The APS Light Parade Route is an annual downtown Phoenix, Arizona event. The parade covers approximately two miles, starting at North Central Avenue and West Montebello Avenue, proceeding south on Central Avenue, then east on Camelback Road, and concluding at Seventh Street. This illuminated procession features a variety of floats, marching bands, and creative displays that showcase holiday themes and local culture.
The event typically attracts thousands of spectators each year. The route is designed to provide multiple viewing opportunities, with designated areas for parking, seating, and standing. Local businesses along the road, including shops and restaurants, often remain open during the parade, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
The APS Light Parade is a significant holiday tradition in Phoenix, bringing together community members and visitors to celebrate the season. It offers a unique nighttime spectacle that combines visual artistry with music and holiday cheer. The parade’s organization includes careful planning for traffic management, safety measures, and accessibility to ensure a positive experience for all attendees.
Key Takeaways
- The APS Light Parade Route is a designated path through the city for the annual holiday parade, which features illuminated floats and performances.
- The best spots to view the parade include Central Avenue, Roosevelt Street, and Hance Park for prime viewing of the festive procession.
- Tips for enjoying the parade include arriving early to secure a good spot, dressing warmly, and bringing snacks and drinks to stay comfortable during the event.
- The APS Light Parade has a rich history dating back to the 1980s and has since become a beloved tradition in the community.
- Entertainment and activities along the route include live music, food vendors, and interactive displays to keep spectators entertained before and after the parade.
- Getting to the APS Light Parade Route is easy, with public transportation, rideshare services, and designated parking areas available for attendees.
- At the APS Light Parade, attendees can expect a dazzling display of lights, festive floats, and performances that capture the holiday spirit for all to enjoy.
Best spots to view the parade
Central Avenue: Unobstructed Views of the Illuminated Floats
One popular viewing location is along Central Avenue, where spectators can line the sidewalks and enjoy unobstructed views of the illuminated floats as they make their way through the heart of downtown Phoenix.
Central Avenue and Camelback Road: A Stunning Visual Display
Another great spot to view the parade is at the intersection of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, where spectators can witness the excitement as the procession turns east onto Camelback Road, creating a stunning visual display of lights and colors.
Elevated Views and the Grand Finale
Additionally, the area near Seventh Street offers a great vantage point to see the parade’s grand finale as it comes to a close, with plenty of space for spectators to gather and enjoy the festivities. For those looking for a more elevated view of the parade, several parking garages and buildings along the route offer rooftop access, providing a unique perspective of the procession from above. These elevated vantage points offer a panoramic view of the entire parade route, allowing spectators to take in the full scope of the dazzling displays and enjoy an unforgettable experience. No matter where you choose to view the APS Light Parade Route, spectators can find the perfect spot to enjoy the festivities and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Tips for enjoying the parade
To make the most of your experience at the APS Light Parade Route, there are several tips to keep in mind that will help ensure a fun time for all. Arriving early is key to securing a good viewing spot along the route, as popular areas can fill up quickly with spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the parade. Bringing along chairs or blankets to sit on can also enhance your comfort while waiting for the procession to pass by, especially if you plan on staking out a prime viewing location well in advance.
Additionally, dressing warmly and layering clothing is important, as the evenings in Phoenix can be chilly during the holiday season, and staying comfortable will make your experience more enjoyable. Another important tip for enjoying the APS Light Parade Route is to plan for parking and transportation. With thousands of spectators expected to attend the parade, parking in popular areas along the route can be limited.
Consider carpooling with friends or family to reduce the number of vehicles needed for parking, or look into public transportation options such as light rail or bus routes that provide convenient access to the parade route. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area’s road closures and traffic patterns to avoid any unexpected delays or detours on your way to the parade. Considering these tips, you can make the most of your experience at the APS Light Parade Route and create lasting memories with loved ones during this festive holiday tradition.
History of the APS Light Parade
| Year | Number of Participants | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 500 | Winter Wonderland |
| 2016 | 700 | Magical Holidays |
| 2017 | 900 | Christmas Around the World |
| 2018 | 1200 | Holiday Movie Magic |
| 2019 | 1500 | A Christmas Story |
The APS Light Parade has been a cherished tradition in Phoenix for over three decades, bringing joy and holiday spirit to residents and visitors alike. The parade began in 1986 as a way to celebrate the holiday season and showcase local organizations and businesses’ creativity and community spirit through dazzling displays of lights and festive decorations. Over the years, the APS Light Parade has grown in popularity and scale, attracting larger crowds and expanding its route to accommodate more participants and spectators.
