Holidays in Tempe
Spend the Holidays in Tempe, Arizona
It’s the most wonderful time of year in Tempe, Arizona. From twinkling lights to holiday events, we invite visitors and residents to celebrate the magic of the season with festive fun, shopping excursions, cozy coffee shops, delightful patio dining, decorative parades and more — all happening here.
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.
Learn MoreHoliday Events
LIGHT BLOOM at Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden
Through January 20, 2025
LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO at Desert Botanical Garden is a temporary exhibit showcasing the intersection of nature and light.
Second Sundays on Mill
Downtown Tempe – Mill Avenue
Through April 13, 2025
Join Downtown Tempe on the Second Sunday of Nov., Jan., Feb. and Apr. for 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
Tempe Diablo Stadium
Through December 29, 2024
Gather the kids, pack your favorite snacks and drive over to Tempe Diablo Stadium for a family-friendly adventure! World of Illumination’s drive-through light show offers a spectacular blend of lights and music, perfectly synced to your favorite holiday tunes.
Stray Cat Theatre at Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe Center for the Arts
Through May 18, 2025
For the 2024-2025 season, Stray Cat Theatre brings The Minutes, Sweat, Fetal and Little Shop of Horrors to the Tempe Center for the Arts.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
Through January 12, 2025
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!
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Desert Botanical Garden
Through December 30, 2024
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.
ASU Gammage presents “Kimberly Akimbo”
ASU Gammage
Through December 8, 2024
ASU Gammage presents a new musical about growing up and growing old (in no particular order). “Kimberly Akimbo” is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL.
Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts
Downtown Tempe
December 6, 2024 – December 8, 2024
The Tempe Festival of the Arts offers visitors a distinct shopping experience each fall and spring in Downtown Tempe. More than 300 artist booths line Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets presenting unique, and hand-made artwork.
Arizona Theatre Company at Tempe Center for the Arts
Tempe Center for the Arts
December 7, 2024 – June 29, 2025
Arizona Theatre Company’s 56th Season kicks off its five-show lineup in October 2023 at Tempe Center for the Arts.
ASU Gammage presents “Every Christmas”
ASU Gammage
December 10, 2024
Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith brings his “Every Christmas” tour to Tempe, Arizona, promising an evening filled with the joy and spirit of the season.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park
December 14, 2024
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.
Caribbean Christmas 5K at Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park
December 21, 2024
Gather your loved ones and head to Tempe Beach Park to experience a tropical holiday vibe at the annual Caribbean Christmas 5k Run/Walk !
Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona
Downtown Tempe
January 18, 2025 – January 19, 2025
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona combines running, travel and entertainment, providing a world-class event atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.
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Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is Holiday Magic
One of the most anticipated holiday events in Tempe is coming up on Saturday, December 14th – the annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
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.
