Riparian After Dark
Experience the magic of the holidays at Riparian After Dark, where the natural beauty of the Riparian Preserve is transformed by thousands of twinkling lights. Wander along 1.5 miles of illuminated trails, enjoying a rare nighttime glimpse of this serene environment. Cozy up with warm beverages from on-site vendors, and savor sweet treats on weekend evenings. It's a perfect, enchanting way to celebrate the season.
What to Expect
Holiday light displays along preserve trails.
Event Details
Duration
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Ages
All ages (Children 3 and under are free)
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Gilbert Special Events
Food & Drink
Hot Chocolate/Coffee truck available nightly. Food truck selling snacks and treats on weekends. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, nature lovers
Vibe
Magical, festive, serene
Energy Level
Low
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: $5 – Get tickets
- Parking: Parking is available at the Southeast Regional Library. The event entrance is located in the north parking lot on the corner of Guadalupe and Greenfield Roads. The Riparian Preserve parking lot will be closed after 4:00 PM on event days.
- Accessibility: The event is held on paved trails and is fully accessible by strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. A sensory guide is available online.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Purchase tickets online in advance, especially for weekend dates, as on-site tickets may sell out or have longer wait times.
- Arrive early to secure parking at the Southeast Regional Library, as it is the designated parking area and can fill up.
- Bring cash or be prepared with multiple payment methods for vendors, as not all may accept credit cards.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking approximately 1.5 miles of trails.
- Check the provided sensory guide if you or someone in your party is sensitive to flashing lights or music.
Special Events & Promotions
- Weekend food vendors
- Sensory guide available
- Leashed pets allowed
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ticket prices?
General admission tickets are $5 per person online. On-site tickets, if available, are $10 per person. Children 3 and under are free.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
On-site ticket sales are available from December 13th-22nd, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, as space allows. Online sales close at 4:30 PM on event days.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, leashed pets are welcome at the Riparian Preserve during the event. Please remember to clean up after them.
What are the event hours?
The event runs from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM each night, with the last ticket time slot at 8:30 PM and entrance closing at 8:45 PM.
Is the event accessible?
Yes, the event is held on paved trails and is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.
More Christmas Events Near Gilbert
More Christmas Events near Gilbert
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.