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Last updated: November 11, 2024

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!

Contact information and details below.

Mesa Holiday Light Displays

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Features elaborate light displays throughout a scenic farm setting

Description:

A captivating display of thousands of lights illuminating the farm, creating an inviting atmosphere for families and friends. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully decorated pathways, enjoy seasonal treats, and partake in activities that celebrate the winter season. The combination of bright lights and festive decorations makes it a charming outing for all ages.

Where: Mesa | More Info: Lights at the Farm

Event Organizer?

Mesa Holiday Markets and Shopping

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

Event Organizer?

Mesa Holiday Shows and Entertainment

Mesa Other Holiday Activities

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

Event Organizer?

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

Event Organizer?

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