Christmas Events for Kids in Mesa (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

15 min read

The Mesa area has 15 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Holiday Movies on the Plaza in Mesa on November 27 to Noon Year's Eve in Mesa, on December 31. 9 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in Arizona, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 15 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Mesa for 2026, in Mesa
  • First: Holiday Movies on the Plaza, Mesa, November 27. Runs latest: Noon Year's Eve, Mesa, through December 31
  • Free: Holiday Movies on the Plaza, Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting, Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa, Mesa Temple Lights, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland, Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments, A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating and Noon Year's Eve
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Arizona Christmas train rides page.

Mesa Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
15 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Mesa
Season
November 27 to December 31, 2026
Free events
9
Kinds of events
holiday show, holiday crafts, holiday story time and tree lighting
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Mesa Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Holiday Movies on the Plaza in Mesa on November 27; the last runs to December 31. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Mesa? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Mesa

15 confirmed events for kids in Mesa, soonest first.

Mesa: Holiday Movies on the Plaza

Holiday showFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Fri November 27, Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry Main Street turns the Plaza at Mesa City Center into an outdoor theater on four Friday evenings. The 2026 lineup is The Nightmare Before Christmas on November 27, The Santa Clause 2 on December 4, The Polar Express on December 11 and Elf on December 18. Each showing starts at 6 p.m.

The calendar invites families to bring blankets or lawn chairs and get cozy under the stars. The plaza is in the heart of the Merry Main Street footprint, so these evenings pair well with a visit to the ice rink, the Santa activities or the holiday lights nearby. Most Merry Main Street activities are free, and the movie nights follow that pattern. Pick the title that fits your kids, since the lineup ranges from gentle comedies to a stop motion classic.

Parent tip: Bring blankets or lawn chairs and a warm layer. Check the calendar before heading out in case of weather changes.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa's Christmas Tree, 1 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Merry Main Street Tree Lighting Celebration launches a month of holiday activities in downtown Mesa. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with food trucks, a holiday edition of the Sunset Market and festive music from the Mesa City Band.

A short program at 5:45 p.m. brings city leaders to the stage for the lighting of Mesa's official Christmas tree, which stands near Macdonald north of Main Street. Because Merry Main Street activities are mostly free, this is an easy first outing of the season for families. The same night also has other downtown holiday events, including an outdoor holiday movie on the plaza and the first night of Mesa Temple Lights, so it is simple to build a full evening around the tree lighting.

Parent tip: Light rail has a free ride zone on Merry Main Street nights, which can make parking easier. Bring a jacket for the evening.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa

Santa visitFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Post, 26 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Fri November 27 (6:15 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm) and Thu December 24 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry Main Street is downtown Mesa's holiday celebration, and Santa stops by The Post on Macdonald for free visits throughout the season. He kicks things off on opening night, Friday, November 27, from 6:15 to 9 pm, then visits Fridays and Saturdays from November 28 through December 19, 5 to 9 pm. There are special hours on Christmas Eve, December 24, from 11 am to 3 pm.

There is no charge to see Santa, so bring your own phone or camera for photos. Most Merry Main Street activities are free, aside from ice skating and Mesa Arts Center shows. Only service animals are allowed at the activities, except at the separate Santa Paws pet photo days on Sundays. Families can make an evening of it around Mesa's 40-foot Christmas tree on Macdonald, north of Main Street.

Parent tip: Bring a phone or camera for photos. Parking is free in open downtown lots and on the street, and light rail is free between Country Club and Gilbert Rd. stations from 5 to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays Nov 27 to Dec 26.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Mesa Temple Lights

Holiday lightsFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Arizona Temple and Visitors' Center, 101 S Lesueur, Mesa, AZ 85204
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, 5 to 10 p.m.), 5 to 10 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mesa Temple Lights is a long-running holiday display at the Mesa Temple and Visitors' Center. The Merry Main Street calendar lists it every evening from November 27 through December 30, from 5 to 10 p.m., and describes the activities as free of charge and family friendly.

