Celebrate the season with lights, music, and magical experiences!

The holiday season in the East Valley is packed with unforgettable shows, dazzling light displays, and family-friendly events. Whether you love classic performances, outdoor festivals, or magical light adventures, this guide brings you the best holiday experiences happening across the valley. Grab your calendar and get ready to plan your festive fun!

✨ Mesa Temple Christmas Lights + International Nativity Display

Location: Mesa Arizona Temple
Dates: Nov. 28, through Tuesday, Dec. 30.
Price: Free
Link: Event Details
Why Go: A peaceful and stunning light display with an international nativity exhibition — a beautiful tradition for families and visitors of all ages.

🎭 A Christmas Carol – Hale Centre Theatre (Gilbert)

Location: Hale Centre Theatre, Gilbert
Dates: November 28 - December 24, 2025
Price: $40.00 - $58.00
Link: Event Details
Why Go: A heartwarming and beautifully staged classic that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Perfect for families and theatre lovers.

🎶 GENTRI Christmas – Mesa Arts Center

Location: Tom and Janet Ikeda Theater
Dates: Dec 19, 2025 8:00 PM
Price: Start at $56 | VIP AVAILABLE
Link: Event Details
Why Go: Enjoy stunning vocals and cinematic arrangements that bring Christmas classics to life in a powerful, uplifting performance.

🎪 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland – Mesa Arts Center

Location: Tom and Janet Ikeda Theater
Dates: Dec 20, 2025 7:30 PM
Price: Start at $65.50 | VIP AVAILABLE
Link: Event Details
Why Go: A spectacular fusion of music and acrobatics filled with festive charm. A fun, high-energy holiday show for all ages.

🎼 Millennial Choirs & Orchestras – Silent Night

Location: Various / Mesa or Phoenix venue
Dates: Dec 3 - Dec 6, 2025
Price: $37.50 - $63.50
Link: Event Details
Why Go: MCO’s powerful arrangements and massive choir/orchestra create a breathtaking Christmas concert experience.

👼 Hear the Angel Voices – Millennial Choirs & Orchestras

Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Dates: December 10, 2024
Price: Ticketed
Link: Event Details
Why Go: Another incredible program from MCO featuring soaring vocals and inspiring Christmas music.

🎵 A Chorale Christmas – Phoenix Chorale

Location: Phoenix venues
Dates: Friday, December 19 - 22 2025
Price: $47.50 Adult / $52.50 Brophy Chapel
Link: Event Details
Why Go: Arizona’s Grammy-winning choir delivers a beautiful and intimate holiday concert full of rich harmonies.

🎼 Holiday Pops Spectacular – Phoenix Symphony

Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Dates: December 5 - 7, 2025
Price: $39.00 | $120.00 †
Link: Event Details
Why Go: A festive symphony experience filled with classic holiday music, guest performers, and magical moments.

🩰 The Nutcracker – Arizona Youth Ballet / Queen Creek PAC

Location: Queen Creek Performing Arts Center

 Dates:Sunday, December 21st, 2025 at 7:00 pm | Monday, December 22nd, 2025 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Price: Adult: $28 Child/Student/Senior: $20 |$5 Price Increase at the Door 

Link: Event Details
Why Go: A charming local performance of the beloved holiday ballet, great for families and young dancers.

🎶 Holiday Concerts – Phoenix Children’s Chorus

Location: Various venues
Dates: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025Tempe Center for the Arts3:00pm 

Price: Ticketed
Link: Event Details
Why Go: Beautiful performances from talented young vocalists — a heartwarming addition to your holiday traditions.

🎭The Nutcracker at Mesa Arts Center

Location: MESA ARTS CENTER
Dates: Friday, November 28 - Sunday, December 7 

Price: Ticketed
Link: Event Details
Why Go: Experience the magic of Ballet Etudes’ 39th annual Nutcracker! Follow Clara through a world of swirling snowflakes, dancing sweets, and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. A timeless holiday tradition for the whole family.

🎄 Phoenix Theatre’s A Christmas Carol

Location: MESA ARTS CENTER
Dates: November 26, 2025 -December 28, 2025 

Price: Start at $60
Link: Event Details
Why Go: A Christmas Carol: A heartwarming tale of redemption, guided by three ghosts and brought to life with music and timeless holiday magic.

✨ Final Thoughts

With so many festive shows and displays across the East Valley, your holiday season can be as magical as you want it to be. Whether you're planning a date night, a family outing, or a group adventure, these events will help you make cherished memories all season long.