The best gift one can give during the holiday season is time. Make the most of every celebratory second this year by bringing the family to one (or more) of Tempe’s long-standing holiday traditions. Here are some favorites.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Since 1999, Tempe Town Lake has hosted this unique take on a parade. This year, the annual holiday event will take place on Dec. 14, with vendors located throughout Tempe Beach Park beginning at 4 p.m. and the parade commencing on the water once it is dark. During the show, expect boats of all shapes and sizes in procession, glowing with lights and holiday decor, many also playing holiday music as they pass the crowds. After the final boat has glided past, the event concludes with prizes for the boats based on lights, design, costuming, color, and more, as well as a spectacular fireworks display. Before and after the parade, stop by Mill Avenue and view the decorations, including the 40-foot holiday tree at Centerpoint Plaza. DowntownTempe.com
World of Illumination
Through Dec. 29, Tempe Diablo Stadium has been transformed into the World of Illumination, a family-friendly drive-through light show synced to holiday music. This year, the theme of the audio-visual extravaganza is Enchanted Safari. Hosted by Toukie Toucan, the one-mile ride transports families to the holidays, animal-style. Expect to jingle across the jungle as well as in the air and underwater via millions of twinkling light displays, seeing everything from a tunnel of tentacles to flying reindeer along the merry way. Tickets start at $39 per vehicle. WorldOfIllumination.com
Caribbean Christmas 5K
On Dec. 21, the 8th Annual Caribbean Christmas 5K Run/Walk takes place along Tempe Beach Park. Costumes are encouraged at this family-friendly tropical twist on the holiday season. And, a portion of the proceeds benefits Mission 22, a nonprofit offering treatment for issues that veterans are facing today. The entry fee includes the race, a commemorative bib, a finisher medal, and post-race goodies. Registration begins at $32. 131Events.com/caribbean-christmas-5k-az
Sea of Lights
Sea Life Arizona invites families to “shell-ebrate” the holidays with them again this year at Sea of Lights. This holiday light spectacular and “ho-ho-H20” boasts an imaginative indoor light display, along with the ocean’s most amazing creatures. On select weekends throughout December from 1 to 2 p.m., “SCUBA Claus” also returns to Sea Life. This real-life Santa Claus dives into the Ocean View exhibit to surprise the kids and pose for photos. Tickets start at $15.99 and are inclusive of all holiday exhibits, as well as regular animal encounters, touchable tidepools, and creepy crawlies. VisitSeaLife.com/arizona
Tinsel & Twilight at Tempe Marketplace
It is a holiday celebration unlike any other at Tempe Marketplace this December! Enjoy the new 50-foot Christmas tree through the new year, and free photos with Santa are available at The District Street. Additionally, from Dec. 13 through Christmas Eve, enjoy “12 Days a Snowfall,” with snow “magically” falling from the sky at select times nightly, giving everyone the chance to experience a true winter wonderland. The District Stage will be abuzz with a slew of holiday and community performances throughout the season as well, and Sip & Stroll returns as seven participating restaurants offer themed cocktails for purchase that can be enjoyed while wandering through the holiday decor and snow. Admission is free. TempeMarketplace.com
And just outside of Tempe, take advantage of ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, Las Noches de Las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, and Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide.
Expect boats of all shapes and sizes in procession, glowing with lights and holiday decor.