Holiday Happenings in Tempe

Enjoy falling snow, state’s largest tree, a boat parade and fireworks in Tempe

Tempe is a great place for holiday fun while shopping. Visit any of these places to get into the spirit of the season with special holiday events and both free and paid activities for all ages.

Mill Avenue District
Each night, enjoy 800,000 twinkling lights, a grove of holiday trees and more than 100 shops, restaurants and nightclubs along Arizona’s historic, urban downtown. Located on Mill Avenue between University Drive and Rio Salado Parkway.   www.millavenue.com

Yesteryear Carriage Rides
Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 31, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cozy and fun horse carriage rides along Mill Avenue
$20 to $60 dollars.
Sixth Street & Mill Avenue
602 361-5355

Mill Avenue Festival of the Arts
Dec. 5-7 — 10 a.m. to dusk
Find fun and finely crafted holiday gifts at this free event produced by the Mill Avenue District featuring entertainment, art and food
Mill Avenue between University and Third Street

Tempe 11 Santa Show
Dec. 8 — 6:30 p.m.
For the eighth year, children can call 480-350-8900 to talk to Santa at no cost. Cox cable channel Tempe 11 will air the live call-in show hosted by Dick Steely and starring the man of the month, Santa Claus. Those living outside Tempe may watch the live streaming video at www.tempe.gov/tempe11

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Dec 13, 4- 9 p.m.
4 – 9:00 p.m. — Caroling, bands and entertainment
7:00 p.m. — Parade of about 50 boats covered in glistening lights and ornaments
Tempe Beach Park, Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue
Free Admission www.millavenue.com

Fantasy of Lights Street Entertainment
Dec. 12-13 & 19-20 – 7-9 p.m.
Carolers, 800,000 lights, and all the joys of the holidays will abound on the streets surrounding Mill Avenue. www.millavenue.com

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant
Performances from Dec. 5-20
Not your traditional yuletide fun. A seasonal play by Stray Cat Theatre.
Ticketed event: www.straycattheatre.org

Tempe Marketplace
Located at Rio Salado Parkway and McClintock Drive, Tempe Marketplace offers more than 175 restaurants, entertainment venues and stores. www.tempemarketplace.com

SNOW!
Snow falls at Tempe Marketplace every night for 10 minutes at 7 p.m.  The artificial snow, made up of 90 percent water, is non-toxic, non-staining and eco-friendly. It’s non-allergenic and dissolves upon contact. The outdoor mall is decorated for the season. Enjoy the tree, lights and live music throughout the mall for free. http://www.tempemarketplace.com/

KISS FM Christmas Wish-a-Thon
Thursday, December 11th – 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Johnjay and Rich grant Christmas Wishes of deserving children and their families all day live from the District Stage. Donate a gift, if you like.
http://johnjayandrich.1047kissfm.com/pages/christmas-wish/foundation.html

Charlie Brown and Friends
Dec. 21 — 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Charlie Brown and friends perform on the District Stage
Free for all to enjoy
www.tempemarketplace.com

Arizona Mills Mall
Located near Priest Road and US60, Arizona Mills Mall features the best names in manufacturers’ and retail outlets as well as entertainment venues like IMAX and Gameworks and unique theme restaurants like Rainforest Café. Details on all events at www.arizonamills.com, click on @ your mall now. 

Light Up With Joy
Dec. 6, 5:45 – 6:35 p.m.
See the state’s tallest Christmas tree at Arizona Mills Mall. It’s 90 feet tall! Dave Pratt of KMLE Country 108, the Phoenix Boys Choir and City of Tempe officials will be on hand for the countdown.

Ho! Ho! Bark!
Dec. 14 — 5-7 p.m.  Santa Pet Photos at Santa’s Winter Wonderland in the food court at Arizona Mills Mall.

Festival of Lights
Dec. 21-29
Dec. 21, 3 p.m. opening ceremony. Revel in the Festival of Lights as we celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah in the food court at Arizona Mills Mall.

Win $1,000
Daily through December 24
Radio stations from around Arizona will give away chances for $1,000 gift cards from the food court at Arizona Mills Mall.

Say Snow!
Daily through December 24
Photos with Santa and the kids at Santa’s Winter Wonderland in the food court at Arizona Mills Mall.

IKEA
Several opportunities to give to those in need while shopping for those you love abound at IKEA. Located at Priest Drive south of Elliott Road. www.ikea.com/us/en/store/tempe

Sending Generosity
The purchase holiday cards at IKEA and 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale will go directly to the US Fund for UNICEF. IKEA will also give an extra $1 for each pack of cards purchased until Dec. 24.

Toy Drive
Until Dec, 15th, purchase or bring new, unwrapped toys for the Tempe Community Action Agency’s “Holiday Toy Shoppe” program to the IKEA donation bin provided at exit doors. Also, for every soft toy purchased from now to December 24th, IKEA will donate $1.30 to support needy children around the world in cooperation with UNICEF and Save the Children.

Crafts for Kids
Dec. 6 & 21 – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Let the kids make free memorable St. Lucia crowns and holiday decorations to make the house warm with homemade love.

Swedish School of Phoenix
Dec. 13th  — noon
It’s a Swedish holiday. See the St. Lucia procession through the cash lanes and the IKEA Restaurant.

Sing and Stomp Crew
Dec. 13 – 2:30 p.m. 
Watch the show-choir-style team from the Learning Foundation and Performing Arts School at 2:30 p.m. in the Warehouse Area.

Santa Visit
Dec. 14 – 9-11 a.m.
Purchase any breakfast plate to receive a photo with Santa. Photo will be e-mailed. 

Enjoy the fun throughout Tempe all season long.

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