Christmas Lights at the Mormon Temple

Mesa, AZ, is a town of close to a half million people, one of the more populous in the state.  Originally settled 2,000 years ago by the Hohokum people, by 1450 A.D., they had hundred of miles of canals built in the area before they disappeared.  In the 1800s, the U.S. Cavalry routed the Apache out of the area, clearing the way for settlers.  The first settlers to arrive were Mormon settlers out of Utah and subsequently their is a large Mormon Temple built in the old downtown Mesa area.  Every year they decorate elaborately for Christmas and provide Christmas concerts every night for several weeks during the holidays.  

On the front lawn are the wise men.

Much of the grounds are covered with colorful lights.

Here is the manger scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, surrounded by the animals and the shepherds.

More colorful lights.  Every tree on the grounds is decorated.

The Temple itself is not decorated, but all around it is.

The scene of Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem.

The night we drove out to see the lights they had a family providing music.

Hundreds of people visit the lights nightly and you can even get donuts or hot chocolate or hot cider across the street.