The parade has become a beloved tradition that marks the official start of the holiday season in Phoenix, with thousands of people gathering along the route each year to witness the magical procession come to life. The APS Light Parade has also become an opportunity for local businesses, schools, and community groups to come together and showcase their creativity through elaborate floats, marching bands, and other colorful displays that light up the night sky. The parade has become an iconic event that brings people together in a spirit of joy and celebration, creating cherished memories for families and friends who attend year after year.
Entertainment and activities along the route
In addition to the dazzling displays of lights and festive floats, there are plenty of entertainment and activities along the APS Light Parade Route. Many local businesses and vendors set up booths along the route, offering a variety of food, drinks, and holiday treats for spectators to enjoy while watching the procession pass by. There are also live performances by local musicians, dance groups, and other entertainers that add to the festive atmosphere and provide additional entertainment for spectators as they wait for the parade to begin.
For families with children, interactive activities such as face painting, crafts, and games are often available along the route, providing fun and engaging experiences for young attendees. Additionally, many shops and restaurants along the parade route offer special promotions and discounts during the event, making it a great opportunity to explore local businesses and support the community while enjoying the holiday festivities. With so much entertainment and activities to enjoy along the APS Light Parade Route, there’s something for everyone to experience and celebrate during this magical holiday tradition.
How to get to the APS Light Parade Route
Driving to the Parade
For those driving to the parade, several parking lots and garages are located near the route and offer convenient access to prime viewing locations. However, it’s essential to plan for parking by arriving early or considering alternative transportation options such as carpooling or public transit to avoid any potential congestion or delays.
Public Transportation Options
Public transportation is also convenient for getting to the APS Light Parade Route. Several light rail stations near Central Avenue provide easy access to the parade route. Additionally, several bus routes run through downtown Phoenix and stop near the parade route, offering another convenient option for getting to the event without worrying about parking or traffic.
A Stress-Free Experience
By utilizing these transportation options, spectators can easily access the APS Light Parade Route and enjoy a stress-free experience while celebrating this beloved holiday tradition.
What to expect at the APS Light Parade
The APS Light Parade is a magical event that offers a festive atmosphere filled with dazzling lights, music, and holiday cheer for spectators of all ages. As the procession makes its way through downtown Phoenix, spectators can expect to see a variety of illuminated floats featuring creative designs and colorful decorations that capture the spirit of the holiday season. The parade also features marching bands, dance groups, and other performers who add lively entertainment to the event, creating an exciting and dynamic experience for all who attend.
In addition to the vibrant displays and entertainment, spectators can expect plenty of opportunities for food, drinks, and holiday treats from local vendors along the route. Many businesses also offer special promotions and discounts during the event, making it a great opportunity to explore downtown Phoenix while enjoying the parade’s festivities. Overall, attendees can expect a joyful and enchanting experience at the APS Light Parade that brings people together to celebrate the holiday season and creates lasting memories for all who attend.
FAQs
What is the APS Light Parade Route?
The APS Light Parade Route is a designated path through a city or town where the APS Light Parade takes place. It is the route that the parade floats, vehicles, and participants follow as they showcase their illuminated displays.
Where does the APS Light Parade Route take place?
The APS Light Parade Route typically takes place in a specific city or town and may vary from year to year. It is organized by APS (Arizona Public Service) and is a popular holiday event in the community.
What can spectators expect to see along the APS Light Parade Route?
Spectators along the APS Light Parade Route can expect to see a variety of illuminated floats, vehicles, and participants decorated with festive lights and decorations. The parade often includes marching bands, dance groups, and other entertainment.
How long is the APS Light Parade Route?
The length of the APS Light Parade Route can vary depending on the specific location and organization of the parade. It may cover several miles through city streets, allowing spectators ample viewing opportunities.
Are road closures or traffic impacts along the APS Light Parade Route?
During the APS Light Parade, there may be temporary road closures and traffic impacts along the parade route to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Planning andthat youhecking for any traffic advisories or alternative routes is recommended.
