Guide to Thanksgiving in Mesa

With many restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner and exciting activities, Mesa is the ultimate destination for spending the holiday with loved ones. Enjoy a host of festive, family-friendly events throughout the holiday weekend. Whether you're hosting relatives from out of town or planning your own Mesa getaway, this guide makes it easy to create a memorable Thanksgiving weekend itinerary.

Thanksgiving Events

Mesa Turkey Trot

Nov. 28, 2024

Start Thanksgiving morning off on the right foot with the Mesa Turkey Trot! Whether you’re ready to tackle a 10K, test your pace in the 5K, or run in the family-friendly One Mile Fun Run, the Turkey Trot is a great way to work up an appetite before diving into Thanksgiving dinner.

​​Merry Main Street

Nov. 29, 2024

Step into a world of holiday cheer at Merry Main Street in Downtown Mesa! The festivities kick off with a spectacular tree-lighting ceremony, followed by a chance to glide across the outdoor ice rink and capture a memorable photo with Santa.

Zoolights

Nov. 27, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025

Celebrate the holiday season at Zoolights at The Phoenix Zoo! Wander along glowing pathways, cozy up with festive treats, and take in the light shows and holiday displays around animal habitats. Open on Thanksgiving, this enchanting evening experience is the perfect way to wrap up your holiday festivities.

Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Barn Celebrations

Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2024

Step back in time at the Superstition Mountain Museum’s Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Barn! Stroll through the festively decorated grounds, shop for handcrafted items, and enjoy the charm of a classic holiday market.

Mesa Feastival- Saturday in the Park

Nov. 30, 2024

Craving something beyond Thanksgiving leftovers? Treat yourself to the flavors of the southwest at Mesa Feastival, where Pioneer Park comes alive every Saturday with gourmet food trucks, vibrant live music, and unique artisan vendors.

Light Bloom

Oct. 12, 2024 - Jan. 20, 2025

Nature and art come together at Light Bloom, where geometric light installations by HYBYCOZO illuminate the desert’s beauty in a mesmerizing display. Light Bloom is closed on Thanksgiving but remains open throughout the week so you can admire the magical setting at Desert Botanical Garden to celebrate the holidays under dazzling lights.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Skip the kitchen stress this year and savor a gourmet Thanksgiving feast at one of Mesa’s top restaurants! Local chefs are preparing incredible Thanksgiving dinners so you can enjoy the holiday with incredible flavors and no cleanup – making it easy for you to relax and indulge in a holiday meal with family and friends.

Plan Your Thanksgiving Getaway

Are you visiting family in Mesa and need a place to stay? Do you want to turn the Thanksgiving weekend into a relaxing staycation? Make Mesa your home away from home this Thanksgiving by booking a stay at a cozy hotel where you can rest, recharge, and easily access all the festive activities happening around town.