East Valley Holiday Lights and Tree Lightings for 2026
The East Valley does the holidays well, and many of the best events cost nothing. Here is a city by city list of tree lightings, light displays and a parade or two, with dates from the official pages and a few tips for getting there.
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Mesa: Merry Main Street, the ice rink and the Temple lights
Downtown Mesa kicks off the season with the Merry Main Street Kick-off and Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 to 10 PM. The City lists it as free, with a holiday market around the tree, a holiday program and the lighting.
The Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at the Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St., opens November 27. Regular hours run through December 19 and again January 4 to 9, with longer daily hours from December 20 to January 3. It closes December 25 and closes early on Christmas Eve. A one hour session is $11 and includes skate rental. Tickets are sold online in advance, with a few walk up spots, so book ahead on busy nights and bring your own socks.
A few blocks east, the Mesa Temple Christmas Lights run nightly from November 27 to December 30, 5 to 10 PM, on the temple grounds at 101 S. LeSueur. Admission is free. The International Nativity Exhibit across the street at the Visitors' Center, 455 E. Main St., is also free. The temple's page says free parking may be available in the City Park and Ride lot at Mesa Drive and Main Street, and a light rail stop sits just west of the temple. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are.
Official pages: https://www.mesaaz.gov/Activities-Culture/City-Calendar/Merry-Main-Street-Kick-off · https://merrymainst.com/icerink/ · https://mesatemple.org/christmas/
Gilbert: a walk through light show, a new tree and the Water Tower
Arizona Christmas Lights is a walk through show on the grounds of Valor Christian Center, 3015 E. Warner Road. It runs November 27 to December 27, 6 to 9:30 PM Sunday through Thursday and 6 to 10 PM Friday and Saturday. It is closed December 7, 8, 14, 15 and 25. Regular night tickets are $12.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids, plus tax, and select drone show nights cost more. Parking is free.
SanTan Village is hosting a new event, Illuminate the Season, on Saturday, November 28, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. It includes the lighting of a new 20 foot tree, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and live music. Admission is free.
The Town of Gilbert's events calendar also lists the Water Tower Holiday Lighting on Monday, November 30, from 6 to 8:30 PM. Check the Town page for details.
Official pages: https://arizonachristmaslights.com/ · https://www.shopsantanvillage.com/Events/Details/581023 · https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits
Chandler: the Tumbleweed Tree and the Parade of Lights
Chandler's Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 4:30 to 9 PM in Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Ave. It is free and includes Santa's House with free photos, music and a toy drive run by Chandler Fire. Bring a new, unwrapped toy if you would like to help.
The Parade of Lights runs the same night from 6:45 to 8 PM. The route goes north on Arizona Avenue from Frye Road to Erie Street. Santa's House closes from 6:30 to 8 PM while Santa rides in the parade.
The City asks people to carpool and arrive early. Its page lists several downtown garages and lots, and one lot is closed for construction this year, so look at the parking map before you leave. Parts of Arizona Avenue close starting at 2 PM.
Official pages: https://www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree · https://www.chandleraz.gov/explore/special-events/parade-lights
Queen Creek: Hometown Christmas, December 4 and 5
QC Hometown Christmas is held at Queen Creek Town Center, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road. On Friday evening, December 4, there is a tree lighting with pictures with Santa, letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt, stage performances and food trucks. On Saturday morning, December 5, the parade comes down Ellsworth Road with local bands, businesses and equine groups. This year's theme is Tinsel Town Christmas.
The Town says the best parade viewing is on Ellsworth Road south of Victoria Lane, and suggests lawn chairs or blankets. Exact start times, parking and shuttle maps were still marked coming soon when we checked, so check the official page closer to the date.
Official page: https://www.queencreekaz.gov/QCHometownChristmas
Tips for a smoother night out
Desert evenings in December get chilly once the sun goes down, so bring layers, and a hat for little ones. Weeknights are usually calmer than Fridays and Saturdays at the bigger displays. For downtown Mesa, the light rail can save you a parking hunt. For Chandler and Queen Creek, plan for road closures and give yourself extra time.
Quick free versus paid list: the Mesa tree lighting, Mesa Temple lights, SanTan Village tree lighting, Chandler tree lighting and parade, and Queen Creek Hometown Christmas are all free. The Merry Main Street ice rink and Arizona Christmas Lights are paid.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free Christmas lights in the East Valley?
The Mesa Temple Christmas Lights are free nightly from November 27 to December 30, 5 to 10 PM, with free admission to the nativity exhibit across the street.
When is the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree Lighting in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 4:30 to 9 PM in Downtown Chandler, with the Parade of Lights from 6:45 to 8 PM.
How much does the Mesa ice rink cost?
The Merry Main Street rink is $11 for a one hour session, skates included. Tickets are sold online in advance.
Last verified: November 1, 2026. Dates and times come from the official event pages named above. Plans can change, so check the official page before you go.
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