The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade is this Saturday beginning at 6pm. In addition to floats, fire engines, and costumed characters participating in the parade, there will be a “Winter Wonderland” contest where some lucky person will win a $250.00 Mill Avenue shopping spree. Approximately 20 businesses along Mill Avenue will participate in the Winter Wonderland storefront decorating contest where the public will vote on the best decorated business along Mill. Each person that votes will be entered into a drawing for the $250.00 Mill Avenue shopping spree!
Each year the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade draws approximately 45,000 people looking to get into the holiday spirit. Immediately following the parade people are invited to watch the lighting of the holiday tree located in front of MADCAP Theater on Sixth Street and Mill. Santa Claus will be riding in the parade and then will be hanging out in the MADCAP theater lobby where people can take photos ( at no charge ) with the Jolly ol’ guy.
The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade begins at Third Street and Mill Avenue and ends at Fifth Street and Maple. Directly across from the starting point of the parade is the METRO light rail station for Mill Avenue. Thousands of attendees are expected to take the light rail to the parade to avoid any downtown parking hassles. Remember, a round trip light rail pass ( all day pass ) is just $3.50 and the METRO park and ride lots are FREE.
The map below shows the parade route, the starting and stopping point, the location of the holiday tree, and the MADCAP Theater where Santa will be providing some great photo ops. The portion of the route outlined in red shows the “pedestrian viewing areas.” More information is available on our Fantasy of Lights page.
View Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade in a larger map
* Parking note * If you are not riding the light rail, the city of Tempe says that you can bring a can of food for the less fortunate and park for free at the lot on Fifth Street and Farmer and at the Tempe City Hall garage on Fifth Street and Forest. The Tempe Kiwanis will deliver the goods to Tempe charities in need. Other area parking info is located at:
http://www.millavenue.com/transportation
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