Experience the magic of the holiday season in Mesa, AZ, where festive lights and unique celebrations create unforgettable memories. Marvel at the breathtaking Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights, where intricate designs brighten the historic temple and its gardens. Stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden illuminated by thousands of luminarias during Las Noches de las Luminarias, creating a serene Southwestern holiday experience.
For families, the Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights transforms into a spectacular display of animal-themed illuminations, perfect for delighting children and adults alike. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Mesa's holiday events offer something special for everyone to enjoy this season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Mesa
See these and even more events listed below!Mesa Holiday Light Displays
Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Extensive light display on historic temple grounds
Description:
The Mesa Arizona Temple grounds burst into a brilliant tapestry of lights each holiday season, showcasing the architectural beauty of this historic landmark. Intricate light designs adorn the temple's façade and surrounding gardens, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can enjoy live nativity scenes that bring biblical stories to life. The temple, dedicated in 1927, was the first built in Arizona and serves as a significant cultural landmark for the local community. This annual light display has become a cherished tradition, drawing people from all faiths to admire its beauty.
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Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights
Nearby Events
Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Thousands of hand-lit luminarias along garden paths
Description:
Thousands of flickering luminarias illuminate the Desert Botanical Garden's winding paths, creating a serene ambiance unlike any other holiday event. Stroll through the illuminated desert landscape, marveling at the contrast between cacti silhouettes and warm candlelight. You can participate in traditional Southwest storytelling sessions during your visit. This event traces its roots back to Spanish colonial times when luminarias guided people to Christmas mass. The garden's natural beauty transforms into a nocturnal oasis, inviting visitors to experience the desert's quiet charm.
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ZooLights (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Animal-shaped light displays throughout the zoo
Description:
Phoenix Zoo's annual ZooLights event transforms the wildlife park into a dazzling display of animal-themed illuminations. Millions of LED lights form the shapes of exotic creatures, from towering giraffes to playful penguins. Visitors can hop aboard the Safari Train for a guided tour through the glowing exhibits. The event began in 1992 with just a few light strands and has since grown into one of Arizona's most beloved holiday traditions. ZooLights not only entertains but also educates about wildlife conservation, blending holiday cheer with environmental awareness.
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Glendale Glitters (Glendale)
What to Expect:
Largest free holiday light display in Arizona
Description:
Glendale Glitters illuminates 16 blocks of Historic Downtown Glendale with 1.6 million LED lights, making it Arizona's largest free holiday light display. The event transforms the quaint streets into a twinkling wonderland, with lights adorning trees, buildings, and antique lampposts. Visitors can enjoy nightly entertainment on the main stage, featuring local performers. Glendale Glitters began in 1993 and has since become a hallmark of the city's holiday celebrations. The event not only brightens the season but also highlights the charm of Glendale's historic district.
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Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Luxury resort transformed into a winter paradise
Description:
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess undergoes a spectacular holiday metamorphosis, becoming a winter paradise in the heart of the desert. A four-story musical tree, ice skating rink, and enchanting train rides are just a few of the attractions that await visitors. You can indulge in gourmet s'mores around fire pits while admiring the resort's elaborate light displays. The Princess has been hosting this extravagant holiday celebration since 2011, growing more elaborate each year. This luxurious event combines the opulence of a high-end resort with the joy of holiday traditions.
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Desert Ridge Marketplace Holiday Events (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experiences in an open-air shopping center
Description:
Desert Ridge Marketplace elevates holiday shopping with a series of interactive experiences throughout the season. A towering Christmas tree serves as the centerpiece, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive décor. Visitors can participate in hands-on craft workshops, creating personalized ornaments or gifts. The marketplace, which opened in 2001, has become a community hub for north Phoenix. Live music performances featuring local artists add a vibrant soundtrack to the shopping experience, blending retail therapy with holiday entertainment.
