Mesa Temple Christmas Lights

The Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights will be on display from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening, offering a beautiful and festive atmosphere with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, life-size nativity scenes, and immersive biblical vignettes.

This annual display is a highlight for many in the community and beyond. You’ll experience a serene and spiritual atmosphere, with highlights including illuminated palm trees, citrus trees adorned with orange lights, and an array of nativity scenes spread throughout the grounds. One particularly striking feature is the life-size depiction of the wise men and their camels.

Meeting Spot:

Let’s plan to gather at 6:00 PM near the main entrance to the Mesa Temple grounds, located right on the corner of Main Street and LeSueur. Free parking is available nearby. We’ll kick things off with a very quick round of introductions to get acquainted, then move into the temple grounds together to start photographing the light displays.

You may photograph together or go your separate ways, there are no designated shoots.

Website with information:

https://mesatemple.org/christmas/

Gear:

When preparing for this event, consider bringing a tripod, especially if you want to capture crisp, long-exposure shots of the beautiful lights.

A wide-angle lens will also help you take in the expansive displays, while a 50mm or similar prime lens is great for portraits and detailed shots.

If you’re looking to capture bokeh effects with the lights, using a lens with a lower aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) can create those stunning blurred lights in the background.

Don't forget to dress warmly, as evenings in December can get chilly. Comfortable shoes are a must since we’ll be walking around the grounds. Also, bring extra batteries—cold weather can drain them faster!