Local Holiday Events in the Eastmark Area
As the holiday season starts to roll in, families may be in search of traditions old and new to incorporate into the 2020 holidays. Many events are being held in accordance with CDC guidelines in the Eastmark area that are sure to provide tons of fun for the whole family. Although the events may look a little different this year, they still look poised for fun!
Arizona Lights in the Night
One great idea for a socially distanced activity this year is to check out Arizona Lights in the Night. Located at 1901 N. Alma School Road in Mesa, AZ 85201, northwest of Eastmark, this event features synchronized music and light shows with over 1 million lights and life-sized displays. Attendees will catch a glimpse of holiday favorites such as candy canes, snowmen, and Christmas trees from the comfort of their own vehicles. Shows at this event run 7 days a week and are open from 6pm to 9pm on Sundays through Thursdays and 6pm to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays from November 13 to January 3. Make sure you purchase your tickets for a time slot online prior to attending. General admission standard vehicle tickets are $29.95 and oversized vehicles are $59.95. If you would prefer to purchase a VIP ticket where no time slot is required, that costs $100.
Vertuccio Farm Presents Lights at the Farm
This year, Vertuccio Farms is hosting its 3rd Annual Lights at the Farm event. Vertuccio Farm is located at 4011 S Power Road in Mesa. Just a short drive from Eastmark, Vertuccio farms is hosting Arizona’s largest synchronized walkthrough light display every night starting on November 14 through January 3. The farm features larger than life lighted displays, dazzling tunnels of lights, and a special military light tribute. Lights at the Farm also has created a 4,000 square foot “NHL Grade” outdoor skating surface so guests can experience the thrill of a winter activity under the desert starry skies, as well as other activities spaced out around the property. Shows run each night from 5:30pm to 10pm and it is recommended to purchase tickets online due to crowd control measures. Tickets are $11 online and $13 at the gate with $8 per person for the skating rink and free parking. Check out their website for other deals throughout the week.
A World of Illumination – Christmas at Schnepf Farms
Schnepf Farms near Eastmark will be putting on a holiday event in 2020 with extra COVID safety measures in place by the farm. This farm is located in Queen Creek at 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd. Promising Christmas magic around every corner, some activities you will see at this event include snow globe mini golf, pine cone decorating, Mrs. Claus cookie decorating, meet and greet with Santa Claus, a Christmas obstacle course and Christmas bonfires. They also have the Illumination Express, a train ride throughout the farm with a synchronized light spectacular and Santa’s Reindeer Hayride, a hayride to visit Rudolph and the rest of Santa’s reindeer. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $15 and $17 per person, respectively. The train ride costs an extra $7 per person and obstacle course an extra $5 per person. The seasonal hours for this event run from November 24 to December 31 from 5pm to 10pm. Check out their website for more details on all the activities and more.
Merry Main Street
Another annual holiday tradition will be held this year in Downtown Mesa from November 27 through January 2 at 5pm to 10pm each evening, with added COVID safety measures. Merry Main Street is hosting a socially distant Virtual Tree Lighting for all families to view on November 27 at 5:50pm at Facebook.com/CityofMesa. This is the City of Mesa’s official Christmas tree and can be seen in person on Macdonald Street north of Main Street. You are also able to safely visit with Santa and get a photo as he sits in his magical snow globe near the Christmas tree on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 9pm. This event also features a 5,000 square foot Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. The ice rink does require purchased tickets for $10 per hour of skating. Specific time/day tickets are required this year for the skating rink, so make sure to jump on the website for more ticket purchasing options.
Mesa Turkey Trot
This event is one of Arizona’s oldest running events! This year, the Mesa Turkey trot will be a 10k and 5k and you must register in advance to attend the event. It will be ran on the morning of Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 26, with the races starting at 8am at Red Mountain Park. Added COVID measures will be in place, such as staggered start groups, mandatory masks in areas where you cannot socially distance, and no exhibitors or spectators. This year’s race proceeds will give funding to the Sequoia School for the Deaf, Mountain View Wrestling Club, Boy Scout Troop 451, United Food Bank, Merry Main Street, Mesa Polar Express, Love Your Friend, Arizona Celebration of Freedom, and various other local organizations. More information or registration can be found at www.facebook.com/mesasertoma.
Drive Thru Breakfast with Santa
Another event that features a 2020 twist for social distancing is the Drive Thru Breakfast with Santa, held at the Mesa Convention Center. $3 per person includes a to-go breakfast and goodie bag with crafts for each child that visits. The drive thru will include the sights and sounds of Christmas and registrants will receive an email with a letter to Santa. Each child is encouraged to complete the letter and bring it to the event to give to Santa and his elves. They will receive a special return letter in the mail from Santa before Christmas. Event times are 8am, 9am, and 10am on December 12.
Santa Fly In
The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum is hoping to get families into the holiday spirit as they host this event to welcome Santa in from the North Pole. Santa will be arriving at Airbase Arizona on Saturday, December 5 at 11am in a vintage warbird and there will be treats available. This event also supports the City of Mesa Fire Department’s Toy Drive. One unwrapped toy gets you free admission and a canned good item will get you $1 off admission. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $5 for children (4 and younger are free).
Almost all of the holidays in 2020 have looked different than usual, but these fun, COVID-conscious events are sure deliver a good time and help make memories for years to come. The Wood Real Estate Team hopes you and your family have a safe and fun holiday season, however you celebrate!