Good morning, Mesa.

The Mesa Arizona Temple hosts a free Christmas light display nightly from November 28th until December 30th, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, music, photo opportunities and a near-life-size Nativity scene with the Light the World Giving Machines supporting local charities.

Visitors can park at Mesa Drive Park and Ride and nearby lots while enjoying this long-standing tradition that began in 1979.

Church leaders debuted the Giving Machine in Queen Creek on November 19 at Pecan Lake Entertainment Center—this charity fundraiser offers donors a souvenir for a tax deductible donation that supports local and international nonprofits including Mesa-based House of Refuge.

The machine will accept donations through year-end as part of the church’s Light The World initiative.

Mesa Public Library has launched THINKspot — a makerspace at four locations — that offers free training and high-tech equipment for residents to create custom holiday gifts.

In-person classes start on Dec.2 and public use of the equipment begins on Dec.8 with online registration required.

Ronald McDonald House Central and Northern Arizona will welcome families back to its renovated Dobson House in Mesa on Dec 2 — the $2.7 million upgrade improved 16 guest rooms, a redesigned family lounge, dining area, and playground while a new Day Use Program will soon provide local families with daytime access to cooking, laundry, and rest facilities.

Mesa will kick off its Christmas season on November 28 as Merry Main Street transforms downtown into a winter wonderland—with Arizona’s largest pop-up ice rink and holiday displays at the Mesa Arizona Temple running from Nov.

28 through Dec. 30. Additional events include tree lightings, Santa visits, a Holiday Sunset Market and a Breakfast with Santa event that offer family-friendly attractions.

MCC will hold its 60th Anniversary Finale with a high-energy celebration featuring free food & treats.

The event will also offer an alumni zone & memory wall with interactive art to honor its milestone.

Bartlett Lake is expected to rise as SRP began releasing water from Horseshoe Dam after recent storms increased reservoir flow—officials said varying releases will continue over the next few weeks to balance supplies and urged campers to stay away from the water's edge.

The release follows heavy water inflow in October and November and is part of ongoing efforts to manage reservoir levels.

All city offices, community centers and pools in Mesa will be closed on Thanksgiving Day as confirmed by a city communications specialist.

Dobson Ranch Golf course will open but will close at sunset with its night range unavailable — trash and recycling collection will continue if residents set containers out by 6 a.m.

Mesa Turkey Trot 5K - 10K

8 AM - 8:40 AM — Red Mountain Park — Registration fees start at $22.76 — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a family-friendly race event featuring 5K and 10K distances.

Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest

Dec 1 – 23 — Vertuccio Farms — Check for admission prices — Unwrap new traditions and create holiday memories with family and friends at this festive event.

Mesa Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and Influencers in the community.

Omnium Gatherum Concert

7-9 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets starting at $65 — Experience an unforgettable live performance by Omnium Gatherum in Mesa, AZ.

Tour the Universe with Pink Floyd Planetarium Show

5-10 p.m. — Mesa Community College Planetarium — Reserved tickets required — Experience a captivating journey through the cosmos set to the music of Pink Floyd.

Arts & Crafts Market at Village Square

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Village Square At Dana Park — Admission required — Discover unique handmade creations from local artists just in time for the holidays.

Sinterklaas Celebration 2025

2:30-5 p.m. — Fountain Of The Sun — Free entry — Celebrate the joy of Sinterklaas with a festive visit from Sinterklaas and Piet in Arizona.

Modern Calligraphy Workshop for Beginners

6-7:30 p.m. — Rebel Wine Lounge — Pricing not specified — Unleash your inner artist with a festive night of modern calligraphy and lettering.

Ballet Etudes - The Nutcracker

2-3:30 p.m. — Piper Repertory Theater — Holiday magic awaits — Experience the enchanting story of Clara and her Nutcracker prince brought to life through professional ballet performance.

Santa Hustle Arizona Half Marathon and Festivities

8 AM – 2 PM — Westgate Entertainment District — Ranging entry fees — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run for the whole family featuring a half marathon, 5K, 10K, and kids dash.