Tempe, AZ Holiday Decorations: Holiday Light Rules (2026)

Tempe City Code does not impose specific provisions regulating when residential holiday lights may be installed, removed, brightness limits, or animated displays. Tempe's outdoor lighting standards in the Zoning and Development Code govern permanent commercial and residential lighting fixtures (Tempe has dark-sky-influenced lighting standards given its proximity to Sky Harbor flight paths and observatories) but seasonal holiday decorations are exempt from those permanent-fixture rules. Tempe has a lighter HOA layer than Mesa, Gilbert, or Chandler - a significant portion of single-family Tempe is older neighborhoods without active HOAs. Where HOAs exist (The Lakes, Warner Ranch, Circle G Ranches, Lakes at Westchester), CC&Rs commonly impose: installation no earlier than Thanksgiving or November 15; removal by January 15 to 31; no commercial-grade amplification or projected light shows; lights off by 11 PM or midnight; and no laser projections onto neighboring properties. ARS Title 33 limits some HOA restrictions on religious displays. Arizona HB 2371 (codified at ARS 33-1808) prevents HOAs from prohibiting reasonable religious symbol displays on doorways during religious holidays.