The Tempe skyline. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Siphonophora · CC BY-SA 4.0
Downtown Tempe lists the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Beach Park on December 12, 2026, with festivities from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is free. The event includes decorated boats on Tempe Town Lake, a holiday market, live entertainment, Santa photos and fireworks after the parade. Guests must follow the organizer’s clear bag policy. The listed hours cover the full event; a separate boat-parade start time has not been announced on the event page.
This brief records the information reported on Nov 6, 2026. Opening dates and operating details may have changed.
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This sourced brief summarizes information from Downtown Tempe Authority ↗. Follow the original coverage for additional reporting and context.
Downtown Tempe schedules its Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting for November 28, 2026, with festivities from 4 to 8 p.m. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at Mill Avenue and Third Street, travels south on Mill, turns west onto Seventh Street and heads north on Maple Avenue. The tree lighting follows at Centerpoint Plaza. Live music, snack and drink vendors, Santa photos and a letter-writing station are planned. Parade viewing is first come, first served.
Source: Downtown Tempe AuthorityThe Tempe skyline. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Siphonophora · CC BY-SA 4.0
The ticketed Water Lantern Festival runs November 6, 7 and 8, 2026, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. The organizer lists gates opening at 3 p.m., lantern decorating at 5:30 p.m. and the floating-lantern launch from 6 to 7 p.m., when the event ends. Tickets include a lantern kit, LED candle and markers; food trucks and music are also listed. Check the organizer’s ticket page for the selected date, current prices and arrival directions. The organizer says tickets are nonrefundable but transferable.
Source: Water Lantern FestivalThe Tempe skyline. Area context photograph; the business or event in this story is not pictured. Photo: Siphonophora · CC BY-SA 4.0
World of Illumination’s Reindeer Road drive-through light show runs November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027, at Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive. The regular schedule is Tuesday through Sunday, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and last entry at 10 p.m.; the organizer also lists December 7, 14, 21 and 28 as Monday openings. Tickets start at $39.99 per vehicle, vary by date and must be purchased online in advance for the selected date and location.
