Best Christmas Light Displays in Phoenix East Valley
There is something about the brilliance and excitement of modern light displays that hypnotizes delighted eyes and satisfies our desire to return to familiar holiday traditions. Who doesn't remember seeing the first lighting of the holiday lights every year. Both young and old are ready to begin the fun and excitement of the holiday season. Each year there are displays that are simply "must see" attractions and we have compiled a list of the most glorious holiday light displays in Phoenix East Valley area.
Community Displays
The holidays bring people together, donating their time and resources to help everyone enjoy the season. Whether it's dropping a few dollars in the red kettle next to a bell ringer, donating food to local pantries, taking an Angel from a Christmas tree at the mall or your place of work, or donating time to volunteer at one of the areas many events, people all over the Phoenix East Valley area come together to make the holidays fun for everyone.
Ahwatukee Foothills Festival of Lights
The Ahwatukee Foothills Festival of Lights draws big hearts and smiles from everyone in the community, who come out to volunteer. This year is the 20th anniversary of one of the Valley's best Christmas light displays which will again boast a Million White Lights that line the median from 24th St & Chandler Blvd all the way to Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd. The cactus and trees are lit with white twinkling lights and invoke that magical winter wonderland in the desert!The festival will have a Kick off celebration party on Saturday, November 28 in Desert Foothills Park at 1010 E. Marketplace SW which is at the intersection of the Desert Foothills Parkway and Chandler Blvd. in Phoenix, Arizona. The event is scheduled from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. You will find so many things to see and do you will want to spend the day strolling from one end of the event to the other as you find something for everyone to enjoy. Chandler Blvd. will be lit from 24th Street to Foothills Blvd. with the traditional million white lights in the trees and cactus.
You will see a Harley Davidson motor cycle parade, a sand volleyball tournament, over carnival 30 rides and inflatables, children's craft areas, wine and beer gardens, food vendors and pictures with Santa. Don't miss the nearly 100 Vendors in the Marketplace Street fair and do some early Christmas shopping! You will also be entertained by several Kyrene Schools with musical performances.
NEW THIS YEAR!!!! For the first time year you will enjoy a Pet parade costume contest! Enter your pet in the parade and help them win the best costume contest! Calling all fur parents! Sign up for the pet parade today! Something for kids and the adults alike!
Give back to our community! DONATE A NEW UNWRAPPED TOY to The Kyrene Foundation’s Winter Wonderland* Holiday Charity Drive to benefit Kyrene families in need. Look for the Kyrene Foundation Tent!
Be sure to put this event on your annual Thanksgiving family tradition. The cactus and trees are lit with white lights and invoke that magic winter wonderland in the desert! This is one not to miss!
Fantasy of Lights and Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
The Tempe, Arizona Fantasy of Lights will begin with the annual parade on November 28th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Centerpoint Plaza on Mill at 660 South Mill Ave.
The event will conclude with the lighting of a large brightly lit Christmas tree, which will stay on throughout the season. Return to Tempe Town Lake December 12th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for the annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade will take place, delighting onlookers with colorful displays reflecting off the water at Tempe Town Lake. Public viewing will be available at Tempe Beach Park at 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy.
Phoenix Zoo Lights
Every year the Phoenx Zoo puts on a spectacular light display throughout the zoo, and this year is no exception. One of the largest displays in the area, ZooLights boasts a jaw dropping 3.8 million lights and has over 700 displays. The display opens on November 23rd and runs through January 10th. The lights come on at 5:30 pm and stay on until 10:30 pm. ZooLights creative displays include butterflies, lion cubs, hummingbirds and flowers, stingrays and a tiger. Viewers of all ages will find the vast array of breathtaking displays completely engaging. Stroll grounds and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider. Listen to the squeals of excitement as children see the lights changing colors and light shaped like animals come to life. Check out the Zoo website for ticket prices which vary based on anticipated peak attendance nights. Grab your hats and gloves and stroll through the Phoenix Zoo lights. Make this a family holiday tradition. (Purchase tickets online and save money!)
Las Noches De Las Luminaries at the Phoenix Botanical Gardens
In one of the most reverent displays, each one of the 8,000 traditional paper bag luminaries is lit by hand each evening. They adorn rooftops and line pathways and sidewalks throughout the Botanical Garden. Pine trees are filled with lights and so are many of the gorgeous succulents of the garden. This display begins November 27, 2015 and is presented through December 31, 2015, opening at 5:30 pm and closing at 9:30 pm with a special member only presentation December 3-6. Las noches de las Luminaries lights up the Desert Botanical Garden located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. You will enjoy the unique environment and experience the desert in a new way at the the Desert Botanical Garden. Your evening will be enhanced by entertainment, food, wine, and snacks, and Las Noches de las Luminarias is an event that you won't want to miss.
Also, do not miss Bruce Munro: "Sonoran Light" at Desert Botanical Garden
British artist Bruce Munro is bringing his light exhibits to the Botanical Garden in his latest project. Eight large-scale light installations will be placed throughout the gardens that each evoke a different aspect of the desert. Some represent the iconic Saguaro cacti, others represent the variance in climates, but all are sure to impress. The exhibit is open until November 25, and then reopens in December. Tickets cost $30 for day and night access, or $25 for just a night pass. Visit the Desert Botanical Garden's website for more information.
Are you new to the Southwest? Have you ever seen a Christmas tree built from Tumbleweeds? Come join everyone for this unique southwestern tradition that draws visitors from all over area. The annual tradition of lighting the Tumbleweed Tree in downtown Chandler at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ will follow a Parade of Lights on Saturday December 5, at 7:00 pm. The event kicks off at 4:30 pm with many family friendly free activities and will continue until 9:00 pm. The tree is a must see on any holiday light tour. This year marks the 59th Tumbleweed tree that has been built in downtown Chandler. Events also include:
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
West Side of Arizona Avenue
Santa's Letters - FREE
- Make a letter for Santa and drop it in his mailbox.
