When is the APS Electric Light Parade 2026? The 39th Annual APS Electric Light Parade rolls on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. It starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue and ends at 7th Street and Indian School Road. The City of Phoenix says the run time varies and the parade happens rain or shine.
Is it worth the drive from Scottsdale? For many Valley families, yes. It's free, it's a Phoenix tradition going back more than three decades, and with a little planning around road closures and parking, it's an easy holiday evening.
Data note: Dates, closures, broadcast times and tips come from the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation parade page, checked November 9, 2026. Confirm details closer to the date.
APS Electric Light Parade 2026 at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
- Start time: 7 p.m. (run time varies)
- Start: Central Ave. & Montebello Ave.
- Finish: 7th St. & Indian School Rd.
- Cost: free to watch; viewing spots are first-come, first-served
- Weather: rain or shine
- Hashtag: #PHXLightParade
- Questions: elp@phoenix.gov
The Route and Road Closures
The parade travels south on Central Avenue, turns east on Camelback Road and runs south on 7th Street to the finish at Indian School Road.
The city closes these roads from 5 to 11 p.m. on parade day:
- Central Avenue: Camelback Road to Bethany Home Road
- 7th Street: Indian School Road to Osborn Road
- Camelback Road: 1st Avenue to 7th Street
If you're driving in from Scottsdale, Paradise Valley or Arcadia, plan to park and walk the last stretch. Don't try to cross the route after the closures begin.
Parking and Getting There
The City of Phoenix's guidance:
- Street parking around the route is first-come, first-served
- Private lots near the route often charge a fee
- Valley Metro Light Rail is the city's recommended way to avoid traffic congestion
Spectators often arrive hours early to claim a spot, according to the city. If you want curb space with young kids, plan an early dinner nearby and settle in well before 7 p.m.
What to Bring (and What Not To)
Bring
- Blankets and chairs for seating
- Layers. The city notes the temperature really drops once the sun goes down. Our Scottsdale weather in November guide covers what late-fall evenings feel like
- Water. The city reminds spectators to stay hydrated even on a cool evening
- Food, drinks and snacks. Coolers are permitted
- A flashlight, because it's very dark once the streetlights go off
Leave at home
- Alcohol and glass containers, which are prohibited
Safety Tips From the City
- Stay behind the cones and barricades, and never run into the parade
- Find the portable restrooms near your spot before you need them
- Be respectful of other spectators, local homeowners and businesses along the route
- Gather your trash to help post-event cleanup
- Follow instructions from parade staff, monitors and public safety officers
Can't Make It? Watch From Home
The City of Phoenix lists these broadcasts:
- ABC15: Sunday, Dec. 14, 4–5 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 25, 9–10 a.m.
- Arizona 61: Thursday, Dec. 25, noon–1 p.m.
- PHXTV web stream: daily at 7 p.m. through Dec. 25
Make It a Holiday Lights Weekend
Pair the parade with other Valley traditions:
- Phoenix Zoo ZooLights 2026
- Las Noches de las Luminarias 2026 at Desert Botanical Garden
- Christmas at the Princess 2026 in Scottsdale
“The parade route runs right through some of the most charming streets in Central Phoenix, and I love seeing families line Central Avenue with blankets and thermoses. When clients relocating from out of state ask what the holidays feel like here, I send them to a night like this. It shows them a side of the Valley that a listing photo can't.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the APS Electric Light Parade 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 7 p.m., rain or shine.
What is the APS Electric Light Parade route?
It starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, then follows Central Avenue, Camelback Road and 7th Street to Indian School Road.
What roads close for the Phoenix light parade?
From 5 to 11 p.m., Central Avenue (Camelback to Bethany Home), 7th Street (Indian School to Osborn) and Camelback Road (1st Avenue to 7th Street) are closed.
Can I watch the APS Electric Light Parade on TV?
Yes. It airs on ABC15 on Dec. 14 and Dec. 25 and on Arizona 61 on Dec. 25, and streams daily on PHXTV through Dec. 25.
Curious About Living Near the Parade Route?
Central Phoenix, Arcadia and the Camelback corridor put you within walking distance of traditions like this. If you're weighing Central Phoenix against Scottsdale, I'll help you compare neighborhoods, commutes and homes.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate Specialist
Talk With Elizabeth · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: City of Phoenix: APS Electric Light Parade · City of Phoenix calendar: 39th Annual APS Electric Light Parade
Disclaimer: Event details are set by the City of Phoenix and may change. Confirm times, closures and transit before attending. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch