A Tempe Light Show That Lit Up Our Holidays

I know it’s almost spring (at least in AZ),  but I still can’t stop thinking about the night we went to the best drive through light show in Tempe. You know how some experiences just stick with you? That’s exactly how this one was. Even now, when I hear a certain Christmas song or see twinkling lights in a store, I’m instantly transported back to that magical evening.

We went a few days before Christmas, when everyone was finally starting to relax and get into the holiday spirit. I remember my mom saying, “Let’s just do something easy tonight,” and somehow that simple idea turned into one of the best nights of the whole season. We grabbed some hot cocoa from a local café, queued up our favorite holiday playlist, and headed to World of Illumination in Tempe at Diablo Stadium.

The second we drove through those glowing arches at the entrance, it felt like we’d stepped into another world. The lights were perfectly synchronized to the music, so every beat made the displays sparkle, flash, or shimmer in time. I don’t know how they pull that off, but it’s amazing. My favorite part was the tunnel of lights that pulsed to the rhythm of “Carol of the Bells.” It was so mesmerizing that even the car behind us slowed down, probably trying to soak it all in too.

The Energy of the Night

What I loved most about World of Illumination was the atmosphere. It wasn’t just about the lights; it was about how they made everyone feel. You could sense the excitement even before you entered. Cars full of families were lined up, kids peeking out of sunroofs and windows, couples taking selfies, everyone laughing and singing along. There’s something about shared joy that makes an experience feel bigger. The best drive through light show in Tempe really brought that to life.

Inside our car, it was the same story. My brother took control of the music station so we wouldn’t miss a single song, and every time the lights synced up with a beat drop, we all cheered. My mom kept saying, “I wish your grandma could see this,” and my dad (who’s not easily impressed) just kept shaking his head and saying, “They really went all out.”

We even ended up circling back to drive through again. The staff were super friendly about it, waving and smiling at each car. You could tell they loved being there too, which honestly just added to the good vibes.

Why It Stands Out

I’ve been to a few other light shows before, but nothing compares to this. It’s easy to see why people call it the best drive through light show in Tempe. First of all, it’s huge. You feel like you’re driving through a storybook. The displays are big and colorful, with characters that seem to move right alongside your car. Some of the scenes even looked like they were telling their own mini stories - one moment you’re surrounded by snowflakes, and the next you’re watching Santa blast off into space.

And the music was perfect. Everything is synced so tightly that you can’t help but get caught up in it. It’s like being inside a music video, but way more festive. Plus, the fact that you can experience it all from the comfort of your car is a game-changer. No crowds, no cold, no worrying about parking or long lines. Just warmth, laughter, and pure holiday magic.

The Perfect Tempe Tradition

I think what makes this light show special is how it feels like something you can make a tradition out of. Whether you’re with your family, your partner, or even just a few friends, it’s the kind of event that’s easy to do but feels meaningful. We all left talking about how we wanted to come back next year, and I can’t think of a better sign that something’s truly special.

If you’re local to Tempe, you know how great it is to have something like this nearby. Between school, work, and everything else going on during the holidays, it’s rare to find something that’s both low-stress and high-impact. World of Illumination somehow nails that balance perfectly. You can make it as simple or as special as you want—grab a quick drink and go, or turn it into a whole night out.

Looking Back (and Ahead!)

Now that a couple months have passed, it’s kind of funny how much that night stands out. We did a lot of things over the holidays, but this one still gets mentioned the most. My little cousin even made a “countdown to lights” chart in her notebook because she’s already planning our next visit. I think that’s what makes the best drive through light show in Tempe so memorable, it doesn’t end when the lights go out. It stays with you.

I’m already looking forward to seeing what they’ll do next year. World of Illumination always seems to find new ways to surprise people, and even though I have no idea what theme they’ll choose, I know it’ll be amazing. We’ll definitely be back, cocoa in hand, ready to roll down the windows and sing our hearts out again.

Plan for Next Season

If you didn’t get the chance to go this past year, make a note for next season. Seriously. Put it on your calendar for November through early January so you don’t forget. The show usually runs nightly through the holidays, and tickets are easiest to grab online at worldofillumination.com.

Tempe really shines during the holidays, and this light show is a big reason why. Whether you’re from the area or visiting family in town, it’s something everyone should experience at least once. I can’t think of a better way to wrap up the year: with laughter, color, and the kind of light that stays with you long after the season ends. Grab your tickets early next season and make it your new holiday tradition!