CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler is your destination for fun, festive events this holiday season.
Start your Chandler for the Holidays adventure with a visit to the iconic Tumbleweed Tree in Downtown Chandler. The annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights is happening on Saturday, Dec. 6. Attendees will enjoy visits with Santa, an inflatable play area, more than 50 glowing parade entries and the official lighting of the Tumbleweed Tree. Starting that evening, the tree will be lit nightly through Sunday, Jan. 4, providing an opportunity to take photos with family and friends.
In addition, visit Santa’s House on select December dates 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 Polar Express at Tumbleweed Recreation Center and C-Town: Snow Day at Chandler Museum.
And while you are completing your holiday shopping, get an extra toy or two for Chandler Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive, buy some items to help those experiencing homelessness with the Community Cares Chandler Library Tree and be sure to keep little elves, and teens, busy with free holiday craft workshops hosted by Chandler Public Library.
While spending time in Chandler for the Holidays, be sure to sign up for the Choose Chandler Holiday Pass where you can discover unique gifts, holiday treats and more while earning points to claim entries for giveaways all season long.
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.
Nov. 17-Dec. 12
Chandler Library Community Cares Tree
Chandler Public Library (CPL) 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 Friday, Dec. 12 so gifts can be distributed before the holiday.
Dates through Dec. 7
"The Nutcracker" presented by Ballet Etudes
Enjoy the magic of this holiday classic at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave.
Through Dec. 30
Downtown Chandler Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland
The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is bringing the beloved interactive, oversized holiday displays to downtown. Take selfies in the candy sleigh, climb on giant gumdrops and stroll through a candy cane lined path before you dine or shop in Downtown Chandler.
Through Dec. 14
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 (CFD) 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. 6 – “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. 7 – Holiday Toy Drive at Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., from noon - 6 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. 6
Make and Take: Perler Bead Ornaments
Kids and adults can make their own ornament with fusible beads, enjoy hot chocolate or cider and shop for gifts in the Vision Gallery, 10 E. Chicago St., from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dec. 10-11
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. 11, 13 and 20
Santa’s House
Santa! You know him and he’s coming to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler on select evenings in December. Visit with him at Santa’s House, share your wish list and get a free photo.
Dec. 12
Jingle Paws with Santa Claus
Chandler Senior Center, 202 E. Boston St., provides an opportunity for dogs to get a photo with Santa and enjoy holiday treats.
Dec. 13
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. 13
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
Play Day: Reindeer Games and Gift Wrap Exchange
Watch the classic “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” exchange your gift wrap with something new to you and decorate cookies at Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive.
Dec. 17
C-Town Suitcase Club: Snow Day
Play in the snow or stay cozy inside with winter-themed pre-K activities at Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive.
Dec. 20
Ugly Sweater Tennis Social
Break out your ugly tennis sweaters and play tennis with a side of holiday spirit at Chandler Tennis Center, 2250 S. McQueen Road.
Dec. 31
All About Broadway: A New Year’s Eve Celebration
Ring in the New Year at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., with your favorite songs from acclaimed Broadway musicals songs performed by six vocalists and backed by Showtune Productions’ vibrant 10-piece orchestra.
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 St.; 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 Chandler Public Library.
Dec. 6
Chandler Library Holiday Puzzle Tournament – First Round
Adults and teens can compete for the title of Chandler Library Puzzle Champions at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
Dec. 8
DIY Ugly Sweater Drop-In
Bring your creativity and the Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., will provide the craft supplies.
Dec. 9
Mini Magic: Ornament Wish Lists
Kids can create a holiday wish list that shrinks and becomes an ornament at Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road.
Dec. 10
Winter with Snoopy & Friends
Enjoy games, crafts, storytelling and a showing of a short Peanuts movie at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St.
Dec. 13
Wrap & Watch: A Holiday Gift-Wrapping Party
Bring your unwrapped gifts and enjoy festive snacks and a showing of “The Holiday” at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive. Gift wrap, ribbon and tape will be provided.
Dec. 16
Chandler for the Holidays: Cookies & Carols
Listen to holiday stories, sing your favorite songs and decorate cookies at Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive.
Visit Chandler for the Holidays for a full list of events and more details.
Media contact:
Betsy Lizer
Public Information Officer
480-782-2225