Parents can buy their kids light-up bears at the beginning of the light festival to have a more memorable experience. You can also life-sized snowmen, candy canes, and Christmas trees galore with attractive lights.
This light exhibition in Arizona is one of the best holiday events to enjoy with family and friends. Aside from blinking Christmas light, this event is also about giving back to the community. A portion of all the proceeds will go to the local charities for children. While you enjoy the holiday season with beautiful lights, you can also help charities.
Arizona Lights in the Night Dates
The Arizona Lights in the Night is enjoyed by locals and tourists every year, though the festival dates may vary. For 2021, you can join this incredible light festival from November 24, 2021, to January 17, 2022. Generally, the festival starts in November each year and ends in January. It is recommended to plan your trip to the festival venue ahead of time to ensure no hassles when buying tickets.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
Are you planning to end the Arizona Lights in the Night this year? Then, you have to travel to 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa, Arizona 85201. The closest stations to South Alma School Road are Alma School/Main Street (43 minutes walk, 3,577 yards away), Alma School Road and Baseline Road (13 minutes walk, 1,083 yards away, Southern Avenue & Alma School Road (11 minutes walk, 860 yards away), and Alma School Road & Holmes (4 minutes’ walk, 281 yards away).
If you plan to take a bus to reach the festival’s venue, the nearest bus stop to South School Road is a 4 minutes’ walk away. The bus lines near the venue are 61 and 104. The first bus to stop at South Alma School is 61, and it stops nearby around 5:05 AM. Meanwhile, the last bus near the festival venue is 104, and it stops at 11:25 PM.
You can also reach the venue by light rail. The first light rail to South Alma School Road stops at 4:15 AM, while the last light rail stops at 12:56 AM.
Festival Hours
Attending the yearly Arizona Lights in the Night can make your holiday season the brightest and merriest. You have a chance to pass through a series of fairy lights tunnels. You will see giant arches dancing along with the music, making you feel as if you are in the whimsical wonder wonderland.
November hours are from 6 PM to 8 PM from Sunday to Friday and 6 PM to 8 PM from Friday to Saturday. December hours are from 6 PM to 9 PM from Sunday to Thursday and 6 PM to 10 PM from Friday to Saturday.
How Much It Cost to Visit Arizona Lights in the Night
Visiting the Arizona Lights in the Night comes with various costs. You can purchase tickets at the site during low traffic times. Beware those pre-purchased tickets are only accommodated during a busy time. If you purchase last-minute tickets, they cost more. So, it is advisable to buy tickets online to save money.
Light festival entry starts at $39.95 for every vehicle. Large vehicle and VIP tickets are available but expect a higher price. Interested visitors can reserve a slot and date online. You should arrive 15 minutes before your selected time.
For $20 if you purchase festival tickets online in advance or $30 at the door, teddy bears are available for kids. These teddy bears will help them not fall asleep on Christmas Eve.
Weather and What to Wear
During January, November, and December, visitors of Arizona will experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures. December is the coldest month with a maximum temperature of 68°F (20°C).
As you plan to attend the annual light festival in Arizona, you have to pack a variety of clothing for specific festival months.
As mentioned earlier, the light exhibition often starts in November. During this month, you can experience warm and very dry weather. Temperatures usually hover around the low 20s C (low 70s F) during the day. At night, temperatures can dip into the single digits C (low 40s F). So, wearing dresses, sandals, long and short sleeve shirts, light footwear, skirts, and a windproof umbrella is advisable.
During December, the weather in Mesa, Arizona, is mild. On average, overnight temperatures are in the single-digit C (30s F). However, it is likely to rain once in a while. The colder weather offers 30% to 40% average lower humidity. If you plan to visit the place during this month, you should pack a jacket or coat, fleeces, warm jeans or pants, socks, light mittens or gloves, standard or waterproof footwear, waterproof bag or luggage, and umbrella.
January will offer relatively cool weather, and you should expect occasional rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 10s C (60s F). Before going to the light festival venue, you should bring a jacket or coat, warm jeans or pants, fleeces, standard footwear, socks, waterproof boots, wind-resistant umbrella, snow boots, and waterproof jacket.
Where to Sleep
One of the best things about joining various events in Mesa, Arizona, like the festival of lights, is that you have nothing to worry about in the place to sleep. Regardless of your budget, you can find accommodation that suits your requirements and make your stay even more memorable.
Here are the top hotels nearby the festival venue, offering convenience and comfort:
MK Hotels Mesa
This hotel features rooms with refrigerators and an outdoor pool. It is one block away from the Fiesta Mall and next to the Fiesta Lakes Golf Course. If you prefer comfortable beds, this hotel is the right choice. Plus, there are ample pillows, soft sheets, and incredibly comfortable mattresses.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
This Mesa hotel is situated five miles from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. It offers free shuttles within five miles and free airport shuttles. Suites and rooms feature free Wi-Fi and cable TV. It is a nicely positioned hotel, and the staff is professional and friends. If guests have concerns, everything is handled immediately.
The Azure Hotel
The Azure Hotel is located near popular attractions in Mesa like Mesa Arts Center. It features free Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool. It has many parking spaces with a good breakfast and accommodating staff.
Where to Eat
When visiting Mesa, Arizona, you should not only focus on events and attractions. The place also offers incredible spots to enjoy delicious foods. Mesa offers fresh and exciting culinary treats that you will never forget.
Here are the top places to eat out in Mesa:
Pita Jungle
As the name suggests, Pita Jungle’s specialties are mouthwatering-filled pitas. The fillings range from grilled marinated chicken to homemade falafel. It focuses on providing healthy foods, perfect for a vegan diet with variety and flavor.
Beaver Choice
If you are looking for one of the finest restaurants in Mesa, do not miss Beaver Choice. It offers an excellent fusion of Polish, Swedish, German, and Canadian food. You can enjoy a variety of foods, such as baked fish with Swedish caviar sauce and delicious schnitzels. From classic Polish cherry liquor to a formidable wine list, an alcohol selection is also available.
Aloha Kitchen
Are you a Hawaiian food lover? Then, Aloha Kitchen is a perfect place to experience an authentic taste of Hawaii. The food reflects the ethnic cultures and incredible culinary landscape of this beautiful island. All foods in the menu are created using the finest and freshest ingredients.
More Things to Do in the Area
The fun and excitement do not stop with the Christmas light show. You can also try nearby attractions and activities to make your stay even more unforgettable.
Commemorative Air Force Museum
This museum showcases curated artifacts from American and foreign combat planes, World War II, and more. It is also the home to the largest unit of Commemorative Air Force in the world.
Mesa Arts Center
This attraction is the largest center in Arizona and houses 5 art galleries, 14 art studios, and 4 performance theaters in a 210,000-square meter facility. You can roam around and explore different pieces that fascinate you, including handmade crafts, paintings, and sculptures.
Riverview Park
This park features exciting recreational activities, including fishing, climbing, and more. It is a perfect place to relax and recharge. You and your family can also have a picnic by the lake.
