As the holiday season approaches, Visit Mesa is excited to share their list of upcoming events including the annual East Valley Veterans Day Parade and Mesa’s Merry Main Street, and new festivities like Gem City Veterans Day Celebration and Noon Year’s Eve.
Veterans Day Events
This year, Mesa is honoring veterans with a weekend full of exciting events, delicious food and family-fun activities. Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ at the Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic, savor craft beverages and support veteran-owned businesses at the Gem City Veterans Day Celebration hosted by Cider Corps, and show your appreciation at the East Valley Veterans Day Parade.
This year, the East Valley Veterans Day Parade is themed “Arizona Heroes – Global War on Terrorism” to recognize those who have served in the 20-year-long war. The event brings together Mesa residents and surrounding communities to pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of our veterans.
Downtown Mesa BBQ Classic
Date & Times: Nov. 8-9, Times Vary
Location: Main Street & Macdonald - Downtown Mesa
Gem City Veterans Day Celebration
Date & Times: Nov. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Cider Corps - Downtown Mesa
East Valley Veterans Day Parade
Date & Times: Nov. 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Starts on Center Street & University
Check out Visit Mesa’s Veterans Day Weekend Page for more information and for deals and discounts.
The Mesa Turkey Trot offers a family-friendly festive experience, perfect to kick off the holiday season. Choose from the 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K, 10K or Virtual Walk for a donation contribution to benefit the Mesa Sertoma Club. The Fun Run/Walk is perfect for families wanting to enjoy the morning together before the main event starts. The 5K and 10K run along the roads surrounding Red Mountain Park, bringing the community together to kick off a day full of thanks.
Date & Times: Nov. 28, Starting at 8:00 a.m.
Location: Red Mountain Park
One of Mesa’s most well-known holiday light displays can be found at the Mesa Arizona Temple. Starting on November 29, guests can experience the beautiful lights that cover the temple itself. Walk around and enjoy the company of family and friends as you view the array of twinkling lights.
Date & Times: Nov. 29 – Dec. 30, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Mesa Arizona Temple
Get into the holiday spirit with Mesa’s cherished, annual Merry Main Street event. Check out activities like the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, visits with Santa, and the Mesa Christmas tree and Menorah lighting events. Grab food from Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest and peruse a plethora of local vendors. Participate in Gnome on the Roam, where guests can search for the Downtown Mesa Gnome for a chance to win prizes.
Date & Times: Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 11, 2025, Times Vary
Location: Main Street - Downtown Mesa
Vertuccio Farms Christmas Fest
This year, Vertuccio Farms’ annual holiday event offers a new spin on their classic Lights at the Farm. Now titled Christmas Fest, guests can experience holiday festivities and a Mistletoe Marketplace that will feature over 40 unique boutique vendors. Starting on December 4, visitors can also look forward to traditional lights, Santa visits, a petting zoo and a 30 ft corn stalk tree.
Date & Times: Dec. 4-23, Times Vary
Location: Vertuccio Farms
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Downtown Mesa’s festive twist on the celebration! On December 31, ring in the new year with crafts, cookie decorating, live music, a dance party and food trucks. This free, family-fun event wraps up with a special noon countdown led by Mayor John Giles, followed by a sparkling cider toast—leaving your evening free for adult festivities.
Date & Times: Dec. 31, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Main Street & Macdonald - Downtown Mesa
Check out more fun events happening in Mesa and stay tuned for updates on these upcoming events at VisitMesa.com.
