Tempe Is Turning the Lights On

Arizona

The juice is turned on for Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights, Nov. 28, which will last 51 nights, with downtown buildings and trees aglow in lighting displays. Opening ceremonies include a parade and fireworks. Fantasy on Ice, an outdoor ice skating rink, opens the same day at Centerpoint (University Avenue and 7th Street) with plenty of skates for rent. Contact the Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau, 51 W. 3rd St., Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281; telephone (800) 283-6734.

Illinois

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Nov. 21, is expected to draw more than 800,000 people. The event now boasts more than 1 million lights. The day begins with the unveiling of elaborate window displays in the stores along Michigan Avenue, followed by live holiday stage shows from Disney World. The Winter Walk on Equitable Plaza features hot chocolate, a life-size gingerbread house and ice sculpture. The 150 trees are lighted at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks. Contact the Greater North Michigan Avenue Assn., 625 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 401, Chicago, IL 60611; tel. (312) 642-3570.

Delaware

The 35th annual Delaware Antiques Show, Nov. 13 to 15 in Wilmington, promises to be especially intriguing thanks to a lecture by Chris Jussel, host of PBS’ Antique Roadshow. Other speakers will discuss how to determine age and quality of objects, collecting in the 1920s and life on Russian country estates. Programs are held at both the Tatnall School and the Winterthur Museum. This show is the oldest continually vetted show in the country. Contact Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735; tel. (800) 448-3883.

England

The Lord Mayor’s Procession and Show, Nov. 14 in London, is a tradition dating back to 1215. A parade of liveried footmen, coachmen, bands and floats winds its way from Guildhall past St. Paul’s Cathedral to Mansion House. Contact the British Tourist Authority, 551 Fifth Ave., Suite 701, New York, NY 10176-0799; tel. (800) 462-2748.

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