Merry Main Street
Downtown Mesa’s Merry Main Street is a kid-friendly event filled with special activities.
Step into the holiday spirit at Downtown Mesa's Merry Main Street! This festive celebration kicks off with a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony, setting the tone for a season filled with joy and wonder. From the opening night to the final days, the streets come alive with holiday magic, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Merry Main Street is the perfect way to embrace the enchantment of the season and create unforgettable memories.
When & Where
Merry Main Street will kick off on November 28, 2025 at 5:00 p.m, and will run until January 10, 2026. Located in downtown Mesa, this event will operate daily, with varying hours, along Main Street and MacDonald Rd. For more information, please view the Merry Main Street events calendar.
Transportation
Parking
Free parking is available in all open lots and on-street parking areas in downtown Mesa.
Light Rail
Park at a park and ride location then enjoy free light rail rides to and from the event, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., from Country Club to Gilbert Road on the select dates.
Merry Main Street Tree Lighting & Kick-off
The month-long event begins with festive holiday music and the official tree lighting ceremony on Friday, November 28th at 5:00 p.m. The ceremony visitors can then enjoy a wide variety of family-centered festivities.
Events & Activities
Experience a magical holiday celebration with festive lighting, live music, scavenger hunts, and more. Whether you’re looking for kid-focused activities or seeking picturesque date ideas, Merry Main Street features jolly fun for all ages. Here are some of the exciting activities you can expect at this holiday extravaganza:
- Winter Wonderland Ice Rink - Open nightly at Mesa City Center, this pop-up ice rink invites visitors to skate under the stars on select times from November 28 2025, to January 10, 2026. Tickets cost $11 per person, including skate rentals.
- Visits with Santa - Take pictures of your little ones with Santa on different dates during the Merry Main Street season, capturing unforgettable festive memories. Don't miss relishing the Breakfast with Santa events on December 13th & 20th, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Post!
- Plus, new this year! Your furry friend can take their photos with Santa!* Select dates available: November 30th, December 7, 14, & 21, from Noon to 4:00 p.m.* PLEASE NOTE: ONLY service animals are allowed in facilities or at Merry Main Street activities, except for Santa Paw and location for this activation is different than normal visits with Santa.
- Cookies & Cocoa with Santa- Get into the holiday spirit on December 18, 2026 with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Cookies & Cocoa with Santa! Bring the whole family to enjoy a cozy evening full of holiday crafts, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, story time, caroling, and a chance to capture the season’s joy with holiday photos.
- Christmas Crafts- Join us by the Christmas tree for merry holiday fun on December 12th, 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.! We’ll be making Christmas crafts for all ages — come create, laugh, and get into the holiday spirit!
- Winter Princess Party- Meet Elsa and Anna and enjoy singing, games, and photo ops on Saturday, December 27th 4:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m.
- Mesa Santa Express - Journey through Merry Main Street in a festive Light Rail car with Santa Claus. Arrive in your favorite Christmas pajamas, join in holiday sing-alongs, and indulge in sweet treats from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on December 12, 13,or 14, 2025.
- Holiday Sunset Market - Stroll through a variety of local business vendors and discover the perfect gift for a loved one on November 28th 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and December 12, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Festive Lighting - With a towering Christmas tree, 12-foot Menorah, and an array of glimmering lights, this event embraces the holidays with its gorgeous decorations.
- Holiday Movies at the Plaza - Revisit beloved winter films with Holiday Movies at the Plaza Friday nights, enjoying classics like "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas."
- Festive Performances - Delight in a variety of music and performances at the Mesa Arts Center. Watch the graceful dances of Ballet Etude's Nutcracker on December 13, 14, 20, or 21, 2025, held at the Piper Repertory Theater. Or awe in the aspiring acrobatics of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on December 20th.
- Mesa's Menorah Lighting- Witness the lighting of the menorah, enjoy traditional songs and welcome Hanukkah at The Post on Sunday, December 14th 6-8 PM
- Noon Year's Eve Celebration- Join us for the Downtown Mesa Association’s FREE, family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration on Main & Macdonald, where we’ll welcome 2026 with a morning packed full of fun activities for the entire family—including crafts, food trucks, live music, and a sparkling cider toast during our festive countdown at 12 noon on December 21,2025!
Food & Drinks
Make your way to Pioneer Park for mouthwatering bites and delectable drinks. Discover Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest, finding a variety of savory delights and refreshing beverages at this outdoor venue.
Don't miss out on the many other exciting and vibrant annual events and top activities that make Mesa an unforgettable place to visit.