The display features hundreds of thousands of colorful lights put up by volunteers, and the grounds are set up for strolling. It is a relaxed option for families with small children because there is no ticket and no set start time, so you can arrive when the kids are ready and stay for as long as they enjoy it. The temple is a short drive from the downtown Mesa events, which makes it easy to pair the lights with a tree lighting or a Santa visit on the same night.

Parent tip: Go on a weeknight for smaller crowds. Dress warmly, since evenings in the desert can feel chilly.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr.

Holiday showEast Valley Children's Theatre at Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) · Mesa

Host
East Valley Children's Theatre at Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Fri December 4 (7 pm), Sat December 5 (1 to 4 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Thu December 10 (7 pm), Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 4 pm) and Sun December 13 (2 pm), 2026
Cost
Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center
Ages
Family
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

East Valley Children's Theatre presents Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr. at Mesa Arts Center. In the story, Rudolph feels he does not belong in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. He meets other misfits on the way and learns that home is where he belonged all along, and when a storm threatens to keep Santa's sleigh grounded, his shiny nose turns out to be the thing that saves the night.

There are nine performances between December 4 and December 13, including Saturday and Sunday afternoon shows that suit younger children. The December 12 4 p.m. show and the December 13 show are ASL interpreted. The Mesa Arts Center ticket page has pricing and seating, and the show is a good fit for families who want a familiar holiday story told by young performers.

Parent tip: Buy tickets through Mesa Arts Center. Pick a matinee for younger children, and arrive early to find parking near downtown Mesa.

See dates and details from East Valley Children's Theatre at Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: A Visit with Mrs. Claus

Story time with Mrs. ClausMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Express Library, Brady Park, 7045 E Monterey Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209 (near Phoenix)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
No fee listed
Ages
Early childhood
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mesa Public Library brings Mrs. Claus to the Mesa Express Library at Brady Park on Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 10 to 11 am. Beloved children's performer Jan Sandwich appears as Mrs. Santa Claus, and her stories, songs and magic are meant to get young audiences into the holiday spirit.

The library lists the program under entertainment for early childhood, so it is pitched at toddlers and preschoolers, though older siblings are likely to enjoy the magic too. All events at the Mesa Express Library are held outdoors, so dress for the morning weather, bring sun protection, and consider a blanket or small chairs for sitting. Brady Park is on East Monterey Avenue in east Mesa, which makes this a convenient option for families in that part of the East Valley who want a short, cheerful holiday outing on a Saturday morning.

Parent tip: This program is held outdoors at Brady Park, so dress for the weather.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Holiday story timeFreeMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gateway Library, 5036 S Eastmark Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
School age and family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Mesa Public Library welcomes the Arizona Curriculum Theater to Gateway Library to perform How the Grinch Stole Christmas as an interactive story. Aimed at younger grades, the show lets kids leave their seats and enjoy reading in a lively, hands-on way.

Open to school-age kids and families, it takes place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Inspirian Community Room, an easy stop after school. Children must come with an adult who stays and joins in, as drop-offs are not allowed. Library programs cost nothing, and this one brings live theater to a favorite Seuss tale, a lovely way to make a book come alive for kids who are gaining reading confidence.

Parent tip: A grown-up has to stay with every child, with no drop-offs. Get there a few minutes early for a seat.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland

Holiday story timeFreeMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gateway Library, 5036 S Eastmark Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10 to 11 am
Cost
Free
Ages
Ages 3 to 5
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Winter has arrived at the Gateway Library, and the preschool storytime marks the occasion with stories, songs and winter themed crafts to celebrate the winter holiday. The program is written for children ages 3 to 5 and runs from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Inspirian Community Room.

