2026 Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival

Overview

Back for November 2026 is Ahwatukee’s biggest community celebration, Light Up Ahwatukee's Holiday Festival at Desert Foothills Park. Come join us for our 30 year anniversary!

Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival

Back in the spotlight for November 2026 is Ahwatukee’s biggest community celebration, the Light Up Ahwatukee Holiday Festival. The festival will take place on Saturday, November 21st (the weekend before Thanksgiving) at Desert Foothills Park. The family-friendly festival is a great way to kick off the holiday season and get into the Christmas spirit. The event will begin at 10 AM and will continue until 11 PM.

ENTERTAINMENT

For 2026, the free, family-friendly event will continue to have all-day entertainment on the main stage. Community performances will take place 10 AM- 1 PM. Live music will take place 2 PM - 10:30 PM, including quality, headlining live music from local bands.

“Candy Cane Lane” which will house the inflatables and Santa’s Village will host Santa for complimentary family photos and time with the big man himself from 12 PM - 5 PM.

SHOPPING

A favorite of the festival is the Marketplace Street Fair with a continued focus on local artisans, providing a holiday arts and crafts shopping experience. Festival attendees can kick off their holiday shopping with dozens of local businesses showcasing their crafts, arts, and gift items. Or, peruse local businesses strewn among the Marketplace and help keep your dollars local.

FOOD, BEER, AND WINE

What's a festival without a tavern/beer garden? Our beer garden is sponsored by a local restaurant and brewery. The large enclosure will showcase craft food and beer and a variety of wines from different regions curated by a local sommelier, plus champagne and seltzers.

In addition to the Tavern, as many as 20 food vendors can be found along the park. You can pick up doughnuts, lemonade, kettle corn, and a host of main cuisines to suit all tastes.

Based upon past attendance, we estimate 8-10,000 people will attend the event at some point during the day. Come enjoy the day with family, friends, and co-workers-- and support local!

Light Up Ahwatukee is a 501(c)3 organizion dedicated to giving back to the community. Proceeds from the Holiday Festival will be donated to our selected charity. Know a charity to be considered? Complete an application here: https://lightupahwatukee.org/charity-partners.

Light Up Ahwatukee is currently seeking community volunteers, event sponsors, marketplace vendors, food vendors and more.

THE EVENT IS FREE TO ATTEND BUT DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED:

TICKETS/WRISTBANDS ARE REQUIRED BOUNCE HOUSES, FOR BEER/WINE

Don’t forget to bring extra cash to join our Split-the-Pot 50/50 raffle!