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Desert Ridge Marketplace Holiday Events
CitySkate Ice Rink (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Outdoor ice skating in downtown Phoenix
Description:
CitySkate brings the chill of winter to the heart of downtown Phoenix, offering a unique outdoor ice skating experience. The rink, set against the backdrop of urban skyscrapers, provides a stark contrast to the desert surroundings. Glide across the ice as the aroma of hot cocoa wafts through the air. You can take a break from skating to admire the towering Christmas tree nearby. This event, which began in 2011, has quickly become a staple of Phoenix's holiday season, bringing a touch of winter to the Valley of the Sun.
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Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade & Boat Parade (Tempe)
What to Expect:
Combination of land and water parades
Description:
Tempe's Fantasy of Lights combines two distinct parades into one unforgettable event. The festivities begin with a traditional street parade featuring illuminated floats and marching bands. Later, the celebration moves to Tempe Town Lake, where decorated boats glide across the water in a dazzling display. Spectators can watch as the reflections of twinkling lights dance on the lake's surface. This dual-parade tradition began in 1999, uniting the community in a unique celebration that showcases Tempe's urban and aquatic landscapes.
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Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade & Boat Parade
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Train rides through illuminated displays
Description:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park transforms into a luminous wonderland, offering visitors a chance to ride through tunnels of light on historic trains. The park's miniature railway winds through elaborate light displays, creating a whimsical journey for all ages. Children can visit Santa in his train-car workshop, adding to the railway theme. Established in 1975, the park celebrates Arizona's rich railroad history while providing a unique holiday experience. The event seamlessly blends nostalgia for classic trains with the joy of holiday lights.
Website:
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Holiday Lights
Tempe Marketplace Holiday Events (Tempe)
What to Expect:
Nightly snowfall in the desert
Description:
Tempe Marketplace defies nature by bringing nightly snowfall to the Arizona desert during its holiday events. Visitors can experience the novelty of snow gently falling in The District, the open-air shopping center's main promenade. Live music performances add a festive atmosphere to the shopping experience. You can capture a photo with Santa in his desert-themed workshop, complete with cacti and southwestern flair. Since its opening in 2007, Tempe Marketplace has become a go-to destination for holiday festivities, offering a blend of seasonal charm and Arizonan character.
Website:
Tempe Marketplace Holiday Events
Gilbert Water Tower Plaza Christmas Lights (Gilbert)
What to Expect:
Historic water tower as centerpiece of light display
Description:
Gilbert's iconic water tower stands at the heart of a dazzling holiday light display, its 130-foot frame adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The surrounding plaza bursts with illuminated sculptures and trees, creating a festive atmosphere in downtown Gilbert. Visitors can enjoy outdoor movie screenings beneath the glowing tower. Built in 1927, the water tower once supplied the town's water and now serves as a beacon for holiday cheer. This event beautifully merges Gilbert's agricultural heritage with modern holiday celebrations.
Website:
Gilbert Water Tower Plaza Christmas Lights
A Very Merry Scottsdale Holiday Market (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of local artisans and makers
Description:
A Very Merry Scottsdale Holiday Market showcases the best of local craftsmanship, featuring a carefully curated selection of Arizona's finest artisans and makers. The market buzzes with creativity as visitors browse unique, handcrafted gifts ranging from jewelry to gourmet foods. Live demonstrations allow you to witness skilled artisans at work, creating one-of-a-kind pieces. This event, held in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, pays homage to the area's rich artistic heritage dating back to the 1920s. The market not only offers holiday shopping but also celebrates the vibrant local maker community.
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A Very Merry Scottsdale Holiday Market
Phoenix Symphony Holiday Pops Concert (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Classical renditions of holiday favorites
Description:
The Phoenix Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert elevates familiar holiday tunes to new heights with stunning orchestral arrangements. World-class musicians breathe new life into beloved classics, filling Symphony Hall with rich, layered melodies. The concert features surprise guest performances, adding an element of excitement to the evening. You can join in a festive sing-along, becoming part of the musical experience. Founded in 1947, the Phoenix Symphony has been a cornerstone of Arizona's cultural scene, and this annual concert has become a cherished holiday tradition for many families.
Website:
Phoenix Symphony Holiday Pops Concert