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Chandler’s annual Parade of Lights and Tumbleweed Christmas Tree lighting was held Dec. 4 and some people went all out to create imaginative fl oats while kids were happy to just

be walking down Arizona Avenue. (Zac BonDurant/Special to GetOut)

A guide to the holiday events in Chandler

BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

During the holidays, Chandler lights up.

A festive holiday spirit spills from shops, restaurants, theaters, parks and libraries, where halls are decked, trees are trimmed, and tables are set to celebrate the season.

This year promises heaps of holiday things to do in Chandler. Every must-do holiday list includes a visit to the City’s iconic Tumbleweed Tree, a seat at Ballet Etude’s The Nutcracker, the purchase of the perfect locally made gift for that perfect someone from the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market or Visit Chandler’s Holiday Guide; a walk through the whimsical life-size sweets displays on view during Sugarland; and of course, a commemorative photo with the jolly man himself, at Santa’s House.

Plus, when you’re out and about, remember to grab a toy for Chandler Fire Department’s annual Toy Drive and be sure to keep little elves busy with an array of holiday craft workshops throughout the month hosted by Chandler Public Library.

Chandler for the Holidays celebrates all of winter’s holidays and provides the opportunity for holiday traditions for you and yours.

Advance tickets are necessary for some attractions and times and dates vary for select events.

Through Jan. 2 , Sugarland

A spectacular interactive display comprising a candy cane sleigh, a life-size cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, giant gumdrops, cookies, colorful swizzle sticks, candy canes, selfie stations and a 5-foot fruit-roll-up slide — all perfect for holiday photos. Sugarland is located at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. New this year is a life-size nutcracker, whimsical trees and beautifully lit reindeer dancing through the palm trees. Family favorites including the candy sleigh, fruit roll-up slide and life-size cup of hot chocolate complete with giant marshmallows will also return and may be experienced anytime of the day or night. Sugarland’s Canal of Lights also has a few sweet additions, including a candy cane arch and hanging candies that can now be experienced during the day. At night, the walkway over the Commonwealth Canal on Commonwealth Avenue features over 500 colorful lights choreographed to holiday music from 5-10 p.m. daily.

Dec. 18, Farmers Market

Whether you’re looking for fresh produce for your holiday dishes, gourmet food items or unique gifts, the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park has everything you need in one place.

Dec. 18, 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.

Dec. 12 and 18-19, Spirit of Christmas Show

The Spirit of Christmas is an energetic variety show featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers, and a champion hoop dancer. Performed by Tempe Dance Academy and hosted by Mark Hart.

Dec. 14, Tumbleweed Tree Photos

Stop by the Tumbleweed Tree to get your picture taken by the professionals. Pictures are free and will be available for download on the City’s website.

Dec. 22, Sons of Serendip

This charismatic quartet returns to Chandler to perform their unique arrangements of popular holiday songs sure to get you in the spirit of the season.

Dec. 31, The Best of Broadway

With Musical Director JR McAlexander, spend an evening enjoying the greatest hits from Broadway, performed by four powerhouse vocalists and a 10-piece orchestra. Then ring in the New Year with a champagne toast and party favors.

Bus drive lights up your holiday spirit

BY ALLISON BROWN

GetOut Contributor

Cruising neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights is a tradition for many families, but sometimes the logistics do not work out.

Kids complain because of the lack of lights, and/or parents miss the views because of they have to watch the road.

Jarrod Riddle said this was the case for his family when he was a kid, and it inspired him to offer his own tour through Spirit of Arizona Tours “I thought, ‘What if I find a really good route where friends and family don’t have to worry about the route or driving, they can just hop on a tour and enjoy the lights how they were meant to be enjoyed?’ So, that’s where the idea came from, and it’s been a pretty successful one,” Riddle says.

“We get a lot of families that show up in ugly sweaters or dressed up or some bring Christmas cookies and it gets turned into a nice little family event.”

The tours run at 6 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. through Dec. 31 – except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each tour starts in Tempe near the 101 and Warner and goes through Tempe and Chandler. The 90-minute tours pass dozens of homes and stop twice for close-up looks.

A longtime Valley resident and certified historian, Riddle has been a tour guide for 10 years. Using his insider information, Riddle plans a perfect route that is guaranteed to have great decorations and even avoids traffic delays for an entertaining ride from start to finish.

“If I’m going to offer a Christmas light tour, it’s going to be above and beyond,” Riddle says. “It’s not just going to be random neighborhoods. I made sure to scout out several locations where each street keeps getting better.”

Riddle says the tour hits every decoration imaginable, like music-synchronized light shows, Santa Claus, nativity scenes and, in true Arizona fashion, illuminated cactus.

The tour not only goes through some of the best displays in the state, but also the country.

“Two of the streets on the tour compete for best Christmas light displays in America, and one of those streets is basically like a street festival,” Riddle says.

“They have food trucks and Santa Claus who the kids come and talk to. They do horse carriage rides. So, for that street, I actually let my guests get out and walk it if they want. I give them about 20 to 30 minutes to get out and actually walk the streets themselves. It’s a good, fun experience.”

There is more to see than the classics, too. One of the unique displays on the tour is a giant, 25-foot-tall Christmas koala who takes up an entire front yard. Riddle says he spoke to the owner and found out the bear was originally from a storefront in Australia.

Apparently, the family brought it with them when they moved to the States and it was passed down to Phoenix residents. Riddle says that it is always a bit of a show-stopper and has a “Godzilla effect” on kids and adults.

Families and friends are transported to each sight on a luxury bus which is even decorated inside with garland and lights. The bus has 14 captain’s chairs that have armrests and recline for a truly cozy and homey atmosphere.

“They can bring whatever they want on the bus as far as drinks are concerned,” Riddle says. “Since I’m doing the driving, people like to bring hot cocoa for the kids and maybe some canned drinks for the grownups, which is totally fine by me.

“I’ve had people bring little Christmas cookies and stuff like that, so basically they can make it like their own little holiday party.”

This is the Spirit of Arizona’s third year offering the Christmas Lights Tour. Riddle estimates he has about 900 guests on average per year.

He says the proof is in the pudding when it comes to his tours, as he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience.

“Don’t worry about the route, don’t worry about the driving,” Riddle says. “All you need to do is show up, sit back, relax and enjoy the lights.” Information: spiritofarizonatours.com