Every year, as the holidays approach, families around the world gather together to celebrate the festive decorations, feasts of all flavors and varieties, and an exchange of gifts. What’s very easy to forget during these times of joy and happiness, however, is the true meaning of the holiday, which is not in the presents, but in the presence of your family and friends.
Holiday events, hosted by various communities throughout Arizona, create a sense of togetherness among individuals, children, and families. They also allow community members to get their fill of Arizona’s amazing winter weather! Here is a sampling of Sun Devil approved holiday events taking place in the coming days and weeks all throughout the Grand Canyon State.
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights
When: December 5, 2015
Where: Downtown Chandler
3 South Arizona Avenue
Chandler, AZ 85225
What: Join the community of Chandler as they light the city! The event also features dancing, performing arts groups, an ugly sweater content, and the Parade of Lights. Following the parade is the tree lighting ceremony. Santa’s house will offer free pictures with Santa.
History: In its 58th year, this unique Chandler tradition began when Earl Barnum raised the idea of a tumbleweed tree after he saw a similar one in Indiana, built solely out of cone-shaped chicken wire with pine boughs stuck in the holes. Community members helped to create the city’s first tree using tumbleweeds gathered from around town. Today, the city features a 25-foot-tall wire frame covered in nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds, which have been painted white, dusted with glitter, and decked with more than 1,200 lights. Chandler is the only city in the southwestern United States to feature a tree made from tumbleweeds.
Cost: Free
When: December 3-24, 2015
Where: Hale Centre Theatre
50 West Page Avenue
Gilbert, AZ 85233
What: Hale Centre Theatre continues its holiday tradition with its 13th annual production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” which runs through December 24, with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters all guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family.
Cost: Ticket pricing for adults is $28; groups of 10+ $22; students with valid identification $22; children (5-12) $18.
When: November 27, 2015 – January 9, 2016
- Jingle Bell Rockin’ Nights; December 4-5, 2015
- Winter Wonderland Weekend; December 11-12, 2015
- Spirit of Giving Weekend; December 18-19, 2015
- Glendale Glitter & Glow Block Party; January 9, 2016
Where: Historic Downtown Glendale
58th Avenue and Glendale Avenue
Glendale, AZ
What: This award-winning festival, now in its 23rd year, is one of the best-loves events for Arizona families. Visitors of all ages will delight in holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s snow field and petting zoo, shopping, and visit from Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. This event also features a stunning display of 1.5 million lights illuminating sixteen blocks of Historic Downtown Glendale.
Cost: Parking and admission is free.
When: November 23, 2015 – January 10, 2016
Where: Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
What: ZooLights, powered by SRP EarthWise Energy, is a magical experience guaranteed to illuminate your holiday season. New this year are several 3D light sculptures, 2D butterflies and lion cubs, and Music in Motion light shows featuring music from the movie “Polar Express” and “Winter Palace” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Cost: General admission is $18 ($16 online); member admission is $16 ($14 online); good any night. Value tickets with date restrictions are $12 ($10 online) for general admission and $10 ($8 online) for member admission. Children two and under are free.
When: December 5, 2015
Where: The Parade begins at: North Phoenix Baptist Church
5757 North Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85012
What: Who doesn’t love a parade? The streets of central Phoenix will be filled with floats, each covered in more than 2,000 dazzling lights in a “Trim the Trees for the Holiday” theme, with Minnie Mouse scheduled to serve as grand marshal for the parade’s 29th year. You’ll also see local marching bands, lighted balloons, performance units, and Santa.
Cost: Free
When: December 12, 2015 | 6pm
Where: Tempe Town Lake
Tempe, AZ 85281
What: Be dazzled at the Valley of the Sun’s most unique holiday event – the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, presented by SRP at Tempe Town Lake. The Boat Parade features as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes, more than a thousand luminaries which illuminate the sidewalks and paths of Tempe Beach Park, a special display provided by Tempe South Rotary, fireworks, and Santa.
Cost: Free. Vip viewing is just $15 and includes a full meal catered by Q-Up BBQ Food Truck and complimentary hot cocoa.
