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Downtown Chandler Holiday Bucket List

Category: Features

The holiday season may look a bit different this year, but there are still a variety of activities that will safely get you in the spirit. From famous Downtown Chandler traditions like the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting to new items such as the Sugarland holiday display, we have something for everyone.

Here a few things you’ll want to put on your holiday bucket list.

Small Business Saturday
Now more than ever, the small businesses in Downtown Chandler need your support. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 28 for live music from 1 -5 p.m. from pianist Grady Soine and harpist Jocelyn Obermeyer and a special in-store giveaway at our retailers. 

Prefer to shop online? Purchase gifts and gift cards virtually at the sites below.

Sibley’s West: The Chandler & Arizona Gift Shop
Blue Planet Outdoors
Shoe Thrill

(we love Saba’s Western Wear, but they are in-store only right now)

Sugarland Holiday Display
New to Downtown Chandler, Sugarland is an interactive holiday display that you and your family can safely enjoy any time of the day or night from Saturday, November 28 thru Sunday, January 3. 

Snap a selfie in the candy sleigh next to the famous Tumbleweed Tree, slide down the fruit roll up slide, climb over giant marshmallows spilling out a life-size cup of hot chocolate and pass through the candy canes. 

At night the display showcases “Sugarland’s Canal of Lights”, a beautiful walkway over the Commonwealth Canal on Commonwealth Avenue with over 500 colorful lights timed to dance holiday music from 5 – 10 p.m. daily. Songs include “Carol of the Bells” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, “Jingle Bell Rock”, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey and “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé.

Sugarland is a wonderful back drop for your holiday photos and overall enjoyment as you stroll the downtown shopping and dining.

Snap your selfies
Speaking of holiday photos, Downtown Chandler has a variety of both murals and iconic selfie spots that will add a fun and unique twist to your photos. Click here for the full list

Downtown Chandler Farmers Market
Pick up everything you need for weekly dinners as well as holiday dinners. Many vendors offer pre-orders on sweet treats, including Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake, Sweet & Savory Tastings, Italian Harmony and more. 

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in Dr. A.J. Chandler Park West

Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl
The jolliest pub crawl in town takes over Downtown Chandler on Saturday, Dec. 12 with new safety precautions! Enjoy $4 drink specials at 28 of the hottest restaurants in town. 

  • Registration will be capped based on the 50% dining capacity of the participating businesses
  • Registration will be staggered, with both 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. time slots
  • Registration will take place outside at New Square with social distancing set in place
  • Masks are required and branded Sippin’ Santas masks will be handed out at registration
  • Temperatures will be taken at registration⁠
  • Hand sanitizer will be offered at registration ⁠
  • Day of registration will not be offered
  • Participating bars and restaurants will follow CDC guidelines

Buy your tickets before they sell out

City of Chandler Tumbleweed Tree Lighting
Although in-person events have been canceled, you can still watch as the famous Tumbleweed Tree is virtually lit on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 4:30 – 9 p.m. Details


Spirit of Christmas Virtual Holiday Show
Watch as the Chandler Center for the Arts main stage turns into a winter wonderland during this special performance recorded in 2019. Spirit of Christmas celebrates traditions from around the world, from Asia to Eastern Europe to indigenous peoples of America. 

Featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers, singers and guest performers (including World Champion Hoop Dancer Tony Duncan) this holiday mainstay captures the magic of the season. Whimsical details, like a real horse-drawn carriage and Santa spreading cheer to all, will put a smile on the face of kids from one to ninety-two.

Share unforgettable moments with family and friends with this 3-hour virtual performance you can watch at your leisure, with unlimited access for three days, over two weekends (November 27 – 29 or December 4 – 6). More information

What’s on your holiday bucket list? Share in the comments below.