Holidays in Tempe, AZ

Holidays in Tempe

Spend the Holidays in Tempe, Arizona

It’s the most wonderful time of year for cozy sweaters, hot cocoa, twinkling lights and beloved holiday and Christmas events in Tempe, Arizona. We invite visitors and residents to enjoy the holiday season with festive fun. Christmas shopping excursions, outdoor patio dining and magical events are all happening in Tempe.

Holiday-Decorated boat at Tempe Town Lake with a lit sign that says "Merry Christmas Happy Holidays"

Events and Festivities in Tempe

Spending the holiday season in Tempe offers endless possibilities. From seeing the sights to festive lights, this season’s lineup of events is sure to deliver holiday magic to the entire family.

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Hackett House Holiday shopping

Shop Local For Gifts This Year

Shop Tempe’s locally owned businesses for those who cherish one-of-a-kind gifts. Explore specialty shops, boutiques and more to find unique art, treats, apparel and experiences for everyone on your list. Added bonus: You’ll feel good about supporting small businesses.

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A lit up Christmas tree in the middle of a hotel courtyard

Holi-Stay at a Tempe Hotel

Take a holiday break! Stay in one of Tempe’s welcoming hotels or invite your friends and family to visit you this season. Explore our hotels and find one that’s the perfect fit.

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Holiday Shopping at Tempe Marketplace

Holiday Shopping

Take your holiday shopping game to the next level at Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or Downtown Tempe. Your friends and family will thank you.

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Little Cholla Tempe Market

Through Dec 21

Little Cholla Market

Culdesac Tempe

Through December 21, 2023

Every Thursday from 6-9 p.m., visit the Little Cholla Market for a farmers market, food trucks, shopping and music at the first car-free neighborhood, Culdesac Tempe.

Second Sundays on Mill

Through Apr 14

Second Sundays on Mill

Downtown Tempe – Mill Avenue

Through April 14, 2024

On the Second Sunday of each month (October-April) Mill Avenue closes to traffic, and pedestrians are invited to explore a monthly outdoor market, featuring live music and entertainment, vendors, pop-ups, activations, seasonal themes and plenty of fun for the entire family.

World of Illumination in Tempe, Arizona

Through Dec 31

World of Illumination

Tempe Diablo Stadium

Through December 31, 2023

Drive through millions of lights at the holiday event of the year! World of Illumination is returning to Tempe Diablo Stadium. Grab your sled and join World of Illumination for a supersonic holiday road trip.

ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo

Through Jan 14

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation

Through January 14, 2024

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, the Valley’s most cherished holiday tradition, is back with millions of twinkling lights, all new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience and a brand new music and light show!

Through Dec 24

Celebrate the Holidays at Tempe Marketplace

Tempe Marketplace

Through December 24, 2023

Whether you’re looking for a place to experience the magic of the holidays or find the greatest gifts, Tempe Marketplace is the place to meet up and have fun with friends and family this holiday season.

Las Noches de las Luminarias at DBG

Through Dec 30

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Desert Botanical Garden

Through December 30, 2023

Experience the beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden.

LES MISÉRABLES at ASU Gammage

Through Dec 10

LES MISÉRABLES at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

Through December 10, 2023

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Dec 9

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake

Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park

December 9, 2023

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.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Dec 27

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

ASU Gammage

December 27, 2023

Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS at ASU Gammage.

PAW Patrol

Dec 28 – Dec 30

PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” at Mullett Arena

Mullett Arena

December 28, 2023 – December 30, 2023

The PAW Patrol is on the lookout for Adventure Bay’s Top Heroes in the brand-new live show PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite.” Catch all this action, and more, as PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” comes to Mullett Arena for six shows between Dec. 28 and 30, 2023.

THE WIZ at ASU Gammage in Tempe, AZ

Jan 2 – Jan 7

THE WIZ at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

January 2, 2024 – January 7, 2024

The highly anticipated Broadway revival of THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Pre-Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years.

Desert Botanical Garden Sonoran Sippin'

Jan 5 – May 31

Music in the Garden: Spring 2024

Desert Botanical Garden

January 5, 2024 – May 31, 2024

Music in the Garden Concert Series is back at Desert Botanical Garden with a new way to enjoy lively musical acts on select dates from January through May.

JAGGED LITTLE PILL at ASU Gammage

Jan 30 – Feb 4

JAGGED LITTLE PILL at ASU Gammage

ASU Gammage

January 30, 2024 – February 4, 2024

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE—everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music.

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