The Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival returns to downtown Tucson on Friday, Dec. 6. The 31st annual event fills Armory Park and nearby streets with music, lights, and holiday cheer. Families, friends, and downtown workers gather for floats, food trucks, and live performances.
This year’s parade also welcomes Don Guerra, founder of Barrio Bread
and James Beard Award–winning baker, as Grand Marshal to help lead the procession as a
champion of local food, culture, and community.
Festival in Armory Park starts at 4 p.m.
The festival begins at 4 p.m. in Armory Park. Attendees find kids activities, local performers, and plenty of space to spread out on the grass. Vendors and volunteers help keep the atmosphere festive through the evening.
Food trucks and treats
Food trucks from across Tucson park along the festival, serving everything from handheld bites to dessert. Guests can eat dinner, grab snacks, or linger over coffee before the parade begins.
Scheduled food trucks include:
85 E. 12th St.
- Birreria Las Chicas
- Black Market BBQ
- Lahaina Waffle Dogs
- La Bufadora Fish Tacos
- Fiesta Filipina
- Mafia Kitchen
- Sushi Hana
- Yum Yum Pocha
- Churros El Rey
- Bisou Burger
145 S. Sixth Ave.
- DC Jumbie Latin Caribbean
- Takoyaki Balls
308 E. 12th St.
- Espresso Self
- Kettle Corn Bros
299 E. 14th St.
- Big Sexy’s Wangs and Thangs
- Parritas Mexican Food
- Special Eats Sweets
Parade route and start time
The Downtown Parade of Lights steps off at 6:30 p.m. The illuminated procession moves through the Armory Park neighborhood before returning to the festival area.
The parade starts at 17th Street and Fourth Avenue. It travels north on Fourth Avenue to 12th Street. It continues west on 12th Street to Sixth Avenue. It heads south on Sixth Avenue and ends at Armory Park.
Best viewing areas
Spectators find some of the best views along Sixth Avenue between Broadway and 13th Street. Fourth Avenue between 12th Street and 17th Street also offers prime spots near the start of the route. Arrive early for easier parking, more elbow room, and time to explore downtown.
Parade entries and entertainment
More than 50 entries from local organizations, schools, and community groups light up the route. Floats, dancers, and marching bands showcase the creativity of Tucson neighborhoods and partners.
Featured groups include Coronado National Park Service and Tierra Antigua Realty. Tucson Comic-Con, Grease Monkey, Thunderbird Folklorico, and the Pride of Sunnyside Marching Band all join in. Roadrunners Hockey and Team Snoop Dogg with the Arizona Bowl ride alongside Santa Claus.
Sponsors and support
Local sponsors help bring the Downtown Parade of Lights and Festival to life each year. This year’s sponsors include:
- Rio Nuevo District
- Visit Tucson / Vamos A Tucson
- Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
- The Arizona Bowl
- Truly Nolen
- Raising Cane’s
- Ultimate Auto Boutique
- IBEW Local 570
About the Downtown Parade of Lights
The Downtown Parade of Lights began in 1994 as a neighborhood gathering in the heart of Tucson. Over time, it grew into one of the city’s signature holiday traditions. Today, the event highlights downtown businesses, artists, and community organizations while keeping the focus on families. Organizers encourage attendees to dress in layers, bring chairs, and support local vendors throughout the night.
Find more food events and festivals on the Tucson Foodie calendar at https://tucsonfoodie.com/calendar/.
For more information, visit downtownparadeoflights.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
