We track 3 displays in Tempe. 2 of them are free to visit.
Displays here switch on around sunset. In Tempe that means about 5:20 PM in early December and 5:22 PM by mid-month — the earliest sunsets of the year fall right in the middle of lights season. It is properly dark by about 5:49 PM, which is when the displays look their best. December nights in Tempe typically drop to around 35°F.
| Date | Sunset | Fully dark |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 1 | 5:20 PM | 5:47 PM |
| Dec 15 | 5:22 PM | 5:49 PM |
| Dec 25 | 5:26 PM | 5:54 PM |
We ordered every display in Tempe into the shortest sensible driving loop: roughly 2.7 miles and 19 minutes of driving, before you count time spent parked and looking. Start wherever is closest to you and follow it round.
Freeattractionilluminated street paradetree lighting
Downtown Tempe's Fantasy of Lights pairs an illuminated street parade down Mill Avenue with the city's tree lighting. A one-night kickoff to the Tempe holiday season.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2024 season
Freeattractiondecorations and lightsartificial snowfall
Tempe Marketplace decks out its open-air district with lights, decorations and scheduled artificial snowfall. Free to wander while shopping or dining.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2025 season
ticketeddrive-thruthemed drive-through light parks
World of Illumination runs two additional drive-through light parks — Rockin' Christmas and Enchanted Safari — at Desert Diamond Casino and Tempe Diablo Stadium. Each is a themed, animated show viewed from the car.
✓ Last confirmed for the 2024 season
Know a display we're missing in Tempe?Add it to the guide.