39th Annual APS Electric Light Parade

The APS Electric Light Parade returns to Phoenix on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 7 PM. This year marks the 39th annual edition of a tradition that's been around for more than three decades, bringing together families, neighborhood groups, and businesses from across the city to celebrate the holiday season. It's a rain-or-shine event, and it's grown in popularity over the years—spectators often arrive hours early to claim their spots, which are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis along the route.

The parade runs about two miles and takes roughly an hour to complete. It starts at Central Ave. and Montebello Ave. and winds its way to 7th St. and Indian School Rd. If you're planning to watch in person, keep in mind that the route is open to the public, so the earlier you get there, the better your view will be.

One of the more distinct parts of the parade is the government entry category, which lets schools and municipal agencies that don't fit into other categories build and stage their own floats. If you've ever wanted to get a group together and put something on the street, that's where it happens. That said, all 2026 entry spots are already full, though there is a waiting list if you're still hoping to get in.

If you can't make it downtown, you can still catch the whole thing from home. The parade is televised on ABC15 and Arizona 61, and it'll be streamed daily on PHXTV through Christmas Day, so you can watch it on your own time long after the actual night. People also use the hashtag #phxlightparade to share photos and videos from the event. For those who do want to enter, the government entry fee is $100.00.