CHANDLER, Ariz. – Celebrate the holiday season in Chandler during the 68th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown. Admission is free.
Performances from Kreative Dance Company, Modazz Dance Company and Chandler High choirs will kick off the festivities from 4:30-6 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. The parade will begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by the lighting of the iconic Tumbleweed Tree at approximately 8 p.m.
Event attendees are encouraged to arrive in Downtown Chandler early and have dinner, shop for gifts and find a spot to view the parade.
Five facts about the Tumbleweed Tree:
- The tree is 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
- It is made of nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds covered in 65 pounds of glistening glitter, 25 gallons of white paint and 20 gallons of fire retardant.
- The tree is wrapped in more than 1,200 LED lights.
- Known nationwide, the iconic tree has been featured on several Travel Channel shows and Saturday Night Live.
- The Tumbleweed Tree debuted in 1957, making 2024 its 68th year.
Holiday festivities
Holiday revelers will want to arrive early and not miss any of the fun. Get a free photo with the jolly old elf at Santa’s House, located next to the Community Center (closed from 6:30-8 p.m. when Santa is in the parade).
Write a letter to Santa and then take your own photos with your family and friends at the Tumbleweed Tree and Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland displays, including a life-sized gingerbread house, an oversized cup of hot chocolate, a candy sleigh and more.
Children will also love the inflatable bounce area with activities and games that will require the purchase of tickets. Tickets will be sold at the event and proceeds will fund Downtown Chandler improvements.
Help the Chandler Fire Department “Stuff the Fire Truck” with new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to local children. The fire truck will be located on Arizona Place on the east side of Arizona Avenue, in front of the Alexander Building, from 4:30-9 p.m.
How to watch the parade
The Parade of Lights begins at 6:45 p.m. and will travel north on Arizona Avenue between City Hall and Chandler High School (Frye Road to Chandler Boulevard).
Get into the holiday spirit while watching more than 40 entries, including festive floats decorated with thousands of lights, festive dancers, spirited community groups and Santa’s arrival on a shiny red firetruck.
Bring chairs and blankets and arrive early to get a spot along the route.
Where to park
Plan to arrive early to find a parking spot. There are multiple locations with free parking, including five parking garages on the east and west side of Arizona Avenue, including the largest garage, Oregon Street. Visit Tumbleweed Tree Lighting to view a list and map of available parking garages and surface lots.
Several streets in the downtown area will be closed to traffic. The scheduled closures are as follows:
2-8:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Frye and Pecos roads
6-8:30 p.m. Frye Road restricted from Washington to California streets
2-10 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard
6-9 p.m. Chandler Boulevard restricted from Delaware to California streets
6-9:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Galveston Street and Chandler Boulevard
Several other smaller streets in the downtown area also will be closed or restricted during the festivities.
The 68th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights is presented in partnership with Chandler Lions Club, WM, Legacy Traditional Schools, Raising Cane’s, SRP and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.
For more information on street closures and general event information, including a complete entertainment schedule, visit Tumbleweed Tree Lighting.
The Tumbleweed Tree will be on display through Jan. 5, 2025.
Media contact:
Toni Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
480-782-2701