12 Things to Do When You Spend the Holidays in City Limitless

Experience holiday fun in Mesa, from Merry Main Street festivities to dazzling light shows at local farms.

1. Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main St.

Create your White Christmas right here in the desert and go ice skating at Mesa City Center. This attraction is a part of Merry Main Street, and offers a whole experience of its own. Operating throughout the month of December, the rink is decked out with holiday decorations and is sure to bring you and yours holiday cheer.

families ice skate around the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Merry Main Street

2. Lights at the Farm

Lights at the Farm is Arizona’s largest walk-through lights display. Thousands of dazzling lights create a beautiful show that brings friends and family together to enjoy such a joyous time of year. With over 2 million LED lights and thousands of computer channels controlling them, Lights at the Farm is something you won’t want to miss.

Snowmen at the Lights at the Farm in Mesa, AZ.

3. Christmas at Schnepf Farms

Celebrate Christmas at Schnepf Farms! Enjoy a unique winter wonderland with festive food, family fun, and joyful activities. Take the World of Illumination Express, join a hayride to meet Rudolph, or explore Santa's magical workshop. It's all here at Schnepf Farms!

Christmas at Schnepf Farms sign with Santa Claus, surrounded by holiday garlands.

4. Mesa's Menorah

Throughout the month of December, Mesa displays a large menorah in Downtown Mesa. There is a lighting ceremony to celebrate the true meaning of Hanukkah as well. Come see it for yourself and celebrate Hanukkah with your loved ones.

5. A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre

Enjoy Hale Centre Theatre’s heart-warming rendition of Dicken’s classic tale: A Christmas Carol. Bring friends or family and join in on the holiday festivities. Enjoy Christmas carols, beautiful costumes and notable characters that bring such a traditional Christmas story to life.

6. Sunset Market

Discover the joy of holiday shopping at the Downtown Mesa Holiday Sunset Market. This festive market is a treasure trove of unique finds from local vendors. From sparkling jewelry to charming home decor, immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as you browse through a variety of stalls, each offering something special and unique for your holiday needs in Mesa.

7. Queen Creek Holiday Festival & Parade

Just outside of Mesa lies Queen Creek and the celebration of the holiday season does not stop here. Enjoy the Queen Creek Holiday Festival and Parade with an assortment of vendors and food trucks that line the streets of Downtown Queen Creek. Later in the evening, a full Christmas parade is led through the streets surrounding the festival area. Bring family and friends and enjoy a day celebrating the holidays together.

8. The Nutcracker at Mesa Arts Center

Celebrate the holidays with a holiday theater classic: The Nutcracker. Follow Clara along her magical journey as the stage is filled with dazzling snowflakes, life-size mice, beautiful dance ensembles and none other than the Sugar Plum Fairy.

9. Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights

Celebrate the original Christmas story by visiting the Mesa Temple International Nativity Display — with more than 100 nativities from around the world. The doors are open for you to wander through this captivating display every evening from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., starting on Nov. 24 and continuing until Dec. 31. Head to the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center at 455 E. Main St. to be a part of this heartwarming celebration of the holiday season.

Mesa Arizona Temple at dusk, illuminated by festive holiday lights.

10. Las Noches de Las Luminarias

The Desert Botanical Gardens are beautiful on their own, but this holiday season brings even more beauty with the dazzling lights of Las Noches de Las Luminarias. A spread of twinkling holiday lights creates a desert wonderland, perfect for enjoying the holiday season with friends and family. This event also brings musical performances, entertainment and holiday treats.

11. Breakfast with Santa

On December 9, Santa will be making a stop to Merry Main Street! Enjoy a light breakfast, take your photo with Santa, and visit the holiday crafting station. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase. If you are unable to attend this event, visit the Merry Main Street calendar to find other times throughout the season to visit Santa.

12. 'Tis the Season: Holidays at MIM

The Musical Instrument Museum’s annual holiday event returns! Step into the magic of the season and enjoy beautiful Christmas music, a photo booth, gallery tours and more. Definitely add this to your list of events to stop by this season!

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