Glowboats

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a boat parade, right? Since 1999, Tempe Town Lake has hosted the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, a procession of as many as 50 watercraft bedecked with Christmas lights and other holiday decor. But that’s just one aspect of this shiny event -- thousands...

By Zach Fowle

December 12, 2013

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It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a boat parade, right? Since 1999, Tempe Town Lake has hosted the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, a procession of as many as 50 watercraft bedecked with Christmas lights and other holiday decor. But that’s just one aspect of this shiny event -- thousands of luminarias also illuminate the sidewalks and paths of Tempe Beach Park, the METRO Light Rail LED installation on the Tempe Town Lake Bridge provides a special display, and a fireworks finale follows the boat parade. About one hour prior to the start of the boat parade, Santa Claus will even make an appearance at Tempe Beach Park, 54 West Rio Salado Parkway.

This free event opens to the public at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 14. Santa arrives at 6 p.m., and the Boat Parade starts at 7 p.m. Visit www.millavenue.com or call 480-355-6060 for more.

Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., 2013

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