Arizona, with its mix of desert landscapes and festive spirit, offers some wonderful Christmas parades. Considering tradition, community involvement, and overall festive atmosphere, we’re sharing our top 10 Christmas parades in Arizona.
1. Tempe Fantasy of Lights Street Parade & Tree Lighting
The holiday season officially begins Saturday, November 28, 2026, in Tempe with this beloved tradition. You’re invited to arrive early at Mill Avenue to enjoy pre-parade snack and drink vendors, and live music. Then at 6 p.m. the parade steps off, lighting up the street with festive floats, performers and holiday characters. After the parade, stick around for the official lighting of Tempe’s 36-foot-tall holiday tree at CenterPoint Plaza, more live music and photos with Santa.
2. Fiesta Bowl Parade
Technically a New Year’s Day parade, the Fiesta Bowl Parade has a strong holiday association. A major holiday event, the 2027 Fiesta Bowl Parade will kick off the College Football Playoff Semifinal festivities. What’s more, it’s Arizona’s biggest and longest-running parade, taking place on Saturday, January 2, 2027, in Phoenix. Summing up, the parade features elaborate floats, balloons, marching bands, and live animals along Central Avenue.
3. Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Holiday Light Parade
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) Holiday Light Parade features festive floats, music, and a visit from Santa Claus. What’s more, all floats compete to be named the winner of one of eight categories! Preceded by the community Christmas program, the parade typically takes place on a Saturday in early December at 5:30 p.m. You should watch https://www.facebook.com/SRPMIC for the announcement of the 2026 parade date.
4. Glendale Glitters Christmas Parade
The Hometown Christmas Parade in historic downtown Glendale, Arizona, will take place Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. In short, news anchor Tram Mai will serve as grand marshal and marching bands will compete for awards. The event will raise funds for Hope for Hunger Food Bank. This parade serves as a perfect example of one of the Top 10 Christmas Parades in Arizona.
5. Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights
Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026. This free family event features the iconic 35-foot tumbleweed tree, festive holiday floats, and a visit from Santa. With this in mind, the Parade of Lights starts at 6:45 p.m. Afterwards, officials will light the Tumbleweed Tree covered with over 1,200 LED lights. Built from nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds and painted white, the tumbleweed light is covered in 65 pounds of glitter. In addition, the Chandler Fire Department will host a Stuff the Truck station to collect new, unwrapped toy donations.
6. Tucson Parade of Lights
The Tucson Parade of Lights steps off from Armory Park at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 5. To be sure, this illuminated, annual parade brings holiday cheer to downtown Tucson with illuminated floats, music and dance performances.
7. Prescott Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival
Led by Santa himself, this holiday parade features more than 40 lighted floats along with music from local school bands. The night comes alive as the fun continues with a bonfire at Mile High Middle School’s field from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. At this time, you can enjoy music, Santa visits, and reindeer games for the kids. What’s more, get a closeup look at the parade floats and tap your toes to live performances from marching bands.
8. Flagstaff Holiday Lights Parade
The Holiday Lights Parade will roll through downtown Flagstaff Saturday, December 13, 2026 at 6 p.m. Nestled in the mountains, Flagstaff often features a snowy backdrop, adding to the holiday magic.
9. Litchfield Christmas in the Park Parade
The Litchfield parade, part of Christmas in the Park, steps off at 10 a.m. the second Saturday of December each year. (December 12, 2026) In general, you can expect more than 75 entries to participate. This includes dignitaries, marching bands, school and community groups, and Santa and Mrs. Claus on Old Red! Without a doubt, you’ll want to stay the day and enjoy the holiday market, stage performances and family activities.
10. Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights
Beautifully decorated boats illuminate Lake Havasu each December in a cherished holiday tradition. The Lake Havasu Boat Parade of Lights takes place the second Saturday in December (Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 6 p.m.). Altogether, organizers expect holiday lights to adorn over 80 boats as they glisten and glow through Bridgewater Channel under London Bridge.
For more lights on the water, set sail on Christmas boat parades in Florida.
*AI contributed to this article.