Chandler’s iconic Tumbleweed Tree…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Get into the holiday spirit at the 69^th annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Downtown Chandler. Admission is free.

Performances from Just Dance, Arizona Dance Studio and Vocal Connection Chorus will kick off the festivities from 4:30-6 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave. The parade will begin at 6:45 p.m., followed by the lighting of the one-of-a-kind Tumbleweed Tree at approximately 8 p.m.

Event attendees are encouraged to arrive in Downtown Chandler early and have dinner, shop for gifts and find a spot to view the parade.

Five facts about the Tumbleweed Tree:

• The tree is 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
• It is made of nearly 1,000 tumbleweeds covered in 65 pounds of glitter, 25 gallons of white paint and 20 gallons of fire retardant.
• The tree is wrapped in more than 1,200 LED lights.
• Known nationwide, the iconic tree has been featured on several Travel Channel shows and Saturday Night Live.
• The Tumbleweed Tree debuted in 1957, making 2025 its 69^th year.

Holiday festivities

Attendees will want to arrive early and not miss any fun. Get a free photo with the jolly old elf himself at Santa's House, located next to the Community Center (closed from 6:30-8 p.m. when Santa is in the parade).

Write a letter to Santa and then take your own photos with your family and friends at the Tumbleweed Tree and Holiday Magic featuring Sugarland displays, including a life-sized gingerbread house, a candy sleigh, twinkling lights and more.

Children will also love the inflatable bounce area with activities and games that require the purchase of tickets. Tickets will be sold at the event, and proceeds will fund Downtown Chandler improvements.

Help the Chandler Fire Department "Stuff the Fire Truck" with new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to local children. The fire truck will be located on Arizona Place on the east side of Arizona Avenue, in front of the Alexander Building, from 4:30-9 p.m.

How to watch the parade

The Parade of Lights begins at 6:45 p.m. and will travel north on Arizona Avenue between City Hall and Chandler High School (Frye Road to Erie Street).

Watch more than 50 parade entries, including jovial floats decorated with thousands of lights, festive dancers and spirited community groups with Santa's arrival on a shiny red fire truck as the grand finale.

Bring chairs and blankets and arrive early to get a spot along the route.

Where to park

Plan to arrive early to find a parking spot. There are multiple locations with free parking, including five parking garages on the east and west side of Arizona Avenue, including the largest garage, Oregon Street. Visit Tumbleweed Tree to view a list and map of available parking garages and surface lots.

Several streets in the downtown area will be closed to traffic. The scheduled closures are as follows:

2-8:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Frye and Pecos roads

6-8:30 p.m. Frye Road restricted from Washington to California streets

2-10 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard

6-9 p.m. Chandler Boulevard restricted from Delaware to California streets

6-9:30 p.m. Arizona Avenue closed between Galveston Street and Chandler Boulevard

Several other smaller streets in the downtown area also will be closed or restricted during the festivities.

The 69^th Annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights is presented in partnership with Chandler Lions Club, Apex Windows & Bath, VCA Animal Hospitals, WM, Semper Fi Heating & Cooling, SRP, Raising Cane's, and Downtown Chandler Community Partnership.

For more information showing street closures and general event information, including a complete entertainment schedule, visit Tumblweed Tree.

The Tumbleweed Tree will be on display through Jan. 4, 2026.

Media contact:
Betsy Lizer
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2225