Today we’re sharing everything you need to know for visiting the downtown Mesa Temple Lights holiday display.
This is one of the most epic FREE holiday light displays in the East Valley and is open to the public nightly. Keep reading for best tips for navigating the crowds and maximizing your visit to the lights.
For more than four decades, the lighting of the Mesa Arizona Temple gardens has been a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike–it’s a classic East Valley holiday experience you’ll want to do at least once–but it’s a beloved annual outing for many families.
Over time, what had started out as a small display of lights, has grown to become one of the largest Christmas lighting events in the Southwest, recently drawing more than 1.5 million people during the holiday season.
Looking for more FREE holiday fun for families? Check out our full holiday guide for budget-friendly fun, morning holiday outings for kids who still nap and more.
XO,
What’s the Mesa Temple Lights?
A spectacular show of holiday lights that cover half a city block, this is an annual light display that is made for families!
From the tiniest bushes to the tallest palm trees, there are lights everywhere!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints puts up a massive outdoor display each year and it is open to the public for the month of December.
On the grounds you will find hundreds of thousands of twinkling Christmas lights spread over the beautiful property. You can also spot biblical vignettes spread throughout the grounds that tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.
If you cross the street to the Visitors Center, you can find an impressive indoor display of hundreds of nativities from all around the world (this part is open from 10AM-10PM).
If you plan accordingly, you could enjoy dozens of local food trucks parked near the South West corner of Pioneer Park before crossing the street to see the lights, as part of Merry Main Street.
Where are the Mesa Temple Lights?
Located in the heart of downtown Mesa, it is easy to get to. The display is on the north lawn of the Mesa Temple, 101 S. LeSueur, on Main Street between LeSueur and Hobson, in downtown Mesa.
There is free public parking at the Park and Ride lot on the northeast corner of Mesa Drive and Main Street. It does get busy (especially as it gets closer to Christmas, so plan to walk a bit).
The Valley Metro Light Rail System also has a convenient stop just west of the temple grounds and is a short walk to see the lights.
Are the Mesa Temple Lights open to the public?
If you like beautiful scenery and twinkly lights, this is for you!
If you like a free event that feels festive and easy, this is for you!
If you have lots of little kids that need to get wiggles out before bed, this is for you!
Family in town and you need to impress them with something spectacular … .you got it, this is for you! It is a really fun activity for all ages.
They recently remodeled the grounds and made wider sidewalks and walkways to better accommodate wheelchairs and strollers/wagons. It can still get crowded in certain areas but there is so much to see it is easy to move around to a less congested area.
When are the Mesa Temple Lights?
Starting November 29th-December 30th 2024, the lights will be turned on from 5 until 10 p.m. every night. I recommend going right as the sun is setting to miss some of the crowds but still see the lights! The visitors center is open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
The Temple Lights display is one of our favorite family traditions around the holidays. Whether old or young, the lights do not disappoint! I hope your family enjoys it too!
