EntertainmentThings To Do

Actions

3 holiday light parades to see in the Valley

Posted at 10:47 AM, Nov 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-09 11:28:02-05

It may not always feel like "winter" in Arizona when the sun shines and temperatures are well above freezing, but it's hard to complain in shorts and flip-flops.

One of the desert's long-running traditions is light parades. Fire trucks, marching bands and floats decorated in Christmas lights casually stroll down the street.

RELATED: 30 winter events you have to go to around the Valley
RELATED: 13 must-see light displays around the Valley

Here are three light parades happening this year around the Valley:

Fantasy of Lights Parade

TEMPE'S FANTASY OF LIGHTS PARADE
Nov. 24, 2017 at 4 p.m.

Head to downtown Tempe's Mill Avenue to watch dozens of trucks, vehicles, and floats outfitted with hundreds of lights make their way down the street. The city's official holiday tree at Centerpoint Plaza (near Pedal Haus Brewery) will be turned on for the season. Santa will also make a visit.

The parade starts at 6 p.m. There are metered parking spots and parking structures nearby. It is recommended to get there early to park and find a spot along the street. Event details.

APS Electric Light Parade

APS ELECTRIC LIGHT PARADE
Dec. 2, 
2017
7 p.m.

Get into the holiday spirit with the 31st annual APS Electric Light Parade. More than 100,000 people are expected to line the streets of central Phoenix on Dec. 2 to watch dozens of marching bands, trucks and floats glowing with lights make their way down the street.

The parade starts at 7 p.m. near 7th Street and Indian School Road. ABC15's Danielle Lerner and Nick Ciletti will be down there to host the parade. Be sure to get there early enough to park and find a good spot along the parade route. Event details

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

FANTASY OF LIGHTS BOAT PARADE AND FIREWORKS
Dec. 9, 2017
4
 p.m.

Fifty boats illuminated in lights will float around Tempe Town Lake for the annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. It's a Tempe tradition that started in 1999. It's also the only time that motorized boats are allowed on the lake. The event starts at 4 p.m. and the parade will start once it gets dark.

Local bands will provide festive music and concessions will be sold near the waterfront. The event will end with a fireworks show over the lake. Event details