Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony
Some things are simply synonymous with the holidays — pumpkin pie, peppermint mochas, gingerbread houses, and of course, the City of Chandler’s Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights. Every December, Mayor and City Council invite you to celebrate the holidays in Downtown Chandler.
Behold the iconic Tumbleweed Tree, visit with the jolly man himself, Santa, and enjoy musical performances and glowing pageantry of lights. It's an evening of merriment the whole family can enjoy.
Tumbleweed Tree Holiday Photos
Did you rock around the Tumbleweed Tree with us this past weekend and snap a free photo? Family pictures in front of the iconic tree are now available.
Santa's House
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s hanging out at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. Bring the whole family to visit with the jolly man, himself at Santa’s House for free photos and to share holiday wishes. Sponsored by Chandler Lions Club.
Chandler Fire Department Annual Toy Drive
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 4:30-9 p.m.
Chandler Fire will be accepting new, unwrapped toys donations at “Stuff the Truck” during the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. Look for the Chandler Fire engine on the east side of Arizona Avenue north of Boston Street.
Santa's House
Partnership with the Chandler Lions Club
- Did you hear that Santa Claus is coming to Chandler?
- You can meet him and get your picture taken with him for free!
- Santa's House will be CLOSED from 6:30 - 8 p.m. while Santa is in the Parade of Lights
Letters to Santa
Need to get your letter to Santa? The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting has a direct line to the jolly man himself. Kids of all ages can decorate and write wish lists. Remember he’s checking his list twice, so you’ll want to highlight how you’ve been nice! Letters can be mailed by placing them in Santa's mailbox.
Guests attending the event are strongly encouraged to carpool and arrive early to find parking. There are several locations to park throughout the Downtown area. Please visit the parade overview map to see these exact locations. Suggested routes to access each parking site is also listed.
Parking Locations
- P1 - Overstreet Parking Garage
Enter Structure from Chandler Boulevard and California Street to Buffalo Street - P2 – Street Parking
Parking Lot accessible from Boston Street and San Marcos Place via Dakota Street
**San Marcos Place (between Buffalo St. & Commonwealth Ave.) will be closed from 2 - 10 p.m.** - P3 – Oregon Street Parking Garage
Parking Garage accessible from either California Street, Oregon Street, or Chicago Street. - P4 - City Hall Parking Garage
Enter Structure from Frye Road and Washington Street - P5 – San Tan Regional Court Surface Parking Lot
Enter lot from Dakota and Chicago streets - P6 – San Tan Regional Court Surface Parking Lot
Enter lot from Frye Road - P7 – City Surface Parking Lot
Enter lot from Dakota and Chicago streets - P8 – City Police Department Surface Parking Lot
Enter lot from Dakota and Chicago streets - P9 - Alexander Parking Structure
Enter Structure from Chandler Boulevard to Delaware Street and Boston Street - P10 - Downtown Library Parking Lots
Enter Lot from Chandler Boulevard to Delaware Street and Boston Street - P11 - Jonathon Parking Structure
Enter Structure from Chandler Boulevard and either Washington Street or Colorado Street
Supplemental Parking Locations
Additional parking may be available in these locations. Please follow all traffic laws when crossing all streets to get to the event area.
- Folley Park - Map
- *Enter from McQueen Road and Frye Road or Pecos Road and Hamilton Street.
Please Be Aware of the Following Closures
- 2-8:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Frye and Pecos roads
- 6-8:30 p.m. Frye Road restricted from Washington Street to California Street
- 2-10 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road
- 6-9 p.m. Chandler Boulevard restricted from Delaware Street to California Street
- 6-9:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Galveston Street and Chandler Boulevard
TBD
Tumbleweed Tree Lighting is seeking vendors to participate in this year's event. Interested vendors must apply online to the City of Chandler.
Vendor Application Deadlines and General Information
- Vendor Application will open on Aug. 12, 2026.
- The 2025 Vendor Priority Application deadline is Aug. 19, 2026.
- The general vendor application deadline is Oct. 19, 2026, or when all space has been reserved.
- If you are a new organization applying to participate in the event, your application will be accepted on a first come first serve basis once the priority deadline has expired. You are encouraged to apply prior to the 2025 vendor priority deadline and applications will be held in the order they are received.
2026 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Application
Vendors Booth Opportunities
Informational
- Fee $50
- Booth Size 10’ x 10’
- There is no selling of items.
Merchandise Sales
- Fee $75
- Booth Size 10’ x 10’
- This is for any vendor that wants to sell non-consumable goods.
Food/Beverage
- Fee $150
- Booth Size 10’ x 10’
- This is for any vendor that sells food, snacks, or beverages that are pre-packaged/prepared or made on-site.
Fees for Requested Services
- Electrical: Fee $30
- Additional Booth Space of 10’ x10’: Fee $50
| Notification Type | Note |
|---|---|
| Vendor Fees | Fees are paid once you are accepted and notified. Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE. |
| Application Deadline | A completed application must be submitted by the established deadline. Applications will NOT be accepted after the deadline. |
| Application Status | Vendors will be notified of their application status within 7 business days of the application deadline. |
| Waitlist | A waitlist will be kept once all available space has been filled. Vendors may be notified if space should become available. |
| Duplication of Vendors | Duplication of booth items/activities will be kept to a minimum. |
| Booth Placement | Placement is at the discretion of event management. Requests will be considered but are not guaranteed. |
| Supplies/Materials | All supplies and materials (tables, chairs, canopies, etc.) must be provided by the vendor. |
| Vendor Location | All vendor booths will be located on the East side of Arizona Avenue on Arizona Place or Commonwealth Place. |
Are you interested in volunteering? We have a great opportunity for anyone who needs community service hours or just wants to help out a great event. Volunteer opportunities range from setting up, parade banner holders, activity booths, or helping guests with event information. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please email Special Events.
The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony is continually seeking interested individuals, organizations, and companies who want to sponsor our great festival with either in-kind services or monetary donations. The benefits of being a sponsor range from on-stage logo recognition and announcements during the festival to name and/or logo recognition on websites, press releases, festival programs, and much more. Benefits vary based on sponsorship levels.
For more information on becoming a sponsor, please email Special Events.
The Team Behind the Tumbleweed Tree
As we get closer to the 2026 Tumbleweed Tree Lighting, here is what the event means to the City of Chandler’s Parks and Recreation Department, those behind the creation of the tree each year. Special thanks to Guillermo Valenzuela, Gorge Cazares, Eddie Rodriguez and Alvaro Cervantes for collaborating on this project.
Sponsors
