Mesa Temple Garden’s annual Christmas Lights display conveys the season’s peace and goodwill to attendees of all faiths. The unique and spectacular display, titled Celebrate the Birth of Christ Light and Music Christmas Celebration, consists of hundreds of thousands of lights and serves as a backdrop for the sounds of the holidays.
Time and Dates
The gardens will be illuminated from Saturday, November 25, 2016 from 5 pm to 10 pm and every night thereafter during those same hours until Saturday, December 31, 2016. Evening concerts begin on December 1 and are presented each night of 7 pm to December 25.
What to expect
The event draws about a million visitors each year, and features hundreds of thousands of colored lights, a large nativity display, and holiday dioramas that cover the garden area of the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Saints. of the Last Days. Hundreds of volunteers will donate thousands of hours of work during the holiday season to create and maintain the exhibit.
The Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens Holiday Lights and Concerts Series features free half-hour concerts, featuring a variety of bands and musical styles, performed at 7 pm each night through December 25. A full schedule of performances can be viewed online. Concerts take place on the north side of the Mesa Temple Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center, located adjacent to the Temple, offers free tours from 10 am to 10 pm each day during the Christmas light display. Don’t miss the international nativity display featuring natives from across the United States and around the world.
All religions are welcome to visit.
What else do I need to know?
I have been to this event several times over the years, and at night it is quite cold. It is best to dress in layers (and even wear gloves) and remove the cape if you are warm; that’s easier than being too cold. Chairs for concerts are metal, so people often bring pads or blankets to place over them. If you don’t mind carrying them around, you can also bring your own chairs and place them to the sides or back of the concert viewing area. This is an especially good idea if you don’t want to get there early to get a seat.
Hundreds of people will be standing at these concerts.
I’m not a Mormon. Is that a problem? Will they try to convert me?
This is a celebration for all people. There is usually minimal proselytizing in the holiday event, but if someone approaches you to ask if you want to know more about your faith, you can politely say yes or decline.
How much will it cost to enter?
Nothing! Admission to the Mesa Arizona Temple Gardens Holiday Lights and Concert Series is free. Street parking is free.
What if I have more questions?
Visit Christmas Lights on the Mesa Arizona Temple Grounds online, or for event information, call 480-964-7164.
Location
The Temple Garden Christmas celebration is held at the Mesa Arizona Temple and Visitor Center located at 525 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203. For those without a car, the Valley Metro Rail provides transportation to the Temple Grounds. Exit at Main Street / Mesa Drive Station.
