There is no shortage of festive holiday events in Chandler this season. From the beloved Tumbleweed Tree Lighting to holiday shopping to free library events, you’ll find your favorite way to celebrate. Check out why the holidays are best spent in Chandler and mark your calendar for these fun-filled events.
Advance tickets are necessary for some attractions and times and dates vary for select events.
Chandler for the Holidays Calendar
Featured Events
Tumbleweed Tree:
A Chandler Tradition
Nov. 1, 2023- Jan. 7, 2024
Chandler Museum
Explore the 60+ year history of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree in this festive exhibition. In the late 1950s, Chandler resident Earle Barnum spearheaded the construction of a tree made from tumbleweeds to decorate downtown Chandler during the Christmas season. Since then, the Tumbleweed Tree has become a unique holiday season tradition.
Chandler Fire Department
Annual Toy Drive
Nov. 11 - Dec. 15
Chandler Fire Stations and Fire Administration Building
The Chandler Fire Department is collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for families in need this holiday season. Donations will be accepted Nov. 11 - Dec. 15 at all Chandler Fire Stations and at the Fire Administration Building.
Two special donation locations: Chandler Fashion Center and at the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights will be available to special elves wanting to donate toys on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Art Quilts: Breaking Rules, Honoring Tradition
Nov. 18, 2023 - Jan. 12, 2024
Vision Gallery
For our 28th annual Art Quilts exhibition, rule breakers and traditionalists alike explore the tension between convention and innovation. Fiber artists from across the country and abroad will participate in this annual exhibition of contemporary art quilts, showcasing some of the finest textile art on display in the Southwestern United States.
Chandler Library Giving Tree
Nov. 20 - Dec. 2
Downtown Library
The holidays are a time to share. Visit the Library Giving Tree in the lobby of the Chandler Downtown Library to select an item to donate to an individual or family in need. The library is partnering with Neighborhood Resources to provide donated gifts to community members experiencing homelessness.
Pick up an ornament and return with a gift between November 20 and December 20.
We will all shine when we help make someone else's holiday a bit brighter.
Ballet Etudes Presents “The Nutcracker”
Nov. 24 - 26 & Dec. 1 - 3
Chandler Center for the Arts
Let Clara's magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful costumes paired with Tchaikovsky's original score, Ballet Etudes' Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family.
Sugarland
Nov. 25 - Jan. 2 | Parkl Hours
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park - West
The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is celebrating the holiday season with “Sugarland”, an interactive display of holiday decorations for downtown visitors to enjoy in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West. “Sugarland” is the perfect backdrop for family photos and overall enjoyment as you stroll the downtown shopping and dining.
W.I.S.H. Program
Runs Oct. 1 thru Dec. 1
Be a Santa to a Senior and brighten a local senior’s holiday season with heartfelt gifts. Holiday shoppers can be a Secret Santa and receive a W.I.S.H. (Wish Individual's Seasonal Happiness) list with gift suggestions. All donations must be wrapped and returned to the Chandler Senior Center by Dec. 1.
For more information, please call Ariana Atwood at 480-782-2720.
Senior Center Hours
Monday - Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Nightly Lit Tumbleweed Tree
Each night Dec. 3 thru Jan. 7 at sunset
The tumbleweed tree is lit nightly for visitors to see and take pictures in front of.