Festive food trucks

Christmas in Mesa, Arizona brings together everything families love about the holidays — sparkling lights, outdoor fun, community celebrations, and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for the best family-friendly events from December 9 through New Year’s Day, here are five you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

1. Merry Main Street Ice Rink – Downtown Mesa

There’s something magical about skating outdoors on a cool December night, especially when Downtown Mesa is glowing with holiday lights. Merry Main Street transforms the area into a lively, festive playground complete with a 6,000-square-foot ice rink, giant Christmas tree, seasonal treats, and visits from Santa.

Why families love it:

• Affordable, easy to get to, and fun for all ages

• Ideal holiday photos

• Great combo night: skate + hot cocoa + tree-light stroll

If you do just one activity this season — this is the one.

Christmas Skating

2. Santa’s Merry Makers Marketplace – Weekends in December

Nothing brings Christmas spirit to life like a cozy holiday market. The Merry Makers Marketplace fills Downtown Mesa with local vendors, handmade gifts, kid-friendly crafts, and delicious seasonal treats.

Perfect for:

• Last-minute shopping

• Supporting local artisans

• Stress-free weekend family outings

Bring the kids for cocoa and let them choose a small handmade gift — it’s a memory they’ll treasure.

3. Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights

The stunning display at the Mesa Arizona Temple is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the East Valley. Every evening, the grounds light up with elaborate displays, peaceful nativity scenes, and beautifully landscaped walkways.

Why it stands out:

• Free, quiet, magical

• Great for families with young children or grandparents

• A perfect December 23 or Christmas Eve outing

This calm, reflective walk is the perfect balance to the busy holiday season.

Christmas lights

4. Holiday Shows at the Mesa Arts Center

If your family loves music, theatre, or dance, December is the ideal time to experience a holiday show together. At the Mesa Arts Center, families can catch seasonal concerts, ballet performances, children’s holiday programs, and classic Christmas productions.

The Nutcracker is a fantastic show for all. 

A great option for:

• Teens and older kids

• Family traditions

• Indoor fun on chilly evenings

Make it a complete night out with dessert or dinner downtown.

The Nutcracker

5. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – East Valley Celebrations

While Mesa itself does not always host a large fireworks show, nearby East Valley events — including celebrations around Tempe Town Lake — often feature family-friendly entertainment, food trucks, music, and midnight (or early kid-friendly) fireworks.

Why families love these events:

• Safe, lively atmosphere

• A fun way to wrap up Christmas break

• Fireworks without driving far

If you prefer to stay home, create your own family-friendly countdown with glow sticks, sparklers, and an at-home celebration to welcome 2025.

New Year’s Eve fireworks

🎁 Make This Christmas the Best One Yet

Whether you’re new to Mesa or have lived here for years, these five events bring out the very best of our community — joy, togetherness, lights, and magical evenings spent with the people you love.

From my family to yours — wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
— Lorraine Ryall, Your Mesa Real Estate Expert