PHOENIX A beloved holiday tradition will soon light up Chandler as organizers prepare for the 69th annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights. The iconic tree will return to its spot in downtown Chandler, outside the Chandler Arts Center near Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard, on Dec. 6. Standing 35 feet tall and crafted from nearly 1, 000 tumbleweeds, the tree will shimmer under 65 pounds of glitter and more than 1, 200 lights when it goes on display. What will Chandler’s Tumbleweed Tree ceremony include? Several performances from Just Dance, Arizona Dance Studio and Vocal Connection Chorus will kick off the festivities at 4: 30 p. m. on Dec. 6. The Parade of Lights will kick off at 6: 45 p. m. It will feature floats, dancers and community groups, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus on a firetruck. The parade’s route will start by going north on Arizona Avenue, from the Frye Road intersection up toward Erie Street, and will finish with the lighting of the tree at 8 p. m. During the opening ceremonies, the area will also feature a bounce area and games for kids, as well as a free photo booth with Santa Claus, a life-sized gingerbread house and a “Stuff the Fire Truck” toy donation drive in front of the Alexander Building. Chandler officials are urging anyone attending to bring chairs and blankets, as well as to arrive early to avoid traffic. Watch out for road closures ahead of Chandler’s Tumbleweed Treed ceremony Several Chandler roadways will be partially closed at certain times during the opening ceremony, including: Arizona Avenue will close between Frye and Pecos roads from 2 p. m. to 8: 30 p. m. Frye Road will be restricted from Washington to California streets from 6 p. m. to 8: 30 p. m. Chandler Boulevard will be restricted from Delaware to California streets from 6 p. m. to 9 p. m. Arizona Avenue will be closed between Frye Road and Chandler Boulevard from 2 p. m. to 10 p. m. Arizona Avenue will be closed between Galveston Street and Chandler Boulevard from 6 p. m. to 9: 30 p. m. The tree will be on display through Jan. 4.
https://ktar.com/arizona-news/tumbleweed-tree-chandler-holidays/5778323/
Tumbleweed Tree lighting & Parade of Lights set to brighten Chandler for 69th holiday season