Storytimes like this one build early literacy skills through repetition, rhythm and play, and the craft portion gives preschoolers something to take home. Mesa Public Library programs are free, so families can attend without a ticket. The Gateway branch is on Eastmark Parkway in southeast Mesa, which makes it a convenient option for families in that part of the city who do not want to drive downtown for a holiday event.

Parent tip: Ages 3 to 5 are the target group. Bring a grown-up to join in with the songs and craft.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments

Holiday craftsFreeMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Main Library, 64 E First St, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
School age
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Walk In Wednesdays is a drop-in series in the Youth Activity Room at Mesa's Main Library. Each week offers something different, such as a craft, a story or a simple experiment, and the December 9 session is holiday themed: kids create winter ornaments.

The program is listed for school-age children and runs from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Because it is a walk-in format, families can arrive at any point during the hour without registering. The library notes that supplies are limited, so earlier arrival gives the best chance of getting a full set of materials. The Main Library is in downtown Mesa on First Street, a short walk from the Merry Main Street area, so it combines well with other downtown outings.

Parent tip: Supplies are limited and offered while they last, so arrive near the start.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Ballet Etudes: 40 Years of The Nutcracker

Holiday showMesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) · Mesa

Host
Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (3 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 20 (3 pm), 2026
Cost
Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center
Ages
Family
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Ballet Etudes celebrates the 40th anniversary of its Nutcracker with performances at Mesa Arts Center. The Merry Main Street calendar describes Clara's magical journey, with larger-than-life mice, sparkling snow scenes, delightful dancing treats and the radiant Sugar Plum Fairy, all set to Tchaikovsky's score.

There are six performances over two December weekends, with a mix of afternoon and evening times. The Saturday and Sunday matinees are the easiest fit for younger children, and the production is presented as a family holiday tradition. Mesa Arts Center handles tickets, so check its box office page for prices and seat selection. Many families make a day of it by adding a stroll through downtown Mesa and the Merry Main Street activities before or after the show.

Parent tip: Buy tickets through Mesa Arts Center ahead of time. Plan to arrive early, since downtown parking fills on show days.

See dates and details from Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Post, 26 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 8 to 11:30 am
Cost
Ticketed, price on ticket page
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Merry Main Street, the City of Mesa holiday program, runs Breakfast with Santa on two Saturdays in December. Each date has two time slots, one at 8 a.m. and one at 10 a.m., so families can pick the pace that suits their morning.

Each session includes a light breakfast, a holiday crafting station and a photo opportunity with Santa. The event takes place at The Post on North Macdonald in downtown Mesa, an easy stop before wandering the rest of the Merry Main Street activities. Tickets are sold in advance, with sales opening on November 2, so it is worth booking early for the slot you want. The program is aimed at families with children, and the crafting station gives younger kids something hands-on to do while they wait for their turn with Santa.

Parent tip: Tickets must be bought ahead through the link on the Merry Main Street page. Bring a phone or camera for the Santa photo.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

Holiday showMesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) · Mesa

Host
Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 8 pm
Cost
Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center
Ages
Family
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland comes to Mesa Arts Center for two shows on Saturday, December 19, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The calendar describes a dazzling spectacle that blends breathtaking acrobatics, gravity-defying aerial feats and beloved holiday music.

The production features the Cirque Musica ensemble and is described as a perfect family event filled with wonder, joy and festive spirit. The afternoon performance is the better choice for younger children, while the evening show suits older kids. Tickets are sold through Mesa Arts Center, which lists pricing and seating options. The show is presented in partnership with Gate 52 Experience and is one of several family-friendly holiday performances at the arts center this season.

Parent tip: Pick the 2 p.m. show for young children. Buy tickets in advance through Mesa Arts Center.

See dates and details from Mesa Arts Center (listed by Merry Main Street) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Cookies & Cocoa with Santa

Story time with SantaMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Post, 26 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
Cost
Ticketed, see event page
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is a ticketed evening at The Post in downtown Mesa, now in its third year. The Merry Main Street calendar describes it as a cozy night for the whole family, built around the things kids look forward to most at this time of year.

