The City of Chandler will host its 69th annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights on Saturday, December 6, in Downtown Chandler. The event is free to attend and will take place at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, located at 178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Festivities begin with performances by Just Dance, Arizona Dance Studio, and Vocal Connection Chorus from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Parade of Lights starts at 6:45 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree at around 8 p.m.
Event organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to enjoy dinner, shop for gifts, and secure a spot along the parade route. Families can visit Santa’s House for free photos with Santa before he joins the parade from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Children can also write letters to Santa and take photos with holiday displays such as a life-sized gingerbread house and candy sleigh.
There will be an inflatable bounce area for children that requires tickets, which can be purchased at the event. Proceeds from ticket sales will support improvements in Downtown Chandler.
The Chandler Fire Department invites attendees to participate in its “Stuff the Fire Truck” initiative by donating new, unwrapped toys for local children. The fire truck will be stationed on Arizona Place in front of the Alexander Building from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
The Parade of Lights features more than 50 entries including illuminated floats, dancers, community groups, and concludes with Santa’s arrival on a fire truck. The parade travels north on Arizona Avenue between City Hall and Chandler High School (Frye Road to Erie Street). Spectators are advised to bring chairs or blankets and arrive early for viewing spots.
Free parking is available at several locations downtown, including five parking garages on both sides of Arizona Avenue; Oregon Street garage is noted as the largest option. A list and map of parking areas can be found online.
Multiple street closures are scheduled during the event:
– Arizona Avenue between Frye and Pecos roads: closed from 2–8:30 p.m.
– Frye Road from Washington to California streets: restricted from 6–8:30 p.m.
– Arizona Avenue between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard: closed from 2–10 p.m.
– Chandler Boulevard from Delaware to California streets: restricted from 6–9 p.m.
– Arizona Avenue between Galveston Street and Chandler Boulevard: closed from 6–9:30 p.m.
Other smaller streets downtown will also have closures or restrictions during festivities.
The event is presented in partnership with several organizations including Chandler Lions Club, Apex Windows & Bath, VCA Animal Hospitals, WM, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, SRP, Raising Cane’s, and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.
For more information about street closures or entertainment schedules related to the event or details about parking options visit Tumbleweed Tree.
The Tumbleweed Tree display will remain up through January 4, 2026.
