Celebrate the Holidays Downtown
Category: Highlights
Holiday Festivities in Downtown Chandler
The holiday season is here, and there's no better place to celebrate than Downtown Chandler! From festive events and holiday shopping to sparkling lights, Santa sightings, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass, downtown is filled with ways to make the season merry and bright.
Whether you're making memories with the family, checking off your holiday shopping list, or gathering friends for a little holiday fun, there's something for everyone. Mark your calendars and make Downtown Chandler part of your holiday traditions!
November 28 | Shop Small, Shop Downtown Chandler!
Make Downtown Chandler part of your holiday shopping tradition! Discover unique gifts, local favorites, and one-of-a-kind finds while supporting the small businesses that make downtown special.
- 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM: Stop by the Crust Lawn for a FREE holiday stocking and shopping guide, while supplies last.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Enjoy live music downtown.
Make a day of it, shop local, and find something special!
November 28 | Prancer's Pajama Party
Free family event
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer! Throw on your coziest pajamas and bring the family to Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West for Prancer's Pajama Party. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with reindeer games, community performances, and festive fun for all ages.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
RSVP HERE
November 28–January 3 | Holiday Magic Featuring Sugarland
Free holiday experience
The holiday magic officially arrives in Downtown Chandler! Following Prancer's Pajama Party, celebrate the season with festive crafts, hot chocolate, character meet-and-greets, reindeer games, and entertainment.
Then step into a holiday wonderland filled with sparkling lights and picture-perfect displays. Step inside a giant walk-through gift box and snap a photo on a larger-than-life Santa sofa surrounded by holiday trees and beautifully wrapped presents.
Bring your family, gather your friends, and make some holiday memories!
November 28, 2026–January 3, 2027 | Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West
November 27–December 6 | 40th Anniversary of The Nutcracker
Tickets: $42.50 (all-in pricing)
Celebrate 40 years of holiday magic with Ballet Etudes' beloved production of The Nutcracker! Follow Clara on her magical journey, complete with larger-than-life mice, sparkling snow scenes, dancing treats, and the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy. Featuring beautiful costumes, memorable choreography, and Tchaikovsky's iconic score, this timeless holiday tradition is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Performance Dates & Times:
- Friday, November 27 | 7 PM
- Saturday, November 28 | 2 PM & 7 PM
- Sunday, November 29 | 3 PM
- Friday, December 4 | 7 PM
- Saturday, December 5 | 1 PM & 4:30 PM
- Sunday, December 6 | 3 PM
December 5 | Tumbleweed Tree Lighting & Parade of Lights
Free community event
It's not officially the holidays in Chandler until the Tumbleweed Tree lights up! Celebrate one of Chandler's favorite holiday traditions with the annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights.
Enjoy musical performances, visit with Santa, and watch as hundreds of thousands of lights illuminate downtown during the spectacular Parade of Lights.
4:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Downtown Chandler
Parade of Lights: 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
December 10 | Pictures with the Grinch
The Grinch is making his way to Downtown Chandler, and he's bringing a little holiday mischief along with him! Stop by QuartHaus for a photo with everyone's favorite holiday grump.
We're collecting new, unwrapped toys, books, and children's clothing to benefit Banner Health Children's Blood and Cancer Center. Bring a donation, drop it off near the Grinch display, and capture a festive photo!
Stay awhile and enjoy the QuartHaus plaza, complete with outdoor games, patio seating, and a dog park.
4:30 PM - 8:00 PM | QuartHaus
December 12 | Sippin' Santas Pub Crawl®
21+ event
Santa is trading his sleigh for a barstool! Grab your friends, put on your best holiday gear, and get ready to sleigh your way through Downtown Chandler's favorite bars and restaurants.
Enjoy $5 drink specials, food, and plenty of holiday cheer at more than 20 participating locations.
Ticket options:
VIP List | $50
- Exclusive VIP experience at The Perch Brewery from 10:30 AM–12 PM.
- Pub crawl access from 12–6 PM.
Nice List | $20
- Pub crawl access from 12–3 PM.
- Registration: 11:30 AM–12:30 PM.
Naughty List | $20
- Pub crawl access from 3–6 PM.
- Registration: 2:30–3:30 PM.
Nice and Naughty List registration takes place at 178 W. Boston St. Participants receive a holiday-themed swag item and printed map of participating locations, while supplies last.
December 12 | Road to Riches Holiday Car Show
Trade the reindeer for horsepower! The Road to Riches Holiday Car Show brings together an impressive lineup of supercars, American muscle, hot rods, and classic rides for an afternoon of automotive fun.
Hosted by the Be A Mushroom Foundation in partnership with the City of Chandler, this event supports financial literacy programs and opportunities for Chandler youth.
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM | City Hall Parking Garage
December 18 | David Archuleta Holiday Show
Get into the holiday spirit with an evening of music as David Archuleta brings his signature voice and festive energy to Downtown Chandler. Enjoy beloved Christmas classics, modern seasonal favorites, and original songs in a holiday performance filled with nostalgia and cheer.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Downtown Chandler
Fridays & Saturdays Through Christmas Eve | Santa at DC Steakhouse
Santa is making a special stop in Downtown Chandler! Find him on the New Square stage outside DC Steakhouse every Friday and Saturday leading up to Christmas Eve, including Christmas Eve itself.
Stop by with the family, share your Christmas wishes, and snap a photo with the jolly man himself!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | New Square, outside DC Steakhouse
Santa is expected to arrive between 6 and 6:30 PM each evening.
Keep the Holiday Magic Going!
The festivities don't stop with the events! Make an evening of exploring Downtown Chandler, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, grab a seasonal drink, browse the shops, and take in the holiday displays throughout the district.
There's always another reason to make a little holiday magic downtown!