Mill Avenue District in downtown Tempe, Arizona will host more than 300,000 visitors for its annual winter holiday events.
Enjoy these photos of the Tempe Festival of Lights and Tempe Festival of Lights Boat Parade.
Where is Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade and Tree Lighting? The Fantasy of Lights takes place in downtown Tempe. The parade will travel on Mill Avenue from Rio Salado to 7th Street.
The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade takes place on Tempe Town Lake in Downtown Tempe.
When is the Fantasy of Lights Parade and the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade?
The Fantasy of Lights Parade on the streets of Downtown Tempe takes place on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 6 p.m. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and associated activities take place on Saturday, December 12 starting at 7 p.m. The Boat Parade is a rain or shine event.
What kind of festivities will there be at the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade?
The event opens with the lighting of hundreds of thousands of festive holiday lights along Mill Avenue. Opening Night proceeds with the APS Fantasy of Lights Parade (produced by the Downtown Tempe Community, Inc.), the official community tree lighting ceremony, street entertainers and the arrival of Santa Claus.
What kind of festivities will there be at the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade?
About 50 lighted and decorated watercraft will parade in front of the shores of Tempe Town Lake for the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. The METRO Light Rail LED installation on the Tempe Town Lake Bridge will provide a special display. The event concludes with a fireworks grand finale.
This year, Tempe Town Lake is having a birthday, and the celebration will take place on Saturday, december 12, 2009 in conjunction with the annual Boat Parade. Here is what will happen at the birthday party!
How much will it cost to get in?
Nothing! Admission to the Tempe Festival of Lights festivities are all free. For the Fantasy of Lights Parade you can access free parking if you bring at least one item of prepackaged food to contribute at the entrance of participating garages and lots. Prepackaging includes anything that is canned or wrapped for non-refrigerated storage. The food will be given to local charities to help needy families and individuals. Four parking lots and garages will participate in this Kiwanis Club of Tempe free parking for food program. The four parking lots are:
- Hayden Square Garage - 3rd Street between Ash Street & Mill Avenue; located under Hayden Square Condominiums
- City Hall Garage - 5th Street between Mill Avenue and Myrtle
- Centerpoint Surface Lot -5th Street between Ash and Maple
- 5th & Farmer Surface Lot - Farmer at 5th Street
What else should I know?
Don't forget that the Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts will take over the streets of downtown Tempe on December 4-6, 2009. What a great place to do your holiday shopping!
The holiday lights along Mill Avenue decorate the streets of downtown Tempe through January 1, 2010.
What if I have more questions?
Visit Downtown Tempe online, or for event information call 480-355-6063.
Do you have any pictures?
Picture Gallery: Tempe Festival of Lights and Tempe Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Enjoy the holidays in Tempe, Arizona!
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Tree lightings, holiday lights, festivals, holiday music and entertainment, gift guides and holiday travel tips -- find them all in the Christmas Holidays Guide for Greater Phoenix.
All dates, times, prices, and offerings are subject to change without notice.
