Winter Wonderland Destinations in Mesa, Arizona, United States

1. Mesa Rio Verde Christmas Lights

Enjoy a dazzling display of over 2.5 million lights illuminating the landscape in Mesa Rio Verde.

Size: Largest light show display in Mesa
Community Event: Proceeds benefit local charities and non-profits
Interactive Experience: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and food vendors

Celebrate the start of college football's bowl season with a parade featuring bands, floats, and celebrities.

Sporting Event: Kickoff event for the famous Fiesta Bowl and Cactus Bowl games
Family-friendly: Includes appearances by mascots, dancers, and marching bands
Community Pride: Showcases the spirit of Mesa and Arizona during the holiday season

Experience a European-style Christmas market with crafts, music, and delicious food at the Queen Creek Olive Mill.

Cultural Experience: Unique blend of traditional holiday market with local Arizona flavors
Gift Shopping: Find one-of-a-kind, artisanal gifts and olive oil products
Food and Drink: Enjoy hot cider, freshly baked pastries, and other holiday treats

Explore the Wildlight sanctuary after dark to see over 25 species of wildlife adorned in holiday lights.

Wildlife Experience: Rare opportunity to view animals lit up for the holidays
Educational: Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts
Nighttime Activity: Unusual evening activity in Mesa for a unique holiday experience

Experience winter magic with a festival featuring ice sculptures, live music, and holiday treats.

Artistic Experience: Stunning ice sculptures created by master artists
Food and Drink: Warm up with hot cocoa, apple cider, and other festive refreshments
Holiday Decorations: Lush greenery, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed displays create a winter wonderland atmosphere

Celebrate the holidays with a colorful parade featuring floats, music, and Santa Claus.

Community Event: A long-standing Mesa tradition celebrating the holiday season
Family-friendly: Fun for all ages with floats, marching bands, and Christmas characters
Holiday Spirit: Sparkles, songs, and cheer to get you in the holiday mood

Experience a drive-through wonderland with over 3 million twinkling lights at the Gilbert festival grounds.

Join the small-town charm of Snowflake and Taylor for a parade filled with holiday cheer.

Community Event: Long-standing tradition in the historic towns of Snowflake and Taylor
Family-friendly: Includes floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus
Holiday Spirit: Brings the whole community together for a joyful celebration

Take a boat ride or stroll along the Tempe Town Lake to see over a million twinkling holiday lights.

Walk through a winter wonderland filled with lights, displays, and holiday-themed activities at Schnepf Farms.

Agrotourism Experience: A unique blend of agriculture and holiday festivities
Holiday Activities: Includes a train ride, petting zoo, and visit with Santa Claus
Supporting Local Farm: Proceeds benefit the historic Schnepf Farms

Experience a variety of performances and art exhibitions celebrating the holiday season at Mesa Arts Center.

Cultural Experience: A unique blend of traditional and contemporary holiday arts
Performance Art: Live music, dance, and theater performances
Art Gallery: Holiday-themed art exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists

Lace up your skates and glide across the ice at Fountain Park's outdoor rink.

Outdoor Activity: One of the few outdoor ice skating rinks in Mesa
Seasonal Experience: A popular winter activity for visitors and locals alike
Family-friendly: Fun for all ages with skate rentals, lessons, and hot cocoa

Hop aboard the Polar Express for a magical journey through a winter wonderland at Heritage Square.

Transportation Experience: A nostalgic train ride through a holiday-themed village
Holiday Spirit: Sparkles, songs, and cheer to get you in the holiday mood
Family-friendly: Fun for all ages with cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus

Shop for handmade gifts, enjoy food trucks, and soak up the holiday spirit at Downtown Mesa's winter market.

Cultural Experience: A local shopping experience featuring artisans and crafters
Food and Drink: Delicious food trucks serving a variety of cuisines
Holiday Spirit: A festive atmosphere with holiday decorations, music, and activities

Enjoy a winter wonderland of lights, ice skating, and holiday performances at Gilbert's Christmas in the Park.

Size: Large-scale holiday event featuring multiple attractions
Ice Skating Rink: Outdoor ice skating rink for winter fun
Holiday Performances: Live music, dance, and theater performances celebrating the holiday season