Feel the holiday joy in Mesa! Our guide highlights all the community events and activities. For both Mesa locals and travelers, this guide unveils the city's seasonal delights.
Popular events abound, including the enchanting Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display, where stunning light displays create a festive atmosphere. With live music and a variety of family-friendly activities, Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide brings immersive holiday experiences to life. And don't forget the Glendale Glitters, a spectacular display showcasing millions of holiday lights throughout the downtown area. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Mesa
- Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
- Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide (Chandler)
- Enchant at Salt River Fields (Tempe)
- Glendale Glitters (Glendale)
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main St
- Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Mall (Glendale)
- Photos with Santa at San Tan Village (Gilbert)
- Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center (Chandler)
- Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
- A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre (Gilbert)
See these and even more events listed below!
Mesa Holiday Light Displays
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
What to Expect:
Large outdoor crèche with lighted star and diverse Biblical vignettes.
Description:
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display features thousands of twinkling lights and various Biblical vignettes, including a large outdoor crèche underneath a lighted star, shepherds' field, Mary and Joseph figurines, and prophet Isaiah. Over 100 international nativities are also showcased inside the Mesa Temple Visitors Center.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Display
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
What to Expect:
Life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and special effects.
Description:
Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide features over 7 million lights, a dazzling light show, a magical train ride, nightly parades, stunt shows, holiday shopping, and live entertainment. The event includes a life-sized gingerbread house with synchronized lights and special effects, as well as a western cowboy Christmas show by the Arizona Roughriders. Guests can also browse through fine gifts, treats, and sweets, and view past-year artifacts and memorable moments.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Pratt Brothers Christmas at Rawhide
Glendale Glitters
What to Expect:
Innovative charity vending machines.
Description:
Glendale Glitters is a spectacular holiday event featuring a 1.7 million light display in Historic Downtown Glendale. The celebration includes various performances, the Hometown Christmas Parade, Movies by Moonlight, and LIBCON West at the Velma Teague Library. Additionally, it introduces 'Light the World' Giving Machines to support local and global charities.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Glendale Glitters
Las Noches de las Luminarias
What to Expect:
Geometric light displays merging nature and light.
Description:
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden features glowing luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holiday lights, and musical performances. This event includes festive food and drinks, with an added spectacle of LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning geometric brilliance.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Las Noches de las Luminarias
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
What to Expect:
Jungle-themed drive-through light show with synchronized lights and music.
Description:
World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride is a drive-through light show featuring millions of synchronized lights and holiday music, set in a jungle-themed adventure with exotic animals and interactive displays.
Where: Tempe | More Info: World of Illumination presents Cosmic Sleighride
World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with life-sized musical notes and retro Santa.
Description:
World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road is a drive-through light show featuring millions of colorful lights, hundreds of animated displays, and a synchronized musical experience. The event takes you on a journey through mountainous terrain, glacial peaks, and northern ice caves to Santa's Workshop, the world's largest animated toy shop.
Where: Glendale | More Info: World of Illumination presents Reindeer Road
Zoolights
What to Expect:
Immersive light displays and animal sculptures.
Description:
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo features millions of twinkling lights, a 50 ft. LED tree, and immersive light tunnels, guiding visitors through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats. Enjoy vibrant visuals, mesmerizing music, and festive treats like hot cocoa and kettle corn.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Zoolights
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
What to Expect:
Dazzling holiday lights and train rides.
Description:
Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park features dazzling holiday lights and captivating displays. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a journey through this seasonal spectacle. Each ticket includes train and carousel rides, and you can satisfy your cravings with food and drink options available for purchase at Hartley's General Store. Explore the Model Railroad Building, where intricate details bring the tiniest trains to life.
Where: Scottsdale | More Info: Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and Santa photos.
Description:
The Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting is a holiday tradition featuring a street parade, tree lighting ceremony, live entertainment, and Santa photos.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Fantasy of Lights Street Parade + Tree Lighting
Mesa Holiday Markets and Shopping
Mesa Holiday Sunset Market
What to Expect:
Live music and artisan demonstrations.
Description:
The Mesa Holiday Sunset Market features local vendors selling handmade goods, fresh grocery products, and tasty hot food along Main Street in Downtown Mesa. Enjoy live music and demonstrations while exploring your favorite downtown shops.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Mesa Holiday Sunset Market
Mesa Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center
What to Expect:
New Santa set and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center, featuring a new Santa set and festive atmosphere.
Where: Chandler | More Info: Photos with Santa at Chandler Fashion Center
A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre
What to Expect:
Traditional carols and stunning costumes.
Description:
A heart-warming production of Charles Dickens' classic tale, rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes, and memorable characters, celebrating its 21st year in Gilbert.
Where: Gilbert | More Info: A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre
Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
What to Expect:
Impersonations of celebrities in a Western setting.
Description:
Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown offers an immersive Western experience with impersonations of celebrities, an all-you-can-eat BBQ dinner, and live entertainment. Guests can enjoy activities like axe throwing, mechanical bull riding, and wagon rides amidst a frontier setting.
Where: Cottonwood | More Info: Blazin’ M Ranch Holiday Hoedown
Mesa Other Holiday Activities
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main St
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly skating sessions with trained staff.
Description:
The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main Street offers a 6,000 sq. ft. real ice rink for public skating sessions. Sessions include skate rental and are available Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 10 p.m. Special nights include sensory-friendly evenings and teen skate sessions. Participants can register online in advance for specific 60-minute sessions.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main St
Enchant at Salt River Fields
What to Expect:
Hot air balloons illuminated in the evening sky.
Description:
Salt River Fields offers a variety of events, including the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival, which features hot air balloons illuminated in the evening sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The event combines the thrill of hot air balloons with the excitement of a festival, providing an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Where: Tempe | More Info: Enchant at Salt River Fields
Photos with Santa at San Tan Village
What to Expect:
Family-friendly photo opportunity with Santa.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at San Tan Village, where families can take photos in a cozy and inviting setting.
Where: Gilbert | More Info: Photos with Santa at San Tan Village
Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Mall
What to Expect:
Personalized photo opportunities with Santa.
Description:
Capture memories with Santa at Arrowhead Towne Center, where he will be available for photos and making lasting memories.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Photos with Santa at Arrowhead Mall
Merry Main Street Santa Visit
What to Expect:
Free Santa visits with photo opportunities.
Description:
Visit Santa for FREE on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Merry Main Street. Bring your cell phone or camera for pictures.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Merry Main Street Santa Visit
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Tempe (5 miles)
- Gilbert (5 miles)
- Tempe Junction (7 miles)
- Scottsdale (7 miles)
- Chandler (8 miles)
- Ahwatukee Foothills (11 miles)
- Central City (14 miles)
- Phoenix (15 miles)
- Encanto (15 miles)
- Alhambra (19 miles)
- Maryvale (21 miles)
- Glendale (22 miles)
- San Tan Valley (23 miles)
- Deer Valley (25 miles)
- Peoria (26 miles)
- Maricopa (28 miles)
- Avondale (30 miles)
- Goodyear (31 miles)
- Surprise (33 miles)
- Buckeye (44 miles)