. 6th St., Tempe
Head to Downtown Tempe’s Ragsdale-MLK Park (formerly 6th Street Park) for this special holiday event at the second annual Menorah lighting ceremony, presented by Downtown Tempe Authority and ASU Chabad.
Dec. 4-6, 2026: Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts
Downtown Tempe: Mill Avenue and surrounding streets
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. Festivalgoers will also enjoy live entertainment, street performers, vendors, sponsor exhibits and entertainment booths over the course of three days.
Dec. 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 2026: Christmas at the Petersen House
1414 W. Southern Ave., Tempe | 480-350-5151
Experience a unique Christmas tradition at the Petersen House Museum in Tempe. The museum — the oldest Queen Anne Victorian brick residence in the Salt River Valley — will be decorated in a high style that showcases its Danish heritage. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. across the first three weekends in December, this event includes free self-guided tours of the historic 1892 home, light refreshments, entertainment and festive activities. Don’t forget to check out the pop-up museum store for some holiday shopping. Admission is free, and you don’t need to register beforehand.
Dec. 12, 2026: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Beach Park: Rio Salado Parkway & Mill Avenue
Light up the night and be dazzled this holiday season at Tempe Town Lake on Saturday, Dec. 13. 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. 26, 2026: Cactus Bowl
Mountain America Stadium
Fiesta Sports Foundation has unveiled the new identity of Cactus Bowl which will be played in Tempe at Mountain America Stadium for the first time since 2015. As college football’s only postseason game between the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences, the Cactus Bowl will be played on Saturday, December 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. MST as part of ABC Saturday Night Football in primetime, in addition to ESPN’s digital platforms. Stay tuned for the announcement of teams that will be facing off in the Cactus Bowl as well as ticket information.
Ongoing
Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027: World of Illumination: Reindeer Run
Tempe Diablo Stadium: 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe
Experience World of Illumination, “the world’s largest animated drive-through light show,” taking place at Tempe Diablo Stadium this holiday season. Climb aboard your cosmic sleigh with your host Shiny the Star on a mystical holiday invasion that is out of this world. This mile-long journey features millions of colorful lights and enchanting holiday music— a must see treat for the entire family.
Nov. 25, 2026 – Jan. 15, 2027: ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix | 602-286-3800
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. 27-29 | Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 16- 23 and 26-31: Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix | 480-941-1225
Experience the simplicity and beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical 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.
This year, Las Noches de las Luminarias coincides with Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding. This immersive experience transforms the garden with big color, immersive art and unexpected moments from day to night. Step inside glowing glass houses, sit beneath flower clouds, traverse four blooming pathways and discover a magical indoor blooming garden — surrounded by seasonal plant displays and Garden After Dark lighting that change throughout the year. Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding will call the garden home through May 31, 2027.
The garden is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The above events and exhibits are included with garden admission admission.
