Good morning, Mesa.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Encore at Eastmark clubhouse will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a gingerbread village display where raffle tickets (at $3 or two for $5) benefit a local hospice’s children’s library.

The drawing takes place on Dec. 13 during the Encore Santa Breakfast.

Santa Paws at Merry Main Street will offer free pet photo sessions every Sunday until Dec.

21 from noon to 4 near the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Mesa Animal Control will also share pet care tips).

Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S.

Power Road, is hosting Christmas Fest 2025 through Dec. 23 with classic holiday music, a giant ornament for photos, and a 25-foot corn stalk tree. Gates open daily at 5:30 p.m. with $15 admission and Santa visits are scheduled (Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-23).

Mesa resident Sejal Patel, who underwent two kidney transplants + a pancreas transplant after her 2009 Stage 5 kidney disease diagnosis, will advocate for innovative transplant care at a national health summit.

The FDA is alerting Mesa shoppers that several brands of shredded cheese and grated Pecorino Romano have been recalled nationwide due to potential metal fragments and listeria concerns (sell-by dates 2026).

Affected products are sold at major retailers, and no illnesses have been reported yet.

Mesa homeowners can boost security this holiday season by installing smart locks, cameras and remote monitoring systems (measures that deter porch pirates and burglars).

Local experts recommend these steps as travel increases and package deliveries rise.

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.

Mesa Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free admission — Connect with local entrepreneurs and business influencers in a casual setting.

Pottery Workshop at Rebel Wine Lounge

7-9 p.m. — Rebel Wine Lounge — Contact for pricing — Unwind and create your own pottery in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Cirque Musica with holiday hits and breathtaking performances for the whole family.

Mesa Memory Café

1-2:30 p.m. — Oakwood Creative Care Hub — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and cognitive activities in a supportive environment for those with memory impairment and their families.