SE Valley Times

Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa, presented by AT&T, is underway and will continue until January 11. The event offers a variety of activities for visitors to shop, eat, and play.

Downtown Mesa features over 40 restaurants, coffee shops, and bars with diverse food and drink options. Additionally, there are more than 60 unique stores for holiday shopping.

The Holiday Sunset Market will take place on Thursday, December 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring over 30 local vendors along Macdonald north of Main Street. Visitors can find fresh groceries, hot food, artisan goods, live music, and demonstrations.

A free Let's Play Drama Storytime is scheduled for Friday, December 20 at 11 a.m. on Macdonald next to Mesa's Christmas Tree. This week's story is "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," followed by a snow party and craft activity for children. It is presented by the Downtown Mesa Association in partnership with the Mesa Arts Center's Literacy through Drama program.

Santa Claus will be available for visits at The Post on North Macdonald on December 20-21 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and December 22 and Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

AT&T has created a small sledding hill with artificial snow along Pepper Place open on December 20-21 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., suitable for all ages.

The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink will extend its hours starting December 23, operating daily from noon to ten o'clock until January 11.

Holiday Movies at the Plaza offers free movies every Friday through January 3 at the Plaza at Mesa City Center from six to eight o'clock in the evening.

Live musical entertainment is available every Saturday through December 28 near the Christmas tree on Macdonald as part of Live at Merry Main Street.

Bingles the Gnome roams downtown Mesa this season spreading cheer; finding him could win prizes including a $250 gift card from Downtown Mesa Association merchants.

The internationally acclaimed Mesa Arts Center hosts Holiday Happenings throughout December with popular shows available for ticket purchase online.

For more information about Merry Main Street events visit merrymainst.com. The event partners include various local organizations such as City of Mesa departments and community businesses like Delta Hotels and Valley Metro among others.