Fantasy of Lights 2023 in Arizona

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

Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade

Held at Tempe Town Lake, 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.

Tempe Boat Parade

The Annual Tempe Boat Parade that takes place in December also gathers large crowds. The boats enter Tempe Town Lake at the Tempe Town Lake Marina—that's where 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.

The Fantasy of Lights Parade has become one of the favourite family traditions in Downtown Tempe. The highlight of the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is when Santa Claus arrives at the Tempe Beach Park by boat along with illuminated floats.