Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Brings Festive Cheer and Traffic Closures to Tempe

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade Brings Festive Cheer and Traffic Closures to Tempe

Free Holiday Event Features Santa, Fireworks, and Boat Parade on Tempe Town Lake This Saturday

PHOENIX — Tempe’s annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is set to dazzle attendees with holiday cheer this Saturday, Dec. 14, while bringing traffic closures to the downtown area.

The free event, held at Tempe Beach Park, will include a holiday market, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and food and beverage vendors. Festivities run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the boat parade on Tempe Town Lake starting at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 8 p.m.

Getting There

Attendees are encouraged to use bicycles or the Valley Metro light rail to avoid traffic. Multiple paid parking options are available downtown, but street closures may complicate access.

Street Closures

Motorists should be aware of several road closures:

  • The Mill Avenue Bridge: Southbound traffic will close at 4 p.m., and northbound traffic will close at 7 p.m.
  • Eastbound Rio Salado Parkway: Closed between Hardy Drive and Mill Avenue from 4 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.
  • Westbound Rio Salado Parkway: Closed between Mill Avenue and Lakeside Drive.
  • Southbound Mill Avenue: Closed between Curry Road and Rio Salado Parkway.
  • Northbound Ash Avenue at Third Street and Eastbound First Street at Rio Salado Parkway.

Streetcar and bus routes in the area will also be impacted. A full list of closures and transit changes is available on the city of Tempe’s website.

A Month of Events in Tempe

This marks the fourth consecutive weekend of large events in Tempe, starting with Arizona State University’s homecoming activities on Nov. 23, followed by the Fantasy of Lights Street Parade over Thanksgiving weekend and the Festival of the Arts on Mill Avenue last weekend.

The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade is a beloved holiday tradition in Tempe, promising a night of festive activities for families and visitors while navigating expected traffic delays.