APS Electric Light Parade Celebrates 36th Year In Phoenix This Saturday

The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and APS Electric will host the 36th annual APS Electric Light Parade this Saturday, Dec. 2. The event will be illuminate central Phoenix.

The APS Electric Light Parade will be a memorable event that will feature a variety of colorful floats and light-up decorations. The annual event returns with a night of dazzling and captivating entertainment that is sure to delight attendees of all ages.

If you plan to go, here is all the information you need to know.

Parade Procession Routes and Streets Closures

It is strongly recommended that those planning to view the parade arrive early  to the area as road closures along the parade route will begin on Saturday morning. In general, people need to plan for traffic in central Phoenix to be heavily congested.

The parade route spans 2.3 mi. along this route. The parade will start at Montebello Avenue and Central Avenue, then travel south to Camelback Road and Central Avenue, continues east on Camelback Road to 7th Street, and finishes at Indian School Road. The first float will begin at 7 p.m. and it is estimated to take about an hour to reach the end.

Day of Parade Road Closures – 5 to 11 p.m.:
Central Ave: Camelback Rd. to Bethany Home Rd.
7th St.: Indian School Rd. to Osborn Rd.
Camelback Rd.: 1st Ave. to 7th St.

Organizers anticipate that locations along the parade’s path will be taken up by onlookers quickly. There is a first-come, first-served policy for obtaining a spot. It is recommended that spectators arrive a few hours before the parade starts in order to guarantee their spot.

Parking for Parade

Finding a parking spot can be done on the side streets near the parade route, but will be limited. Additionally, there are private lots near the parade area that charge a fee for parking. To avoid traffic jams, the parade organizers suggest using the Light Rail. The parade route is located close to the Light Rail stop at Central Avenue, just south of Camelback Road.

Attendees are asked to bring along their own blankets and chairs for convenience. The weather in Phoenix on Saturday is anticipated to be relatively warm, with a high temperature of 63. Temperatures will decline to the mid-40s as the evening progresses. It is advised to dress accordingly.

Those who attend the parade are allowed to bring coolers, however, alcoholic beverages and glass containers are not allowed. It is requested that participants keep their trash to a minimum to make post-event cleanup easier.

If you can’t make it out, you can catch the parade on television.

Watch the Parade Broadcast on ABC15:​

Sunday, December 10, on ABC15, Time: 4 p.m.
Sunday, December 24, on on ABC15, Time: 12 p.m.​
Monday, December 25, on ABC15, Time: 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Monday, December 25, on Arizona 61, Time: 6 a.m.*
*Subject to change

​PHXTV Web Stream
Daily through December 25
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
PHXTV Website​