The holiday season is always busy, but with so many family-friendly events happening all around the East Valley, there’s plenty of merriment to keep the holiday stress away. The best part is, your kids will have a blast, and so will you! From lighting ceremonies and visits with Santa, to balloon rides and hot cocoa bars, you won’t have to travel far for a taste of holiday cheer this year.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights (Chandler)

Kick off the holidays this year in Downtown Chandler at the annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade of Lights. This event proudly displays a southwestern spin on the traditional Christmas tree with a 35-foot tall tree made from tumbleweeds! Painted white, dusted with glitter, and decorated with over 1,200 lights, this unique tree is quite a spectacle. The lighting ceremony and parade festivities will be held on December 6th at Dr. AJ Chandler Park. Starting at 4pm, there will be live music, craft stations, and a place to take pictures with Santa! Your kids will love watching the parade of festive floats and community groups making their way down the streets of Chandler, from 7-8pm. For the grand finale, the Tumbleweed Tree will be lit up for the first time this year and visitors can munch on treats and mingle with Santa til the evening ends.

If you go…

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights December 6, 4:00pm -9:00pm Downtown Chandler – Dr. AJ Chandler Park Free Admission

Winter FROZENland (Chandler)

For the kids in your family who love the movie Frozen (and know every song by heart), Charming Pony Ranch is turning into a Winter FROZENland, complete with REAL SNOW, sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and a special visit from Elsa, Anna, and Olaf! Thirty tons of snow will be imported every weekend in December for your kids to build snowmen and make snow angels in all night long. Register online to get the best deals on admission and reserve a time for your family photos with Santa!

If you go…

Winter FROZENland Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 28-December 21st from 10:00am – 5:00pm December 22-23 from 10:00 am – 4pm 19814 S. McQueen Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286 Prices will vary

27th Annual Spirit of Christmas (Chandler)

Making its annual debut this season for the 27th year in a row, the Chandler Center for the Arts presents the Spirit of Christmas performance during select weekends in December. Come watch as a variety of dancers grace the stage in a show that is perfect for all ages! Discounted tickets are available for children ages 12 and younger. Visit the website for show times, ticket prices, and details.

If you go…

27th Annual Spirit of Christmas December 13-14, 20-21 Chandler Center for the Arts Show times and tickets available on website

Mesa Arts Festival 2014

The 2014 Mesa Arts Festival is an outdoor extravaganza of live music, entertainment, and art booths selling the perfect handcrafted gift for everyone on your list. The two-day event is perfect for a family outing of holiday shopping and fun. Admission is free and the event lasts all day Saturday and Sunday, December 13 & 14.

If you go…

Mesa Arts Festival 2014 December 13-14, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm Mesa Arts Center Free Admission

Holiday Balloon Glow & Gift Bazaar (Gilbert)

On December 6th, SanTan Village in Downtown Gilbert is hosting a huge Holiday Balloon Glow & Gift Bazaar. Santa and Mrs. Claus are making many stops around the East Valley, but this is sure to be the kids’ favorite. Watch as several hot air balloons are released, or get your fill of live music, food trucks, and other artisan vendors. Your kids will also love the experience of a horse-drawn carriage ride and a tethered hot air balloon ride at this special one-night event.

If you go…

Holiday Balloon Glow & Gift Bazaar December 6, 1:00pm – 9:00pm SanTan Village Free Admission

Pictures with Santa in Downtown Gilbert

Local businesses in Downtown Gilbert have teamed up to create the ultimate Pictures with Santa Party for moms and their kids. A few of Santa’s elves even came to help your kids write their lists! Sip some hot cocoa or coffee, and try some treats from Inspired Sugar while the professional photographers take pictures of your kids with Saint Nick. Register online to reserve a time slot and find out more!

If you go…

Pictures with Santa in Downtown Gilbert December 6 11am-4pm (by reservation) Petite Party Studio: 223 N. Gilbert Rd.

Queen Creek Holiday Festival and Parade

Join the holiday fun in Queen Creek at the 32nd annual Holiday Festival & Parade. Local school groups and dance troops will showcase their talents before and after the parade, which starts at 3pm. Be sure to get there early to save your spot and enjoy the entertainment. The traditional tree lighting will take place at 6pm and visitors can enjoy the music, dancing, and local vendors at the festival until the evening’s end.

If you go…

Queen Creek Parade December 6, 2:00 pm – 7:00pm 21802 South Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142