City of Phoenix Announces Electric Light Parade Grand Marshal

​​The lights and sounds of the APS Electric Light Parade are returning this holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 3. On Wednesday, the City of Phoenix announced Super Bowl LVII official mascot Spike as Grand Marshal for the 35th annual parade.

Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite you to join us for a night of community and celebration. Parade entrants will interpret the theme of “Light Up the Night,” and are sure to light up the streets of central Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 3, with their visually stunning displays!

“The Electric Light Parade is a unique Phoenix tradition that brings families and neighbors from all backgrounds together to celebrate the holidays,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

“The parade is the largest annual event hosted by our department and our staff works around the clock to make sure residents have the best experience possible,” Director of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Cynthia Aguilar said. “We hope you join us for a community event that is the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday season.”

“The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is thrilled to be part of the APS Electric Light Parade, a staple event for the community, where our mascot Spike is the Grand Marshal,” said Jay Parry, president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. “The excitement for the parade is a perfect display of energy Arizonans bring to events and why the Valley is the ideal host for Super Bowl LVII in February.”

The 2.3 mi. parade route  starts at Central Avenue and Montebello Avenue, travels south to Central Avenue. and Camelback Road, heads east along Camelback Road to 7th Street, and continues south along 7th Street to its conclusion at Indian School Road The first parade entries will begin at 7 p.m. and take approximately 60 minutes to reach the end. It is strongly recommended that attendees arrive several hours in advance of the start of the parade.

Helpful tips for those planning to attend this year’s parade:

• Consider taking Valley Metro Light Railto the event to avoid traffic congestion. The parade route runs near the Light Rail stop at Central Avenue, just south of Camelback Road.
• The parade is a rain or shine event. Check the weather forecastand dress accordingly.
• ​Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
• Crowds for this event have grown large in recent years and viewing spots along the parade route are first-come, first-served. Spectators often start arriving hours prior to parade time to reserve a spot.
• Public on-street parking is available around the parade route on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots near the parade area often offer parking for a fee.
• Spectators should try to minimize and gather any trash and litter generated during the parade to ease post-event cleanup.
• Coolers are permitted, but alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
• Road closures and restrictions affect all parade areas hours before the event; come early and expect delays.
• Check out the parade route at Phoenix Parks and Recreation – APS Electric Light Parade.