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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Second Sundays on Mill

Nov 10 – Apr 13

Second Sundays on Mill

Downtown Tempe – Mill Avenue

November 10, 2024 – 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 in Tempe, Arizona

Nov 15 – Dec 29

World of Illumination

Tempe Diablo Stadium

November 15, 2024 – 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. 

ZooLights at The Phoenix Zoo

Nov 27 – Jan 12

ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation

November 27, 2024 – 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!

Nov 27

Celebrate the Holidays at Tempe Marketplace

Tempe Marketplace

November 27, 2024

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.

Fantasy of Lights Parade & Holiday Market

Nov 29

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade

Downtown Tempe

November 29, 2024

A holiday tradition enjoyed by generations — the Downtown Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade features a tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, Santa photos and so much more!

Las Noches de las Luminarias at DBG

Nov 29 – Dec 30

Las Noches de las Luminarias

Desert Botanical Garden

November 29, 2024 – 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.

OXDX Holiday Market at Tempe Center for the Arts

Nov 30

Native Holiday Market by OXDX

Tempe Center for the Arts

November 30, 2024

Tempe Center for the Arts presents the “OXDX Holiday Market,” a celebration of Indigenous artistry and local businesses brought to you by local clothing and design label, OXDX Clothing.

Kimberly Akimbo at ASU Gammage

Dec 3 – Dec 8

ASU Gammage presents “Kimberly Akimbo”

ASU Gammage

December 3, 2024 – 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.

two couples walking on the streets at the Tempe Festival of the Arts

Dec 6 – Dec 8

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.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Dec 14

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.

A group of runners cross the finish line

Jan 18 – Jan 19

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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