CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler is home to a full calendar of fun, festive events this holiday season.
First, get a head start on your shopping list and support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, and Museum Store Sunday, Dec. 1, when visitors to Chandler Museum get 10% off the dozens of one-of-a-kind, locally made items.
Chandler for the Holidays isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Tumbleweed Tree in Downtown Chandler. The annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights is happening on Saturday, Dec. 7. Attendees will enjoy visits with Santa, an inflatable play area, more than 40 glowing parade entries and the official lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree. Starting that evening, the tree will be lit nightly through Jan. 5, providing an opportunity to take photos with friends and family.
In addition, visit Santa’s House on select December in downtown and get a free photo with the jolly old elf. Downtown Chandler will also be filled with the whimsical Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland displays that are perfect backdrops for even more holiday photos.
Start new Chandler holiday traditions with family-friendly events like Swim with Santa and Polar Express.
And while you are completing your holiday shopping, get an extra toy or two for Chandler Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive and be sure to keep little elves, and teens, busy with free holiday craft workshops hosted by Chandler Public Library.
Chandler for the Holidays Events
Advance tickets or reservations are necessary for some attractions and times and dates vary for select events. For even more events and details, visit Chandler for the Holidays.
Through Jan. 19, 2025
Tumbleweed Tree: A Chandler Tradition
Learn the history of the Tumbleweed Tree at the Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive.
Nov. 18-Dec. 16
Chandler Library Community Cares Tree
Chandler Public Library is partnering with the city’s Neighborhood Resources department for a holiday drive for those experiencing homelessness. Visit any Chandler Public Library branch, take a tag, purchase the requested items and return them to the library by Dec. 16 so gifts can be distributed before the holiday.
Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-8
Ballet Etudes Presents Nutcracker
The 38th Annual Ballet Etudes' Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the traditions of the holiday season through beautiful music and dance at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Nov. 30 - Jan. 5, 2025
Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland
The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is celebrating the holiday season with interactive, oversized displays that make cute backdrops for photos. Take selfies in the candy sleigh, climb on giant marshmallows spilling out of cups of hot chocolate and stroll through a candy cane lined path before you dine or shop in Downtown Chandler.
Don’t miss the reveal of this year’s Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland display at Prancer’s Pajama Party on Nov. 30 from 4-6 p.m. Put on your PJs and be among the first to see the festive decorations, play reindeer games, write letters to Santa and make holiday crafts.
Nov. 30
Small Business Saturday
There are more than 75 independently owned and operated businesses in Downtown Chandler. Find unique holiday gifts, grab a bite to eat and enjoy live music from 1-4 p.m.
Dec. 1
Chandler Museum Store Sunday
The Chandler Museum Store, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, features gifts for all ages, including locally made pieces that capture the culture, history and art of Chandler. Shoppers will receive a 10% discount on all purchases.
Nov. 16-Dec. 14
Stuff the Truck Annual Chandler Fire Department Toy Drive
Make the holidays a little brighter by donating new, unwrapped toys and gift cards that the Chandler Fire Department can provide to families in need. Donate items at any fire station or the Fire Administration Building, 151 E. Boston St., or at one of the following events:
Dec. 7 – Stuff the Truck at the annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade on Lights. The Chandler Fire truck will be located on Arizona Place, on the east side of Arizona Avenue from 4:30-9 p.m.
Dec. 8 – Stuff the Truck at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., from 2-8 p.m. Anyone who donates a toy gets a free ride in a fire truck. Donations will be accepted at the south entrance of the mall, near the food court valet area.
Dec. 7
Make and Take: Perler Bead Ornaments
Kids and adults can make their own ornament with fusible beads, enjoy hot chocolate and shop for gifts in the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dec. 7, 12, 14 and 21
Santa’s House
Santa! You know him and he’s coming to Downtown Chandler on select evenings in December. Visit with him at Santa’s House, share your wish list and get a free photo courtesy of the Chandler Lions Club.
Dec. 11 - 13
Polar Express
Take a train ride to the North Pole with a chance to meet Santa. Pre-registration required. Tumbleweed Recreation Center is located at 745 E. Germann Road.
Dec. 12
Campfire Storytime
Chandler Nature Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, hosts winter crafts, snacks, games, and a story to share around an indoor "campfire."
Dec. 14
Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl
Don your ugliest holiday sweater for the annual Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl in Downtown Chandler. Enjoy drink specials, food and festive fun.
Dec. 14
Swim with Santa
Who needs the North Pole when you can take a swim with Santa at Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, 1400 W. Summit Place.
Dec. 14
Holiday Traditions in the Park
This new event in Downtown Chandler, located at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park: Stage Plaza, features live holiday music and showcases ways to give back to the community.
Dec. 14-15 and 21-22
Tempe Dance Academy Presents Annual Spirit of Christmas
This holiday tradition is an energetic variety show with more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers and a champion hoop dancer. Performances take place at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Dec. 17
Family Memories: Pictures in front of the Tumbleweed Tree
A professional photographer will take photos in front of the Tumbleweed Tree that you can download and share.
Dec. 31
Hooray for Hollywood: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., with songs from some of Tinseltown’s best movies performed by an energetic, talented band.
Free Holiday Activities - Chandler Public Library
All four branches of the Chandler Public Library (CPL) will host a variety of free programs and events to celebrate the season. Registration is required for some programs. The four CPL branches are: Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive; Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street; Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave.; and Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road.
Chandler Public Library holiday happenings include crafts, gift making, games, storytelling and more. Below is just a sample of the free activities. For more information and additional seasonal activities, please visit the Chandler Public Library.
Dec. 2
Craft after Dark: Gnome Ornaments
Create a cute gnome ornament at the Downtown Library.
Dec. 6
Grab and Go Winter Books and Crafts
Stop by any CPL branch and get a free craft kit to take home.
Dec. 9
Storytime @ the Makery
Children of all ages are invited to enjoy a holiday story and make an ornament using the 3D printer at The Makery at the Downtown Library.
Dec. 16
Paperback Christmas Trees
Visit the Downtown Library and make decorative Christmas Trees out of paperback books.
Dec. 18
Winter Wonderland Teen Last Minute Gifts
Get into the holiday spirit with our Last Minute Gifts crafting session at Basha Library, designed especially for tweens and teens (ages 9-17).
Dec. 31
Chandler for the Holidays Noon Year’s Eve
Come to Sunset Library for a daytime New Year’s Eve celebration, designed for children from 2-5 years old.
Visit Chandler for the Holidays for a full list of events and more details.
Media contact:
Toni Smith
Marketing and Communications Manager
480-782-2701