Merry Main Street: Most activities are free in downtown Mesa
By Jill Adair | Community Updates
The holidays are filled with family-friendly activities along Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa. Most activities are free. There are costs associated only with skating at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink and attending a show at the Mesa Arts Center.
FREE parking is available in all open lots and on-street parking areas throughout downtown Mesa.
FREE light rail rides will be offered between Country Club Drive and Gilbert Road from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the following Fridays and Saturdays:
- Dec. 6 – 7
- Dec. 13 – 14
- Dec. 20 – 21
- Dec. 27 – 28
Festivities include:
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance for $10 for a one-hour skating session (includes skate rental) at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St.
Visits with Santa. He’ll be in town for free photos with the kids Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Post, the city-owned community and event space, located at 26 N. Macdonald. Bring your cell phone or camera for pictures.
Breakfast with Santa. Two breakfast timeslots each Saturday, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, include a light breakfast, a holiday crafting station and a photo-op with Jolly Ole St. Nick
Mesa’s Christmas Tree. This 40-foot tall tree is on Macdonald north of Main Street. Experience the magic of the season…and take a few photos while you’re there.
Mesa’s Menorah. The beautiful 9-foot menorah stands on display and each night during Hanukkah, an additional candle is lit, celebrating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest. Grab a bite to eat at a variety of trucks on Friday nights.
Gnome of the Roam. Bingles will be roaming Downtown Mesa. Weekly clues will be posted on social so you can find him and snap a selfie. Prizes will be awarded, including a $250 Downtown Mesa gift card and 1-night stay at the Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa. Challenge runs through Jan. 12.
Mesa Christmas Market. Inspired by the timeless European markets, the outdoor Mesa Christmas Market brings the joy of shopping locally to the desert. Located across from the Mesa Temple and next to Pioneer Park, shop for unique gifts from local vendors 5-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 13-15. Entertainment will be provided from the bandshell.
Holiday Sunset Market. On Thursday, Dec. 19, 5-8 p.m., there will be local vendors selling handmade goods along Main & Macdonald Streets in Downtown Mesa. Bring your friends, stop by all of your favorite downtown shops, enjoy dinner and a drink. Interested in becoming a vendor? Fill out a vendor application here.
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights and International Nativity Exhibit. The lights will be on 5-10 p.m. each evening from through Dec. 30 on the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple, 101 S. LeSueur, in downtown Mesa. More than 150 nativities from around the world are on display in the nearby Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center, 455 E. Main St. during the same dates as the Christmas Lights event and is open 5-10 p.m. each evening with daytime viewing 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Tuesdays/Thursdays Free parking is available nearby.
Mesa Santa Express. In the tradition of that magical train carrying children to meet Santa Claus, join the fun zooming down Merry Main Street. In a special Light Rail car, children and adults will sing songs, enjoy cookies, and best of all meet Santa from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Dec. 13-15. Wear festive pajamas or dress to the nines to make memories this Christmas season with the Mesa Santa Express. All aboard at 440 E. Main St. for rides every 30 minutes. Be sure to get a commemorative ticket before getting in line. Come early to get a seat.
Holiday Movies at the Plaza. Enjoy free festive movies at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St., every Friday through Jan. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The schedule is available on the Merry Main Street calendar. It’s a great opportunity to watch while skating or bring your blankets to sit under the stars and enjoy holiday classics on the large screen on the side of the ASU Mix Center.
