Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Tempe welcomes the holiday season with a flurry of events starting with the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade along Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe Saturday, November 29 at 6 p.m. The streets will glitter with twinkling lights that decorate the trees and you can feel the excitement when Santa Claus arrives at the parade's finale.

The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade will light up Tempe Town Lake on December 13. The parade will feature festively lighted boats and a fireworks show fit for the holiday season. The event opens at 5 p.m. followed by the arrival of Santa Claus at 6 p.m. The Fantasy Lights Boat Parade will begin at 7 p.m.

Explore the Phoenix Zoo this holiday season at ZooLights. You'll be surrounded by festive holiday music and 700 lighted animated animals as you roam around a one-mile walking trail illuminated by more holiday lights. New features this year include Tortuga the Talking Galapagos Tortoise, two new Music in Motion shows and a 4-D theater where you'll experience the Polar Express with amazing multi-sensory effects including snow, fog and gusts of wind. ZooLights will be open November 24-January 11 from 5:30 - 10:30 p.m. nightly. To purchase tickets, visit http://phoenixzoo.org/event-items/zoolights/ or call 602-273-1341. 

Las Noches de Las Luminarias

As many as 400 artisans exhibit and sell hand-made works of art ranging from photography to sculpture to jewelry and everything in between at the fall  Tempe Festival of the Arts, December 5-7. You're bound to find a few of your favorite things or that perfect holiday gift for others on your shopping list. This popular outdoor festival takes place in Downtown Tempe along Mill Avenue and the adjacent streets.

In addition to the artists' booths, the festival features live music, street performers, food and beverage vendors, sponsor exhibits, entertainment booths, the Arizona Wine Festival and the Art of Beer. At the Kids Innovation Station, the kiddos can create their own masterpieces.