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.
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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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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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
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 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
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.
Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe Center for the Arts
Through June 9, 2024
Arizona Theatre Company’s 56th Season kicks off its five-show lineup in October 2023 at Tempe Center for the Arts.
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.
Childsplay presents “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
The Herberger Theater Center
Through December 24, 2023
Childsplay presents “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at Herberger Theater Center from Nov. 18 to Dec. 24, 2023.
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!
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
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.
Christmas at Petersen House Museum
Petersen House
Through December 17, 2023
Come and experience a unique Christmas tradition at the Petersen House Museum in Tempe!
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 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.
Local Love: Holiday Market at Tracy Dempsey Originals
Tracy Dempsey Originals
December 9, 2023
Shoppers looking to wow their gift recipients this holiday season should attend the Local Love: Holiday Market at Tracy Dempsey Originals/ODV Wines.
Movies on the Field at Mountain America Stadium
ASU 365 Community Union
December 16, 2023 – March 17, 2024
Bring a blanket, find a seat on the grass and enjoy your favorite films on the big screen — under the stars — at ASU’s football field.
Caribbean Christmas 5K at Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park
December 16, 2023
Gather your loved ones and head to Tempe Beach Park to experience a tropical holiday vibe at the annual Caribbean Christmas 5k Run/Walk on December 16th!
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 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
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.
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
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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