Mesa will host its annual Merry Main Street event in downtown, starting November 28 and continuing through January 10. This marks the 11th year of the East Valley holiday tradition, which includes several new attractions alongside established favorites.
The event begins on November 28 at 5 p.m. with a performance by the Mesa City Band at the Christmas tree located at Main Street and Macdonald. At 5:45 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive to light up the tree, followed by an evening of music, food, and activities throughout downtown until 10 p.m.
One highlight is the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at Plaza at Mesa City Center, which offers a 6,005 square-foot skating area open daily. Tickets for ice skating must be purchased online in advance.
The nearly four-story Christmas tree serves as a central feature for family photos and gatherings. Free visits with Santa are available on Fridays and Saturdays at The Post community space on North Macdonald. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras for photos.
A new addition this year is “Santa Paws,” where pet owners can bring their animals to meet Santa every Sunday through December 21 at Plaza at Mesa City Center. Mesa Animal Control will provide information and resources during these events.
Breakfast with Santa will take place on December 13 and December 20 at The Post; tickets are required in advance for both adults and children over one year old.
The Holiday Sunset Market will run on opening night (November 28) and again on December 12 near the Christmas tree, featuring local craftspeople and food vendors.
Live music performances under “Live at Merry Main” are scheduled every Friday through December 26 next to the Christmas tree, with genres ranging from jazz to mariachi to country rock.
Free outdoor holiday movies will be shown each Friday from November 28 through January 2—and also Saturday, November 29—at Plaza at Mesa City Center near ASU Mix Center.
Families can follow updates about “Gnome on the Roam” Bingles via @CityofMesa on Facebook as he appears around downtown businesses during the season.
On December 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., there will be a sELF-guided Reindeer Roll and Stroll scavenger hunt organized by the city’s MesaMoves Program; participants can win prizes such as a bicycle, with free helmets available while supplies last.
Food trucks will gather for Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays evenings in Pioneer Park along East Main Street.
Mesa Temple’s annual Christmas Lights display runs nightly from November 28 through December 30 from dusk until late evening; admission is free.
On December 14 at dusk (6 p.m.), residents can join in lighting the first candle of Mesa’s Menorah as part of Festival of Lights celebrations; one candle will be added nightly through December 22.
Holiday Happenings return to Mesa Arts Center throughout December with live entertainment indoors and outdoors most Fridays until mid-month; more details are posted online via mesaartscenter.com.
The “Mesa Santa Express” offers themed light rail rides including songs, cookies, pajamas-wearing traditions—and a visit from Santa—on December 12-14 between early evening hours. While rides are free, commemorative tickets are needed; donations support continued operation via mesasantaexpress.com or related organizations supporting arts programs locally.
Parking across downtown is complimentary during all events. Free light rail service between Country Club Drive and Gilbert Road is offered Friday-Saturday evenings across five weekends: November–December dates specified above align with major festivities’ schedules.
“Merry Main Street is in partnership with the City of Mesa; Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities; Downtown Mesa Association; Visit Mesa; Mesa Chamber of Commerce; Benedictine University; Google Fiber; Nesbitt Contracting; Sysco and VCA Animal Referral & Emergency Center of Arizona.”
The Arizona Parks and Recreation Association recently recognized Merry Main Street by awarding it Outstanding Special Event Award among cities over population thresholds greater than one hundred thousand residents. The festival has been held annually since its start in winter of 2015.
