Dr. A.J. Chandler Park Holiday Events to Open Dec. 5
The west side of the $20 million renovated park reopens for the 70th Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The west side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park reopens December 5 after a $20 million renovation that added event space, seating, shade and restrooms to downtown Chandler. All holiday activities, vendors and the Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights are located on that side of the park.
Why it matters
The renovation is the first overhaul of the park since 1986, changing how residents can use the downtown green space. The east side is set to reopen in spring, completing the project.
The $20 million project is the park's first major overhaul since 1986, a gap of roughly four decades. The east side's spring reopening date has not been specified beyond the season.
The players
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
A downtown Chandler green space that received its first major overhaul since 1986 through a $20 million renovation.
d'Vine Gourmet
A specialty food shop operated by Denise McCreery on Chandler's Historic Square since 2009, housed in a 100-year-old building.
The details
The west side hosts the 70th Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights, with the parade starting at 6:45 p.m. and the tree lighting around 8 p.m. The event includes vendors and activations, with no inflatables this year.
Timeline
December 5: West side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park reopens for holiday events.
Spring: East side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is scheduled to reopen.
Open Doors
The $20 million project follows the park's 1986 overhaul, the last major update to the downtown green space before this renovation. The reopening of the west side extends the park's role as a downtown hub for holiday gatherings and civic events.
Residents can use the west side of the park starting December 5 for the tree lighting, parade and vendor activities. Event space, seating, shade and restrooms added in the renovation are available on that side now, while the east side remains closed until spring.
The takeaway
Plan holiday visits to downtown Chandler for the west side of the park now open, with the full park expected once the east side reopens in spring.
What happens next
The east side of Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is projected to reopen in spring.
Further reading
Browse more Chandler openings and closings for other local business and public space updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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