11 Festive Ways to Enjoy the Holidays in Mesquite

A keepsake photo with Santa Claus. The chance to buy loved ones unique gifts crafted by Texas makers. Meaningful moments spent with friends and family sipping cocoa, singing carols, and watching twinkling lights spring to life on a towering Christmas tree. Find your Yuletide joy in Mesquite during Home for the Holidays. From making grapevine wreaths to enjoying awe-inspiring light displays, this merry lineup of events will have you talking about Christmas, Mesquite-style, for years to come.

Get an Early Start on Your Holiday Shopping at ShopMesquiteTX.com

Visitors can discover a full listing of all businesses in Mesquite at ShopMesquiteTX.com. In early November get the jump on holiday shopping at the annual Mesquite Hometown Holiday Market, a gathering of artisans and craftspeople spread over 35,000 square feet in the Mesquite Convention Center. Pick up one-of-kind items for everyone on your list with no fear of shipping delays. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for photos and free craft activities will keep kids entertained. With food trucks and live music on-site, it’s easy to spend the day at this jolly one-stop-shop. Then plan to deck the halls with your own homemade wreath at the Holiday Wreath Making Class in mid-November at Opal Lawrence Historical Park. Small groups learn to craft beautiful grapevine wreaths using fresh evergreen branches, pinecones, ribbons, and other decorative touches. Florence Ranch Homestead is hosting Christmas at the Ranch in early December and will be giving out commemorative souvenir ornaments to celebrate the historic home's 150th birthday!

Later, round out your shopping in lively downtown Mesquite during Small Business Saturday in late November. Start at the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market and experience its fresh, local foods and artisanal gifts. Afterward, wind your way through downtown’s charming streets to discover locally-owned shops and mouth-watering restaurants.

With so many opportunities to get your shopping finished early in Mesquite, you’ll have extra time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Start the Season with a Christmas Tree Lighting

It doesn’t feel like Christmas until the tree lights glow, so gather friends and family for the annual community tree lighting Nov. 30, part of Mesquite’s cheery Christmas on the Square celebration. A special holiday market gives you another chance to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts. When the sun sets, watch the city’s Christmas tree lights turn on while live music plays. Get here early so you can enjoy complimentary cookies and hot cocoa while they’re still available.

Discover a Winter Wonderland

Blink your eyes and Mesquite’s Westlake Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland during Christmas in the Park Dec. 4 – 5. This drive-through event features stunning light displays, whimsically themed areas and beloved costumed characters. Along the way, children receive a goody bag from Santa and they can drop off letters to the North Pole in a special mailbox. On Dec. 11, grab the children and head to Christmas on the Corridor in Vanston Park. Seasonally themed inflatables and yard games, as well as kid's crafts, food trucks, and vendors give parents plenty of distractions to keep the young ones busy as they wait for Santa’s big arrival.

Attend a Breathtaking Holiday Performance

There’s nothing like music to create the perfect holiday mood. Kick-off the season Dec. 4 with the Mesquite Community Band Christmas Concert. Volunteer musicians of all ages come together in this grassroots community band to perform American classics and holiday tunes at the beautifully decorated Mesquite Arts Center. On Dec. 18, take in the wonder of the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra as its musicians play Christmas favorites during the annual Home for the Holidays concert. From the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s dramatic Wizards in Winter and Irving Berlin’s bittersweet White Christmas to cheerful, upbeat Sleigh Ride, the symphony will have you happily humming along. Finally, don’t miss the iconic story of a young boy’s pursuit of his dream gift—a Red Ryder BB gun—in the Mesquite Arts Theatre’s performance of A Christmas Story from Dec. 3 – 19. Mesquite gives you rich opportunities to mark the season’s magic with a live show. And when the lights go down, it’ll feel like the holidays are really here.

Sip Hot Cocoa & Sing Christmas Carols

Dust off your best singing voice and head to Downtown Mesquite for the annual Carols and Cocoa celebration Dec. 18. Jingle Bells and Silent Night are, of course, on the list of carols to be sung, but you’ll also have the chance to sing The 12 Days of Downtown Mesquite. The evening of walkable events also includes a family-friendly holiday movie at The Gathering at Corner Theatre. Stroll through the sparkling outdoor lights with a complimentary mug of cocoa (while supplies last) and enjoy dining specials in your favorite downtown eatery.

Head to Town East Mall in early November for the Amazing Santa Color 5K Run and Walk to become a colorful Christmas collage. Conveniently located, friendly and charming, Mesquite celebrates the holidays with community events that bring joy to all ages. Find out more at Visit Mesquite.