MEDIA ALERT

OH, WHAT FUN! DOWNTOWN TEMPE CELEBRATES THE SEASON AND SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER WITH EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES THAT ARE FUN FOR ALL AGES

This year’s ‘Oh What Fun’ holiday lineup promises everything from parades and lights to unique shopping and community celebrations, inviting everyone to share in the seasonal magic.

Tempe, AZ – November 15, 2024 – This holiday season, Downtown Tempe Authority invites the community to experience the magic of ‘Oh What Fun,’ a lineup of festive events that transform Downtown Tempe into a winter wonderland. With twinkling lights, vibrant parades, local shopping, and holiday traditions, Downtown Tempe offers something for everyone to enjoy this time of year.

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting: Kicking off the season on Friday, November 29 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., is the cherished Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting. Families and friends are invited to gather on Mill Avenue to enjoy holiday floats that bring color and cheer to the streets, while festive entertainment—including a DJ, carolers, and a roaming lighted juggler—adds to the lively holiday atmosphere. The evening culminates with the lighting of the 40-foot holiday tree in Centerpoint Plaza, marking the start of the season’s celebrations, with Santa Claus on hand for photos and smiles all around.

Shop Small Saturday: The community is invited to discover unique gifts and handcrafted items while supporting Downtown Tempe’s local businesses on Saturday, November 30, for Shop Small Saturday.  Shoppers can explore cozy boutiques, savor seasonal bites, and enjoy the intimate charm that makes Downtown Tempe the perfect spot to Eat, Drink and Shop Local. While Saturday is the official day to celebrate and support small businesses,you can enjoy the best of Downtown Tempe’s shopping, dining, and festivities all season long.

Tempe Festival of the Arts: An art lover’s paradise, Tempe Festival of the Arts, taking place December 6-8 along Mill Avenue and surrounding streets. This beloved event will feature more than 300 juried artists from around the country, showcasing handcrafted art, jewelry, ceramics, and more, making it an ideal opportunity to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts for the holidays. With live entertainment and a variety of food vendors, this festival is a seasonal favorite you don’t want to miss.

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and Fireworks Show - One of the Valleys’ most unique holiday events and celebrated traditions is the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. On Saturday, December 14 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the lake will come alive with boats adorned in festive lights, creating a stunning display on the water. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, a holiday market, festive eats and drinks, and free photos with Santa throughout the evening. The night wraps up with a dazzling fireworks show over the Mill Avenue bridge at 8:15 p.m., offering a breathtaking finale for all to enjoy. A new clear bag policy will be in place for this year's boat parade. Approved bags include clear bags (no larger than 12" x 6" x 12"), small clutches, fanny packs, and 1-gallon clear storage bags. 

Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Downtown Tempe welcomes the community to celebrate Chanukah with its Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 30 at Ragsdale-MLK Park, hosted in partnership with ASU Chabad. This special evening begins at 5:30 p.m., with programming starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by a mix-and-mingle at 6:30 p.m. The event will feature traditional blessings, festive kosher treats, and kid-friendly games and crafts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. Join friends, neighbors, and family to honor the Festival of Lights and share in the joy of Chanukah until the event concludes at 7:00 p.m.

The Full Holiday Event Lineup:

Fantasy of Lights Street Parade and Tree Lighting: Friday, November 29, 4-8 p.m.
Shop Small Saturday:  Saturday, November 30
Tempe Festival of the Arts: Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8
Friday, December 6, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and Fireworks Show: Saturday, December 14, 4-9 p.m.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony: Monday, December 30, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

In addition to these signature events, Downtown Tempe will host a variety of other holiday happenings throughout the season. From holiday rooftop parties to seasonal chef dinners, the local Downtown Tempe businesses are bringing extra cheer to create memorable experiences. Visitors can check the Downtown Tempe Event Calendar to discover all the ways to make new holiday traditions in the heart of Tempe. And to make holiday visits convenient, Downtown Tempe offers a range of parking options, including garages, lots, and street parking, along with easy access via light rail and streetcar.

For more information about all holiday events, please visit: https://www.downtowntempe.com/events/holidayfun24

For more information about transportation options and parking, please visit: https://www.downtowntempe.com/get‐around

To access and download visuals for these events, click here: https://tr.ee/SPcPOex-NX

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About Downtown Tempe Authority: Since 1993, the award‐winning Downtown Tempe Authority  has been the private, non‐profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of Downtown Tempe through enhanced management, safety, marketing and promotional services on behalf of DTA members and other downtown stakeholders.