Phoenix Electric Light Parade 2026: Date, Route and Tips for Watching

The APS Electric Light Parade in Phoenix is set for Saturday, December 5, 2026, along Central Avenue, with street closures from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and the parade listed to start at 7 p.m. The city says to arrive early, bring chairs and blankets, and consider the light rail to avoid traffic.

What the Electric Light Parade Is

If you are new to the Valley, this is one of the big holiday traditions in central Phoenix. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department lists the 2026 event as the 39th annual APS Electric Light Parade, with the theme "Power the City With Lights!" Floats, vehicles and groups decorate with lights and roll through the neighborhoods north of downtown after dark. I like it because it feels like a real neighborhood event, not a ticketed show.

Date, Time and Route

The parade is Saturday, December 5, 2026. According to the city's event page, the route starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and ends at 7th Street and Indian School Road. The city's event details give a 7 p.m. start, while its calendar shows 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., which appears to match the road-closure window. Because the page is not clear on this, check the city page again the week of the parade before you plan your evening.

The city lists these closures for December 5 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.: Central Avenue from Camelback Road to Bethany Home Road, 7th Street from Indian School Road to Osborn Road, and Camelback Road from 1st Avenue to 7th Street. Vendors are not allowed to set up in the staging areas or along the route streets and sidewalks on December 4 and 5.

Tips for Watching

The city says the parade goes on rain or shine and that many people arrive hours early. Street parking near the route is first come, first served, and private lots nearby often charge a fee. The city suggests Valley Metro Light Rail as a way around the traffic. Bring chairs and blankets, and stay behind the cones. Once the streetlights go off it gets very dark. Coolers are allowed, but alcohol and glass are not. Portable restrooms are placed along the route.

If you would rather stay home, the city lists a few ways to watch: ABC15 airs a broadcast on Sunday, December 14 from 4 to 5 p.m. and again on Thursday, December 25 from 9 to 10 a.m., and Arizona 61 airs it on December 25 from noon to 1 p.m. A web stream is also listed daily through December 25 at 7 p.m.

Plan Around Other December 5 Events

The same evening, Chandler holds its Tumbleweed Tree Lighting in the East Valley, so families sometimes have to choose. I wrote about the other holiday displays in Holiday Lights in Phoenix 2026, and my November calendar is in Things to Do in Phoenix in November 2026. If you are thinking about which part of town fits your life, start with my guide to moving to Phoenix and the cost of living page, or browse Phoenix listings.

Questions People Ask

When is the Phoenix Electric Light Parade in 2026? It is Saturday, December 5, 2026, with street closures from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and a listed 7 p.m. start.

Where does the Electric Light Parade start and end? It starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and ends at 7th Street and Indian School Road, according to the City of Phoenix.

Can I ride light rail to the parade? The city suggests Valley Metro Light Rail to avoid traffic, but it does not name specific stops, so check Valley Metro for your station and schedule.

Can I bring a cooler? The city says coolers are allowed, but alcohol and glass are not.