1. Overview
The Town of Gilbert in the Greater Phoenix area celebrates the holiday season with luminarias, holiday entertainment, and a focus on helping others annually in early December. The event is free to the public.
2. Riparian Preserve
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert is a unique park featuring a lake and ponds filled with reclaimed water. Since the 1980s, the Town of Gilbert has committed to reusing wastewater, creating an innovative habitat that serves both educational and recreational purposes.
Approximately 70 acres are designated for water recharge basins, which are filled on a rotating basis with treated wastewater. As a result, the water slowly percolates back into the aquifer. A lake filled with reclaimed water is managed as an urban fishing lake in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
3. Riparian After Dark Event
Each December, the Riparian Preserve invites people to stroll through the candle-lit trails at Water Ranch Lake. During Riparian After Dark, hundreds of luminarias and colorful light displays, along with school choirs, carolers, and other live holiday entertainment, provide a festive atmosphere for visitors. Light refreshments are available for purchase, and the trails are ADA accessible, making it easy for everyone to participate. Moreover, you can bring a leashed dog to walk alongside you.
Each night of the event emphasizes the importance of community by supporting a local non-profit agency, seeking donations to assist those in need.
4. Parking
Parking is available at the Southeast Regional Library, which has entrances on both Greenfield Road and Guadalupe Road.
5. Getting to Gilbert’s Holiday Nights of Lights
This festive event takes place at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
Address: 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert
Directions: Take US 60 to the Greenfield Road exit. Continue south on Greenfield and drive to Guadalupe. The entrance to the parking lot is located to the east of Greenfield on Guadalupe.
6. Dates
Riparian After Dark occurs in early December, operating from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. For the latest dates, check the Gilbert website.
7. Places to Eat Near the Preserve
If you’re looking to dine before or after your visit to the preserve, consider the following options nearby:
- Wild Ginger Asian Bistro
Address: 861 N Higley Road #111 - Casanova Brothers Pizza
Address: 959 N Val Vista Drive - Zappone’s Italian Bistro
Address: 1652 N Higley Road #103 - Rancho de Tia Rosa
Address: 891 North Higley Road - Sushi Avenue
Address: 866 N Higley Road #101 - Everybody Loves Fondue
Address: 3244 E Guadalupe Road #107
8. Holiday Celebrations in the Phoenix Area
The Greater Phoenix area offers various holiday festivities, including tree lightings, festive light displays, and musical entertainment. Whether you’re interested in Christmas events at the Phoenix Zoo or the spectacular Christmas at The Princess in Scottsdale, there is something for everyone during this festive season. Additionally, the month-long Glendale Glitters should not be missed.
The vibrant city of Phoenix comes alive in December, offering a warm climate for an extraordinary vacation experience. In addition to festive lights, visitors can enjoy art festivals, outdoor concerts, and professional sports events throughout the Valley of the Sun.
