Celebrate the Birth of Christ in Light and Music; Christmas Display to Illuminate 750,000 Lights in Mesa

Business Wire, Nov 16, 2004

MESA, Ariz. -- Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Christmas lights display heralded as one of the Southwest's most spectacular will again commemorate the holidays with 750,000 lights, stunning dioramas and seasonal music.

The Temple Garden Christmas display attracts more than 1 million visitors annually to the elegantly lighted gardens of the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Titled "Celebrate the Birth of Christ in Light and Music," the event began when local church leaders decided to light the temple grounds as a gift to the community. The display has since become tradition not only for the many visitors, but also for more than 800 volunteers who donate more than 10,000 hours of labor to make the display a reality.

This year's celebration begins with a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, 2004. Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker will flip the switch to light the display and the Arizona Mormon Choir will perform. Interview and video opportunities will be available to members of the media who wish to attend the opening ceremony.

The display will then run nightly from Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. each evening. Admission is free and open to the public.

Additionally, choral and performing groups will present free concerts each evening starting at 7 p.m. The groups, representing a variety of cultures and musical styles, include family choruses, school choirs and various private ensembles from all over Arizona.

Along with the lights, the display features a large nativity and lifelike mannequins depicting various aspects of the birth of Christ. Spectators may tour the newly remodeled Visitors' Center to see a 10-foot replica of the original Christus sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen, view a short film about the birth of Christ and see nativities by artisans from around the world. Narratives in the Visitors' Center and on the grounds are available in both English and Spanish.

The Mesa Arizona Temple grounds are located at 525 E. Main St. Free parking is available in adjoining parking lots or on neighboring streets. Handicapped parking is available and tour buses may be accommodated in the parking lot just east of the Visitors' Center. Restroom facilities are also provided in the same lot.

To schedule a press interview, call the media contact. For questions about parking, contact the Visitors' Center at 480-964-7164. For more information, visit the Web site at www.christmastemplelights.com.