Top Holiday Events in Tempe, AZ: Dazzling Lights, Markets & Family Fun
Tempe, Arizona, captures the holiday spirit like few places can. Without snow, it delivers vibrant festive events, from light displays to markets. Discover highlights below, with more on the Tempe Tourism events page. Perfect for date nights or family bonding. Note: These are popular annual attractions; verify current dates, times, and COVID protocols on official sites for the latest details.
World of Illumination
Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282
This world-renowned drive-through animated light show returns annually, synced to holiday music. Enjoy a 500-foot tunnel of lights and more. A second site often appears at Westgate in Glendale. Typical hours: evenings, Monday-Friday 6-10 p.m., weekends/holidays to 11 p.m. Online reservations required.
Downtown Tempe
Between College Ave. and Farmer Ave., University Dr. and Tempe Town Lake, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 355-6060
Holiday lights illuminate Mill Avenue trees through New Year's, amplifying the festive vibe in this lively college district. Explore restaurants, bars, gift shops, and specialty stores.
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-9338
Shop trends, dine, enjoy live music, and relax. Holiday highlights include:
Nightly Snowfall: Snow falls at 7 & 8 p.m. near District Stage (hourly Christmas Eve 11 a.m.-8 p.m.).
Candy Cane Lane: Giant candy-themed art installation near Dave & Buster’s and H&M.
Starry + Bright Star Tunnel: 40-foot illuminated tunnel for photos near the holiday tree.
Arizona Mills
5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 491-9700
Arizona's premier outlet mall with 185+ stores (up to 70% off), dining, and entertainment.
Photos with Santa: Socially distanced visits; reservations required. Masks for Santa and elves.
- Reserve via Simon Santa Photo Experience.
- Typically afternoons/evenings.
Salvation Army Christmas Angels & Gift Wrapping: Adopt tags for gifts, free wrapping to aid families in need.
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (480) 941-1225
This 140-acre desert showcase with 50,000+ plants hosts holiday magic.
Las Noches de las Luminarias: 8,000+ luminarias, twinkle lights, new displays, and cocktail bars. Evenings, advance tickets needed.
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ 85008 | (602) 286-3800
Home to 1,000+ animals, this nonprofit zoo shines during holidays.
ZooLights: Millions of lights, animal lantern safari (polar bears, mammoths, etc.), drive-thru option. Expanded trails nightly.
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85258 | (480) 656-9940
1.2-mile drive-thru with 5M+ lights dancing to music. Enjoy from car or electric carriage; advance tickets.
Christmas Sweater 5K Run by Four Peaks Racing
Kiwanis Park North Soccer Field, 95 W. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283
Annual festive 5K; wear ugly sweaters (event shirts provided). Self-supported; check site for fees, protocols.
Run from 2020 5K by Four Peaks Racing
Kiwanis Park North Soccer Field, 95 W. Baseline Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283
New Year's-themed run celebrating fresh starts. Self-supported; visit site for details.
Pedal Haus Brewery’s Ugly Sweater Party
730 S. Mill Ave. #102, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 314-2337
Annual bash with live music, contests, happy hour. Spacious patio for distancing. VIP perks support cycling safety.
