SE Valley Times

Celebrate the holiday season in Chandler, Arizona, with the 68th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights on December 7. The event will take place downtown and is free to attend.

The festivities will begin with performances by Kreative Dance Company, Modazz Dance Company, and Chandler High choirs from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, located at 3 S. Arizona Ave. Following this, the parade will start at 6:45 p.m., culminating in the lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree around 8 p.m.

Visitors are advised to arrive early to enjoy dining and shopping opportunities before securing a spot for parade viewing.

Santa's House offers attendees a chance for a complimentary photo with Santa Claus when he is not participating in the parade between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Additionally, there are opportunities to write letters to Santa and capture personal photos with various holiday-themed displays such as a life-sized gingerbread house and oversized hot chocolate cup.

Children can participate in games and activities within an inflatable bounce area that requires tickets available for purchase at the event. Proceeds will support improvements in Downtown Chandler.

The Chandler Fire Department invites attendees to contribute new, unwrapped toys for their "Stuff the Fire Truck" initiative aimed at supporting local children. The fire truck will be stationed on Arizona Place from 4:30 to 9 p.m.

The Parade of Lights travels north on Arizona Avenue from City Hall to Chandler High School (Frye Road to Chandler Boulevard), featuring over 40 entries including illuminated floats and community groups along with Santa’s arrival on a firetruck.

Free parking is available at several locations including five garages on both sides of Arizona Avenue; however, street closures will occur throughout downtown during the event hours:

- Arizona Avenue closed between Frye and Pecos roads from 2-8:30 p.m.

- Frye Road restricted from Washington to California streets from 6-8:30 p.m.

- Additional closures affect parts of Chandler Boulevard and surrounding streets until late evening.

Presented by partners such as Chandler Lions Club, WM, Legacy Traditional Schools, Raising Cane’s, SRP, and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership; more information about street closures or entertainment schedules can be found by visiting Tumbleweed Tree Lighting online.

The iconic Tumbleweed Tree remains on display through January 5, 2025.