The Ultimate Guide to Merry Main Street

Experience holiday magic with Merry Main Street’s Winter Wonderland Ice Rink.

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating

Featuring around 6,000 square feet of real ice, this Merry Main Street attraction is an exciting destination for winter festivities. As one of the staples of holiday traditions in Mesa, the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink combines jolly cheer with dazzling fun. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly itinerary around Christmas time or seeking thrilling activities for New Year’s Eve, this ice rink is just one of the ways to embrace the most wonderful time of the year.

Open Daily
November 28 - January 10, 2026

two children smiling and having fun while ice skating at Merry Main Street in Mesa

TREE LIGHTING

Kick off the magic of the season with us at the 2025 Merry Main Street Tree Lighting Celebration! Located north of Main & Macdonald, this 40ft tree stands at the center of Downtown Mesa throughout the holiday season. Join the city council for the official kick-off on the evening of Black Friday.


November 28
5:00pm

Merry Main Street Christmas Tree covered in dazzling lights and ornaments

Jack Frost's Food Truck Forest

Start (or end) your journey down Merry Main Street at Pioneer Park to explore Jack Frost's Food Truck Forest. It’s a great place to gather for a delicious meal or snack!


Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
5:00pm - 9:30pm

Movies in the Plaza

Every Friday night, the ASU Mix Center hosts a movie in the Plaza at Mesa City Center. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and get cozy under the stars while you watch holiday films! Films include: The Santa Claus, The Search for Santa Paws, Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf & Beauty and the Beast.

Fridays
6:00pm

Mesa Temple Lights

The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights return each evening from Friday, Nov. 28, through Tuesday, Dec. 30. Come and enjoy a wonderful feeling of peace and view beautiful displays that celebrate the birth of Jesus at the Mesa Temple & Visitors’ Center. See the Christmas lights and feel the spirit of Christmas at the International Nativity Display. All activities are open to the public, free of charge, and family-friendly.

Daily
5:00pm - 10:00pm

Holiday Performances at the Mesa Arts Center

Enjoy a dazzling lineup of holiday performances at the Mesa Arts Center. Experience the grandeur of Handel's Messiah, the whimsy of The Nutcracker, big-band jazz with Dave Koz and more. Whether you’re seeking sacred choral reverence or glitzy family fun, the stage is set for unforgettable holiday magic.

Various Performances
November 18 - December 27

Visits with Santa

Santa’s making his rounds in Downtown Mesa! During Merry Main Street, you can catch him for free visits every Friday and Saturday. He’ll be set up right in the heart of the festivities, ready for photos, wish lists and plenty of holiday cheer.

The Post
Fridays & Saturdays
4:00pm - 8:00pm

Getting There

Downtown Mesa makes it refreshingly easy to get to Merry Main Street without spending a dime on parking or transit.

Light Rail

The Valley Metro light rail runs right through the heart of the celebration, and during select Friday and Saturday evenings, rides are free between Country Club Drive and Gilbert Road stations. You can hop on or off at any of the three Downtown Mesa stops and stroll straight into the holiday magic.

Parking

If you’re driving, there’s no shortage of free parking nearby. The Pepper Place Garage offers complimentary parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends—just steps from the festivities. The Park & Ride at Pioneer Park is another smart option: park there and take the free light rail into downtown. And if you’re heading to the Mesa Arts Center, you’ll find free public parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends in the adjacent garage and lots.

Looking for more ways to dive into the holiday spirit? Browse through our events calendar and find upcoming events for this winter season. Don’t miss out on experiencing a wide assortment of holiday-themed festivities in Mesa.

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