Christopher Heinl
Host · RISE UNITED
RISE UNITED presents
A gathering of music, meaningful stories, live entertainment and community. Come celebrate the season, make a connection and share in something that brings people together.
Friday, December 18 · 2–8:30 PMSaturday, December 19 · 1–9 PM
Reserve Your Spot →
View Event Map
Presented with gratitude✦
PUBLIC RELATIONS PARTNER
ProductionNET
December 18 & 19 · Chandler, Arizona
The heart behind the celebration
A little light
brings us together.
Take a moment to watch the A Light Has Come film and share the invitation with someone you would love to bring.
A LIGHT HAS COME · OFFICIAL EVENT FILM
More than a concert
Come as you are.
Leave connected.
A Light Has Come is a free, two-day Christmas community celebration created to make room for joy, belonging and honest conversation. Through music, entertainment and mental-health-centered programming, RISE UNITED is bringing people together during a season when connection matters.
“Confronting loneliness through human connection, courageous conversation and collective action.”
Jordana Gordic
Host · RISE UNITED
A community venue recognized for excellence
Celebrating local excellence.
Praise and Worship Center is proud to be recognized as a BusinessRate Top 3 of 2026 Award Winner. We’re honored to gather this community at an award-recognized venue.
The event programme
Two days. A shared celebration.
Explore the confirmed Friday programme and Saturday concert schedule. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
Friday · December 18, 2026
Community & conversationsOpening Ceremony & Speakers
Main programme · 2:00–8:30 PM
Opening
Opening Ceremony30 minutes · Exact start time to be confirmed
MC welcome
Christopher & Jordana5-minute welcome · Exact placement to be confirmed
2:00–3:00 PM
Mary AllisonLeaving a Legacy of Healing
3:00–4:00 PM
Dr. YoungerValleywise
MC transition
Christopher & Jordana5-minute stage transition
4:00–5:00 PM
Community PanelPastoral Care Associates (PCA), Praise and Worship Center, Recovery Café & Mathews Crossing
5:00–6:00 PM
Mari Poledna, PhDScottsdale Community College
MC transition
Christopher & Jordana5-minute stage transition
6:00–7:00 PM
Dr. HessEmergency · Abrazo
7:00–8:30 PM
Chris WilkinsonConfirmed & booked comedian
9:00–10:30 PM · Breathwork
Breath In Christ · Building 412
Breath In Christ · Building 412
Saturday · December 19, 2026
Live music & celebrationChristmas Concert
Festival programme · 1:00–9:00 PM
1:00–2:00 PM
Program details to be announced
2:00–3:00 PM
Program details to be announced
3:00–4:00 PM
Program details to be announced
5:00–9:00 PM
Christmas ConcertArtist lineup and performance details coming soon
Saturday concert
Join us for the evening concert. Additional artist and program announcements will be shared as they are confirmed.
Join us for the evening concert. Additional artist and program announcements will be shared as they are confirmed.
Your place is waiting
Reserve your
free tickets.
Save your place at A Light Has Come. You can request up to four tickets in one reservation for Friday, Saturday, or both days.
Free admissionUp to 4 tickets per requestDecember 18–19, 2026
A place to gather
There’s a place for you here.
More than a stage: an open, welcoming community experience for all ages.
01
Live Music & Entertainment
Performances, special guests, local artists and a Christmas concert finale.
02
Food Trucks
Local food vendors in the designated event area behind the Praise and Worship Center building.
03
Mental Health Conversations
Speakers, panels and breakout sessions centered on awareness, support and connection.
04
Community Partners
Meet organizations working to strengthen families, wellness and community care.
05
Nonprofit Fundraising
Help support participating nonprofits and the work they do in our community.
06
Watch From Anywhere
Join the celebration through online streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
Plan your visit
Find your way
to the celebration.
This event map is based on the actual Google Maps view of Praise and Worship Center and the exact area you outlined. The original street grid, neighboring buildings and parking-lot layout are retained; only the venue building and food truck area are highlighted for guests.
Event venue
Praise and Worship Center
2551 N. Arizona Avenue, Suite 3
Chandler, AZ 85225
Food truck area
Food trucks will be located in the marked area behind the Praise and Worship Center building. Follow event signage and team directions when you arrive.
Together, wherever you are
Be part of it.
From anywhere.
The celebration will be streamed online with access through RISE UNITED social channels, including Facebook and YouTube.
Facebook LiveYouTubeOnline access
Presenting & event partners
ProductionNET
Community & wellness partners
A place recognized for excellence
Proud to gather at Praise and Worship Center, recognized as a BusinessRate Top 3 of 2026 Award Winner.
Where we’ll meet
Praise and Worship Center
2551 N. Arizona Avenue, Suite 3 · Chandler, Arizona 85225
Friday, December 18 · 2–8:30 PM | Saturday, December 19 · 1–9 PM
Free admission. Everyone is welcome.