When are the Mesa Temple Christmas lights in 2026? Every night from Friday, Nov. 27 through Wednesday, Dec. 30, 5 to 10 p.m., and admission is free. The lights fill the north lawn of the Mesa Arizona Temple at 101 S. LeSueur in downtown Mesa, with free parking nearby and a light rail stop just west of the grounds.
Why it's a Valley tradition: Visit Mesa says the display has run for more than 45 years and draws over a million visitors, with hundreds of thousands of lights on palms, citrus trees, cacti and flower beds. Across the street, the International Nativity Exhibit shows more than 200 nativities from around the world.
Data note: Details are from MesaTemple.org, Visit Mesa's event page (Oct. 15, 2026 release) and the Arizona Communications event toolkit; nearby event details are from the City of Chandler. Read November 13, 2026. Hours can change; confirm before you go.
2026 Details at a Glance
- Dates: Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 2026 (starts the day after Thanksgiving)
- Hours: 5-10 p.m. nightly
- Where: 101 S. LeSueur, Mesa, on Main Street between LeSueur and Hobson
- Cost: free, no tickets
- Scenes: 10 lighted scenes telling the Christmas story, each with a QR code for audio narration
- Accessibility: wide cement and gravel paths suited to strollers and wheelchairs (bring your own)
What You'll See on the Grounds
Visit Mesa describes lights on palm and citrus trees, cacti, hedges and flower beds, plus:
- A large outdoor creche under a lighted star
- A shepherd's field
- Mary and Joseph figurines and the prophet Isaiah
- Three wise men with camels
MesaTemple.org notes the life-size figurines are the work of Rennie Godfrey of Safford, Arizona, and debuted on the temple grounds in 2005, finished with details such as real sheep pelts.
The International Nativity Exhibit
- Where: Mesa Temple Visitors' Center, 455 E. Main St., across from the temple
- Exhibit hours: 5-10 p.m. nightly, plus 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Visitors' Center holiday hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
- What you'll see: 200+ nativities made from materials such as rice, paper, nuts, gourds and porcelain, per Visit Mesa
- Phone: 480-964-7164
Parking and Getting There
From MesaTemple.org:
- Free parking may be available at the city's Park and Ride lot, northeast corner of Mesa Drive and Main Street
- Light rail: Valley Metro has a stop just west of the temple; park-and-ride options include Gilbert and Main and Dobson and Main
- Special-needs parking: the lot directly east of the north temple grounds on Hobson, with attendants
- South lot accessible spaces: reserved for temple patrons until after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; open all day Sunday-Monday
From Scottsdale: plan on extra time on weekends, or park at a light rail station and ride in.
Tips for a Better Visit
- Beat the crowds: organizers suggest arriving right at dusk or after 8 p.m.
- Weeknights are generally calmer than weekends
- Bring a jacket: "Desert nights get chilly," as the event toolkit puts it
- Make it an evening: downtown Mesa's restaurants are steps away on Main Street
- Photos: the lighted palms and the crèche under the star are the classic shots
Pair It With Other Valley Light Shows
- Chandler Tumbleweed Tree Lighting, Sat., Dec. 5: the 70th annual event, parade at 6:45 p.m. and lighting at about 8 p.m., free; the tree stays up through Jan. 3, 2027
- Phoenix Zoo ZooLights 2026
- Glendale Glitters 2026
- Las Noches de las Luminarias 2026
- APS Electric Light Parade 2026
“The Mesa Temple lights are one of the holiday traditions I recommend to anyone new to the Valley, because they show how many distinct communities make up this region. When clients are relocating, I encourage them to spend a December evening in a few different downtowns, from Old Town Scottsdale to Mesa's Main Street. It's the best way to feel the character of each city before you choose where to live.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Mesa Temple Christmas lights in 2026?
Nightly Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m.
Is the Mesa Temple Christmas lights display free?
Yes. Admission and nearby parking are free.
Where do you park for the Mesa Temple lights?
The Park and Ride lot at Mesa Drive and Main Street, or take Valley Metro light rail.
What is the best time to visit the Mesa Temple lights?
Right at dusk or after 8 p.m. for smaller crowds.
Exploring the East Valley or Scottsdale?
Whether you're drawn to downtown Mesa or central Scottsdale, I'll help you compare neighborhoods and find the right fit.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Phoenix & Scottsdale Real Estate
Talk With Elizabeth · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: MesaTemple.org: Christmas lights · Visit Mesa: Mesa Arizona Temple Lights · Arizona Communications: Mesa Temple Christmas Lights toolkit · City of Chandler: Tumbleweed Tree Lighting returns Dec. 5
Disclaimer: Event details are set by the organizers and may change; confirm dates, hours and parking before you go. Not affiliated with the event. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch