Fantasy of Lights 2024 in Arizona

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade in Tempe are among the most popular holiday events of the East Valley.

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting (November 29, 2024)

Held at Tempe Town Lake, the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade kicks off the holiday season in Tempe. The event has been held since the 1990s, gathering over 35,000 people who come downtown to see the parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony, do some holiday shopping, and take pictures with Santa.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (December 14, 2024)

The Annual Tempe Boat Parade, held in December, attracts large crowds. This year's Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is scheduled for December 14 from 4 pm to 8 pm, with the parade beginning at 7 pm and fireworks starting around 8:15 pm. Recognized as the Valley's most distinctive holiday tradition, the event features festive shopping, delicious treats, and a vibrant boat parade with illuminated vessels. A highlight is Santa's arrival at Tempe Beach Park by boat.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Route

The boats enter Tempe Town Lake at the Tempe Town Lake Marina—that's where the parade usually starts. Then, they make their way to the north shore and west to the buoys east of Tempe Center for the Arts. Then, the procession turns around back to Tempe Town Lake Marine along the north shore. This is the only time of the year when motorized boats are permitted on Tempe Town Lake, so you don't miss the occasion.

Participation in the Boat Parade

For individual or community boat units, the early bird pricing is $50 until October 31 and $70 from November 1 to December 1. For commercial boat units, early bird pricing is $200 until October 31, rising to $225 from November 1 to December 2. The parade begins at 7 pm, with motorized boats remaining on the lake until the fireworks end at 8:45 pm, while human-powered boats must leave after the parade.