Fantasy of Lights Opening Parade & Street Market (Downtown Tempe)

About this adventure

On Black Friday evening, the Downtown Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting transforms historic Mill Avenue into a sparkling holiday festival. Families gather along Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Drive to experience an illuminated twilight procession featuring lighted community floats, marching bands, costumed holiday characters, and motorized units. CenterPoint Plaza hosts the festive street market filled with local artisans, seasonal treats, and hot cocoa stations. Kids can visit Santa's workshop for free photos and drop handwritten wish lists into the holiday mailbox. Following the parade, the crowd counts down together as Tempe's towering holiday tree is illuminated in thousands of colorful LED lights.