Christmas Lights and More in Chandler
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Chandler Tumbleweed Tree Lighting - December 5, 2026
Holiday traditions abound, but make plans to visit the most iconic tree in all of the Southwest - the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree. It is proudly displayed in the park square in Downtown Chandler and is hard to miss at more than 30 feet tall.
It's about as Arizona as it gets, and this uniquely Chandler tradition makes the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. The official tree lighting takes place on the first Saturday in December and has been a tradition since 1956. The tree is officially lit immediately following Chandler's Parade of Lights, at approximately 8 p.m. The Tumbleweed Tree will be on display through early January 2027.
Chandler Chanukah Menorah Lighting
In partnership with the City of Chandler and The Chabad of the East Valley, a community Menorah is lit each year in Downtown Chandler and will be lit every night in Hanukkah. Enjoy live entertainment and activities for the whole family at this welcoming community event.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
Each year, the Phoenix Zoo celebrates the holidays with ZooLights, a bright Arizona holiday tradition perfect for a family outing or a romantic stroll. Fun for all ages, ZooLights is a dazzling display featuring millions of lights and more than 700 dazzling light displays, 50 animal lanterns, a 200-foot-long immersive light tunnel, as well as several music and light shows synchronized to 15,000 lights.
The Phoenix Zoo also offers an exceptional Sensory Friendly ZooLights experience on select dates, which will feature quieter music, reduced flashing lights, smaller crowds, and more. General admission tickets for individuals aged 3+ can be purchased online or at the door.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden
While visiting Chandler, be sure to plan to attend this amazing Arizona holiday celebration at the Desert Botanical Garden. This Arizona attraction features the popular southwestern holiday tradition, Las Noches de las Luminarias, where visitors make their way through the 140-acre garden, guided by 8,000 hand-lit luminarias, while enjoying live entertainment. The garden comes alive with art and live music played by local musicians staged throughout the garden trails for an event you won’t want to miss.
The 2026 Las Noches de las Luminarias will be held on select days, and the garden will close at 4 p.m. on each day of Luminaria. Advance reservations are required and have a specific entry time for a limited capacity. The last guest admission is 8 p.m. Adult admission tickets and children's tickets will be available for purchase online.
Where to See Santa in Chandler
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Sippin' Santas Pub Crawl in Downtown Chandler
The Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl takes over Downtown Chandler featuring more than two dozen Downtown Chandler hot spots. Enjoy drink specials, food, and fun at Downtown Chandler's jolliest bars and restaurants in town. Enjoy live entertainment, endless Santa selfies, and the best specialty drinks in town on this self-guided pub crawl with your friends.
Please note that there are three sessions offering staggered registrations, and each features a unique wristband for enjoying specials at participating businesses. Must be 21+ to participate. Please drink responsibly.
Chandler’s Holiday Gift Guide: Fresh Finds, Community Gems, & New Ways to Shop
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The season of festive giving is here, and Chandler makes it easy to check off every name on your list. From Chandler Fashion Center to independent makers throughout town, you’ll find memorable gift ideas along with new ways to browse…
Experience the Magic of Chandler’s 2025 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights
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The most wonderful time of the year is almost here—and there’s no better way to kick off the season than by joining us for a Chandler tradition dating back to 1957: the 2025 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. This…