Celebrate the Holiday Season at Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa

Celebrate the Holiday Season at Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa

0th Annual Festivities Include Ice Skating, Santa Visits, Holiday Markets, and More

MESA — The holiday season kicks off with the return of Merry Main Street, presented by AT&T, in downtown Mesa. This beloved East Valley tradition celebrates its 10th year with new attractions and a variety of festive activities running from Nov. 29 through Jan. 11.

Opening Night Celebration
Merry Main Street begins Friday, Nov. 29, at 5 p.m. with a performance by the Mesa City Band at the Christmas tree on Main Street and Macdonald. Santa Claus will arrive at 5:45 p.m. to light the nearly four-story-tall tree, kicking off an evening of music, food, and fun until 10 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Enjoy Mesa’s 6,005-square-foot ice skating rink at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St. Glide under the stars daily—online reservations are recommended due to limited walk-up availability. Tickets can be purchased at merrymainst.com/icerink.


Holiday Highlights

  • Santa Visits: Meet Santa for free photo opportunities on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at The Post, 26 N. Macdonald.
  • Breakfast with Santa: Expanded to three Saturdays—Dec. 7, 14, and 21. Tickets are $15 and available at mesaamp.com.
  • Holiday Markets: Shop artisan crafts, holiday foods, and more on Nov. 29 and Dec. 19 at Main and Macdonald.

New Attractions This Year

  • Rudolph Characters: Snap selfies with characters from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the ice rink and other downtown locations.
  • Holiday Gnome Bingles: Spot Mesa’s roaming gnome for a chance to win prizes, including a $250 gift card.

Family-Friendly Entertainment

  • Mayor’s Podcast: Mayor Giles recounts The Man Who Killed Santa Claus on Nov. 29 at Mesa Arts Center. Tickets are $10 at mesaartscenter.com.
  • Holiday Movies at the Plaza: Free outdoor holiday classics every Friday at the Plaza at Mesa City Center from Nov. 29 to Jan. 3.
  • Live Music: Enjoy performances every Saturday from Nov. 30 to Dec. 28 near the Christmas tree.

More Festive Activities

  • Reindeer Roll and Stroll: Join a scavenger hunt on Dec. 7 from 4–8 p.m. with a chance to win prizes, including a bicycle.
  • Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest: Savor holiday treats Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St.
  • Mesa Temple Lights: A dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of lights runs nightly from Nov. 29 to Dec. 30.
  • Festival of Lights: Celebrate Hanukkah with the lighting of Mesa’s 12-foot Menorah starting Dec. 25.

Mesa Santa Express
Take a magical Light Rail ride with Santa on Dec. 13–15 from 5–9 p.m. Donations are accepted to maintain free rides. Learn more at mesasantaexpress.com.

Parking and Free Light Rail Rides
Free parking is available throughout downtown Mesa. Enjoy free light rail rides between Country Club Drive and Gilbert Road from 5–10 p.m. on select Fridays and Saturdays: Nov. 29–30, Dec. 6–7, Dec. 13–14, Dec. 20–21, and Dec. 27–28.

For a full list of Merry Main Street events, visit merrymainst.com.