The program includes holiday crafts, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, a story time, caroling and festive photo opportunities with Santa. It falls on December 22, close to Christmas, which makes it a good last Santa outing for families who have not yet fit one in. Because it is a ticketed event, plan to reserve in advance through the event webpage linked from the calendar. The session runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m., so it works as an early evening activity for school-age and preschool children.

Parent tip: Tickets are required, so check the Merry Main Street calendar for the purchase link. Arrive a little early for photos.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating

Holiday craftsFreeMesa Public Library · Mesa

Host
Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Gateway Library, 5036 S Eastmark Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212
When
Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 4 to 6 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Teens, festive for the whole family
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

During winter break, Gateway Library offers a holiday movie day built around The Nightmare Before Christmas. While the film plays, guests decorate their own cookies, and the library describes the event as a festive treat for the whole family.

The program is listed under the teen age group, so it will appeal most to tweens and teens, though younger siblings are welcome to join the family fun. It runs from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Inspirian Community Room and is first come, first served, so there is no sign-up to manage. The library notes that it cannot guarantee that the food served has not touched tree nuts, soy or other allergens, which is worth keeping in mind for children with food allergies.

Parent tip: First come, first served. Families with food allergies should note the library's allergen disclaimer.

See dates and details from Mesa Public Library (opens in a new tab)

Mesa: Noon Year's Eve

Holiday craftsFreeMerry Main Street (City of Mesa) · Mesa

Host
Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Mesa, 1 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
When
Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Noon Year's Eve gives families a way to ring in the new year without staying up past bedtime. The Merry Main Street calendar describes it as a free, family-friendly event in downtown Mesa on December 31, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Activities include cookie decorating, interactive crafts and face painting, plus on-site photo opportunities so families can capture the day. It is one of the last Merry Main Street events of the season and fits neatly into winter break, when children are out of school and looking for something to do. Since the event is free and spread over three hours, families can drop in at any point during the morning rather than arriving at a fixed start time.

Parent tip: Arrive early for face painting, since lines tend to build at popular stations. Check the calendar for the exact location within downtown.

See dates and details from Merry Main Street (City of Mesa) (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our Arizona Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale and Chandler. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Mesa Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Mesa in 2026?

We confirmed 15 Christmas events for kids in Mesa for 2026 on each host’s own page: Holiday Movies on the Plaza in Mesa (November 27), Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting in Mesa (November 27), Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (November 27), Mesa Temple Lights in Mesa (November 27), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr. in Mesa (December 4), A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa (December 5), How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Mesa (December 9), Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland in Mesa (December 9), Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments in Mesa (December 9), Ballet Etudes: 40 Years of The Nutcracker in Mesa (December 12), Breakfast with Santa in Mesa (December 12), Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland in Mesa (December 19), Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Mesa (December 22), A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating in Mesa (December 23) and Noon Year's Eve in Mesa (December 31). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Mesa, Arizona?

For families in and around Mesa, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Holiday Movies on the Plaza (Fridays, Nov 27, Dec 4, Dec 11 and Dec 18, 6 p.m., free); Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting (Fri, Nov 27, 5 to 6 p.m., free); Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa (Fridays and Saturdays, Nov 27 to Dec 19, plus Dec 24, free); Mesa Temple Lights (Nightly, Nov 27 to Dec 30, 5 to 10 p.m., free); Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr. (Dec 4 to Dec 13, evenings and weekend matinees, ticketed, see mesa arts center); A Visit with Mrs. Claus (Sat, Dec 5, 10 to 11 am, no fee listed); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Wed, Dec 9, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., free); Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland (Wed, Dec 9, 10 to 11 a.m., free); Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments (Wed, Dec 9, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., free); Ballet Etudes: 40 Years of The Nutcracker (Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20, matinees and evenings, ticketed, see mesa arts center); Breakfast with Santa (Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, 8 a.m. or 10 a.m., ticketed, price on ticket page); Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Sat, Dec 19, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., ticketed, see mesa arts center); Cookies & Cocoa with Santa (Tue, Dec 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m., ticketed, see event page); A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating (Wed, Dec 23, 4 to 6 p.m., free); Noon Year's Eve (Thu, Dec 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Mesa section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Mesa?

