APS Electric Light Parade Sparks Christmas Spirit In Phoenix

PHOENIX, AZ — Who can be a Grinch when the APS Electric Light Parade Saturday at 7 p.m. in Phoenix ignites the Christmas spirit with its hundreds of thousands of lights riding atop 90 entries? The parade, now 33 years old, is crafted this year to reflect its “Walking in a Desert Wonderland” theme while grand marshal and 99.9 KEZ deejay Beth McDonald emcees.

The parade begins at Montebello Avenue and Central Avenue, then rides south to Camelback Road, then turns east to 7th Street and heads south to Indian School Road where the parade ends. The city's interactive map shows the route.

Those wanting to get a head start on the holiday fun — and a close-up sneak peek at the parade’s entries — can do so at the Parade Preview Event Friday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave. There, all the lit-up motorized entries will be judged. Students in ASU’s Special Event Management program will host a free International Children’s Festival where kids can see Santa, make arts and crafts, play games and learn more about other countries’ holiday celebrations.

Meanwhile, a Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson provided these tips for 2019 APS Electric Light Parade attendees:

• Consider the Valley Metro Light Rail as a way to skip the traffic backups car drivers will have. The light rail stop at Central Avenue and Camelback is close to the parade’s route.
• Look at the weather forecast and wear appropriate attire.
• Attendees are encouraged to take chairs and blankets.
• Those who get closest to the parade are often those who get to the route at least three hours before the parade starts.
• Private parking lots close to the parade are available, as is city street parking, on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots will charge a fee.
• Spectators should collect any litter before leaving to make post-event cleanup easier.
• Glass and alcohol containers are not allowed; however, coolers are permitted.