- Provided by the City of Chandler.
Santa's House - FREE
- Take a picture with Santa!
- Provided by the Chandler Lion's Club
- Santa's House will CLOSE from 6:30 pm to 8 pm (Santa is in the Parade of Lights)
Extreme Events Inflatables
- Wristband is $10 for all rides
East Side of Arizona Avenue
Santa's Workshop FREE
- Make a holiday ornament to take home!
- One free ornament per child. Available while supplies last.
- Provided by the City of Chandler
Combat Zero - FREE
- Laser Tag
Pony Rides - FREE
Pollack Tempe Cinema Shopping Center
Also in Tempe is the Pollack Tempe Cinema Shopping Center display located at 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe. This display contains thousands of lights that are animated and is so elaborate it lights up the entire corner. This dazzling display deserves a spot on every holiday light tour.At 6 p.m. On Thursday, November 19, Michael Pollack flipped the switch for more than 500,000 twinkling lights at the Pollack Tempe Cinemas, located at the intersection of McClintock and Elliott Roads in Tempe. Pollack's over-the-top light display will be available all throughout the holiday season, from opening night on November 19, until January 2!
Mesa Temple Grounds Christmas Lights
The Mesa Temple Grounds Christmas Lights are sure to please. The lights create a serene glow that encompasses the grounds and creates a calm anticipation of the magical day. The Temple provides recorded stories of the birth in both English and Spanish. This display is another spectacular example of the volunteer spirit that permeates through the Phoenix communities and is set up entirely by volunteers. This display opens November 27th and is open nightly from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm through December 31st.
Experience snow in Phoenix this Thanksgiving at Rawhide's annual Snowy Christmas celebration. From November 26 to January 3, Rawhide will transform into a winter wonderland, complete with snow, lights, and Santa sightings. Rawhide opens at 11 a.m., and admission is free. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the Snowy Christmas celebration. See Rawhide's website for more information and hours throughout the season.
Golfland Mesa Winter Wonderland
Golfland’s King Arthur’s Quest miniature golf course is decorated with thousands of holiday lights for the season. Open daily at sundown. Photos with Santa on select Saturdays. November 26, 2015 through January 3, 2016, every day. Hours on Christmas eve are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours on Christmas day are from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (golf and arcade only).
Residential Light Displays in Chandler
We begin with one of the most elaborate displays in the area, 632 W. Aster Ct., Chandler, AZ., boasting over 100,000 lights, Inflatable Disney Characters, lighted figures, arches, candy canes, trees, snowflakes and other wonders set to a musical display. This grand display is behind gates that open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 6-10 pm beginning December 1.
This display at 1075 W. Mulberry Dr., Chandler, AZ., is also a food drive for the Chandler Christian Community Center and has 25,000 lights and over 50 figurines. The display opens on Thanksgiving and is open nightly beginning at dusk until 9:30 pm. Food donations are accepted until December 23rd.
This next display has ten thousand lights and inflatables and is is located at 1150 S. Sean Dr., Chandler, AZ. The display is synchronized to music that can be accessed via car radios.There are also a couple of 1,000 light displays nearby.
Next is 6971 S. Crystal Way, Chandler, AZ., which has a 25,000 light display that adorns Santa's Workshop and boasts a sixteen foot tree. Visitors will be delighted with the flow and coherence of this holiday display that delights children of all ages.
There are 14 homes beginning at 6480 W. Orchid Lane, Chandler, AZ. that has 30,000 lights. There is a sleigh with Santa for pictures too!
Residential Displays in Tempe
The Hochhalter home at 1316 E Dunbar, Tempe, AZ., offers a 3,000 plus light display and has been a neighborhood favorite for years. Melvin Hochhalter works hard to ensure that every bulb lights and the display looks it's best.
Residential Displays in Ahwatukee (Phoenix East Valley)
At 3611 E. Kachina Dr., Phoenix, two snow machines create a winter wonderland for young and old alike. Kids can mail their letters to Santa here and dancing lights move to music among Snoopy, Winnie the Pooh and of course, Rudolph.
Enjoy the synchronized 25,000 light show through the car radio when you visit 15244 S 36th Place, Phoenix. Tune to 104.7 FM and watch 25,000 lights synchronized to Christmas music. Frosty blows "snow" between displays. Show is continuous from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 1 thru Jan. 1.
All aboard for this interactive train display with over 22,000 lights at 541 E Mountain Sky Ave, Phoenix. The Polimene's display has been a neighborhood favorite for 25 years. Tune car radios to 97.9 for music and visit their website to learn more about the display at Santa Train.com. Donations will again be accepted for Phoenix Children's Hospital. Last year the Polimenes sent over $2100 to Phoenix Children's Hospital and gave away over 15,000 candy canes.
At 2313 E. Taxidea Way, Phoenix, 25,000 lights and animated window displays greet delighted onlookers along with animated figures, a merry-go-round and a ferris wheel for a festive experience. Your small children will delight in the Disney characters and holiday music.
Get a peek at Santa's Workshop at 11440 S. Maze Ct., Phoenix at this North Pole display complete with busy little elves working hard.
If I can be of assistance with your Real Estate needs anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area, including Ahwatukee and the Mountain Park Ranch areas, please call me at 602.770.0643. I have attached two links below. The first one will let you email me with any questions or comments. The second, will send you to the custom search area of my website to look at homes for sale in Ahwatukee / Mountain Park Ranch areas by zip codes and by Kyrene schools.
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