Yes. 9 of the 15 events here are free: Holiday Movies on the Plaza in Mesa, Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting in Mesa, Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa, Mesa Temple Lights in Mesa, How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Mesa, Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland in Mesa, Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments in Mesa, A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating in Mesa and Noon Year's Eve in Mesa. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Mesa this December?

Santa appears at Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (November 27), Breakfast with Santa in Mesa (December 12) and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Mesa (December 22). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Mesa?

Holiday story times on this page: A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa, How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Mesa, Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland in Mesa and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Mesa. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Mesa?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Breakfast with Santa in Mesa (Sat, Dec 12 and Sat, Dec 19, 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.) and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Mesa (Tue, Dec 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Mesa Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa (Early childhood) and Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland in Mesa (Ages 3 to 5).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Mesa on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa (through December 24), Mesa Temple Lights in Mesa (through December 30) and Noon Year's Eve in Mesa (through December 31).

How much is Holiday Movies on the Plaza in Mesa?

Free. Holiday Movies on the Plaza is on Fri November 27, Fri December 4, Fri December 11 and Fri December 18, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Plaza at Mesa City Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting in Mesa?

Free. Merry Main Street Kick-off Tree Lighting is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at Mesa's Christmas Tree. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa in Mesa?

Free. Merry Main Street: Visits with Santa is on Fri November 27 (6:15 to 9 pm), Sat November 28 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 18 (5 to 9 pm), Sat December 19 (5 to 9 pm) and Thu December 24 (11 am to 3 pm), 2026 at The Post. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Mesa Temple Lights in Mesa?

Free. Mesa Temple Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Wednesday, December 30, 2026 (nightly, 5 to 10 p.m.), 5 to 10 pm at Mesa Arizona Temple and Visitors' Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr. in Mesa?

Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Jr. is on Fri December 4 (7 pm), Sat December 5 (1 to 4 pm), Sun December 6 (2 pm), Thu December 10 (7 pm), Fri December 11 (7 pm), Sat December 12 (1 to 4 pm) and Sun December 13 (2 pm), 2026 at Mesa Arts Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Visit with Mrs. Claus in Mesa?

No fee listed. A Visit with Mrs. Claus is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Mesa Express Library, Brady Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is How the Grinch Stole Christmas in Mesa?

Free. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Gateway Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland in Mesa?

Free. Preschool Storytime Presents: Winter Wonderland is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 10 to 11 am at Gateway Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments in Mesa?

Free. Walk In Wednesdays: Holiday Ornaments is on Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 1:30 to 2:30 pm at Main Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Ballet Etudes: 40 Years of The Nutcracker in Mesa?

Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center. Ballet Etudes: 40 Years of The Nutcracker is on Sat December 12 (2 to 7 pm), Sun December 13 (3 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 7 pm) and Sun December 20 (3 pm), 2026 at Mesa Arts Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Mesa?

Ticketed, price on ticket page. Breakfast with Santa is on Sat December 12 and Sat December 19, 2026, 8 to 11:30 am at The Post. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland in Mesa?

Ticketed, see Mesa Arts Center. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is on Saturday, December 19, 2026, 2 to 8 pm at Mesa Arts Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Cookies & Cocoa with Santa in Mesa?

Ticketed, see event page. Cookies & Cocoa with Santa is on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at The Post. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating in Mesa?

Free. A Very Merry Nightmare Movie and Cookie Decorating is on Wednesday, December 23, 2026, 4 to 6 pm at Gateway Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Noon Year's Eve in Mesa?

Free. Noon Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Downtown Mesa. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Mesa?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Mesa Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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