Holiday Festivities at Tempe Marketplace
Location
City of Tempe
Tempe, AZ
Description
Tis the Season! Get ready to make lasting family memories with these fun and festive events happening throughout the holiday season at Tempe Marketplace.
It might be the desert, but you’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland as Tempe
Marketplace is dazzled with magical holiday décor and twinkly lights.
“This holiday season, we’re so excited to host a variety of events that celebrate this special
time of year,” said Heather Edge, Marketing Director. “While you’re checking off your Christmas shopping list, get in the holiday spirit through our very own winter landscape here only at Tempe Marketplace.”
Mark your calendars! Here’s the lineup of memorable events you won’t want to miss:
Now – Dec. 22: Christmas Angel Tree
Support the Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree located across from H&M in The District.The Angel Tree contains tags with the name, age, clothing size, and toy requests of an underprivileged child. Pick a tag, purchase an item, and give a child a gift they could only dream of! The last day to adopt a Christmas Angel is December 22. tempemarketplace.com/event/christmas-angel-tree
Now – Dec. 23: Sip & Stroll Holiday Bar
Stroll the district to experience all the holiday décor while sipping on some holiday drinks. Enjoy a cocktail from one of seven participating restaurants including Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, Gen Korean BBQ House, Dave & Buster’s, LumberJaxes Axe Throwing Bar, Smashburger, Genghis Grill, and Harkins Theaters.
For hours and locations visit tempemarketplace.com/center-information/sip
Now – Dec. 24: Childsplay presents "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at Herberger Theater Center
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer™ features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
tempetourism.com/events/childsplay-presents-rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer
Now – Dec. 30: Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden
Experience the beauty of Las Noches de las Luminarias this holiday season with 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden.
tempetourism.com/events/las-noches-de-las-luminarias
Now – Dec. 31: Various Community Performances
Watch live performances throughout November and December at the District Stage with tributes to some favorite holiday classics. Get ready for appearances from Arizona Theatre Company, The Nutcracker, local gymnastics, Cheer teams and more.
See the entire line up at tempemarketplace.com/events
Now – December 31: World of Illumination at Tempe Diablo Stadium
Drive through millions of lights at the holiday event of the year! World of Illumination is returning to Tempe Diablo Stadium. Grab your sled and join World of Illumination for a supersonic holiday road trip.
tempetourism.com/events/world-of-illumination
Now – Jan. 1: Naughty Or Nice Photo Pop-Up Displays
Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, strike a pose and capture the magic of the holiday season at festive pop-up photo backdrop displays located by Barnes & Noble and The District Street. Share your spirit and don’t forget to use #tempemarketplace when you post your photo on social media! tempemarketplace.com/event/naughty-or-nice-pop-up-displays
Now – Jan. 14, 2024: ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, the Valley’s most cherished holiday tradition, is back with millions of twinkling lights, all new animal lanterns and light displays, an enhanced Santa experience and a brand new music and light show!
tempetourism.com/events/zoolights-at-the-phoenix-zoo-2
Dec. 1 : Clay Ornament Making Workshop at As You Wish
Forget store-bought ornaments! Learn how to make you own hand-crafted ornaments in this hands-on workshop. You’ll be provided an 8×8” slab of clay, and guided step-by-step through cutting and creating custom ornaments for your tree. The event takes place from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost is $40. tempemarketplace.com
Register at asyouwishpottery.com/product/12-1-clay-ornament-making-workshop
Dec. 1 – 2 : Clay Paw Print Ornaments at As You Wish
Make lasting memories with your furry friends this holiday season. Schedule a 15 minute appointment on either December 1 or 2 to capture your pup’s paw impression in clay, and the team at As You Wish will paint, glaze, and kiln-fire it into a precious keepsake ornament. Whether they’re a growing pup or a good old boy, their prints are sure to be cherished year after year. Cost is $25. tempemarketplace.com/event/clay-paw-print-ornaments
Make an appointment at asyouwishpottery.com/product/dec-2-3-clay-paw-impression-ornaments
Dec. 5 –10: LES MISÉRABLES at ASU Gammage
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES.
tempetourism.com/events/les-miserables-at-asu-gammage
Dec. 8: Holiday Mug Painting Workshop at As You Wish
Who doesn’t love cozying up with a warm mug of hot chocolate as you watch your favorite holiday movie? This time, make your very own mug that you can enjoy for many seasons to come. Choose from 5 select mug styles for an all-inclusive price of $25 each, while supplies last. Reservations strongly recommended. tempemarketplace.com/event/holiday-mug-painting-workshop
Reserve your spot at asyouwishpottery.com/locations
Dec. 8th & 15th – FREE Photos with Santa
Don’t miss out on this magical opportunity to capture the joy of Christmas with jolly old Saint Nick! Bring your family & friends for a festive photo session with Santa himself—all at no cost! Free photos will take place in The District Street near H & M on: Friday, Dec 8th and Friday, Dec 15th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. tempemarketplace.com/event/free-photos-with-santa
Dec. 9th – Breakfast with Santa
Santa Claus is coming to Dave & Buster’s! Skip the long line at the mall and score an exclusive meet & greet. Ticket includes: All American Breakfast buffet ticket with soda, coffee & tea, a $10 PowerCard® with Unlimited Video Game Play, kid-friendly crafts, early access to store, and a personal photo with Santa.
For more info visit tempemarketplace.com/event/breakfast-with-santa
Dec. 9: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake
The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake is the Valley's most unique holiday event and celebrated tradition. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive eats and treats, a dazzling boat parade.
tempetourism.com/events/fantasy-of-lights-boat-parade
Dec. 9 – 30: Scrooge! The Musical at Tempe Center for the Arts
Adapted from the Oscar nominated film “Scrooge” comes a Christmas musical spectacular by Oscar-winning, Grammy-winning, and Tony-nominated composer Leslie Bricusse. “Scrooge!” The Musical is a ground-breaking adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” filled with songs that are as impressive as the ones Bricusse wrote for “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” The story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he goes on a fantastical journey through his life over the course of a single Christmas Eve night. After a warning from the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future take Scrooge on a musical adventure that leads him towards his hopeful redemption. In a new version created uniquely for ATC, “Scrooge” will be the perfect holiday fare for families and audiences 7+.
atc.org/show/scrooge-the-musical
Dec. 13 – Dec. 24: 12 Days of Snowfall
Enjoy a magical shopping season with snowfall for the 12 days before Christmas, beginning December 13th. Watch as the glistening snow transforms Tempe Marketplace into a winter wonderland. Snowfall will take place each night at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Enjoy a special hourly snow experience on Christmas Eve lasting from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more holiday fun in Tempe visit tempetourism.com/holidays-in-tempe-arizona
Additional Information
Website: https://www.tempetourism.com/holidays-in-tempe-arizona/
Age recommendation: All Ages