The 2017 Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade is coming to the Mill Avenue District on Friday, November 24th from 5-9 p.m. This family friendly event features dozens of floats, fire engines, and costumed characters through downtown Tempe for an evening of holiday cheer. Each year the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade draws approximately 30,000 people looking to get into the holiday spirit.
The Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade begins at Third Street and Mill Avenue and ends in Centerpoint Plaza. Enjoy floats, balloons, novelty units and crazy decorated vehicles parading down Mill Avenue for all to see.
Directly across from the starting point of the parade is the METRO light rail station at 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 $4.00 and the METRO park and ride lots are FREE.
The Fantasy of Lights Parade on Mill is just the beginning of the evening’s fun! Immediately following the parade, people are invited to the holiday tree lighting ceremony in the Centerpoint Plaza just west of Mill Avenue.
Opening Night Parade kicks off the season of holiday events in downtown Tempe. This event typically hosts around 85 parade units, attracts 30,000 people. At the close of the parade, Santa is on hand for photos and the giant tree is also a great backdrop for holiday pictures.
The map below shows the parade route, the starting and stopping point, the location of the holiday tree, and the area where Santa will be providing some great photo ops. The portion of the route outlined in red shows the “pedestrian viewing areas.”
View Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade in a larger map
*Hint* There is a light rail station just east of Mill Avenue at Veterans Way and College Ave. ( Sun Devil Station ) If the crowds get too crazy from the parade, you might want to give it a try as it’s just a short walk from Mill.
Looking for some holiday cheer while visiting the Mill Avenue District? Try out one of these places…
View Light Rail Drinks in a larger map
Don’t miss the 2017 Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade, it’s a lot of fun for all!
