Each year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites communities everywhere to step into the peace, joy, and hope of Jesus Christ through Christmas lights, nativity displays, and community celebrations. Though Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah is perhaps the best known for this, it is far from the only sacred location to offer festive light displays and Christ-centered events.
The invitation to participate stretches across the United States and around the world, with temples and historic sites offering music, beautifully illuminated grounds, and reverent experiences that honor the birth of the Savior. Every event remains open to neighbors of all faiths, creating places where families can gather, reflect, and feel the light of the season.
Across these locations, thousands of volunteers prepare exhibits, string lights, restore decorations, and welcome visitors—not merely to observe beauty, but to recognize Christ as the Light of the World. Below is a detailed look at the many places where that light is shining this Christmas.
United States
Washington, D.C.
The Washington D.C. Temple opened its 48th annual Festival of Lights on December 2, 2025, marking one of the most cherished Christmas traditions in the Church. Elder Gérald Caussé joined Mexico’s Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma Barragán to illuminate the 500,000 lights across the temple grounds.
During the moment of lighting, Ambassador Moctezuma expressed appreciation for the Church’s shared focus on service and reminded attendees that “when you shine, your family, your community, your city, your country and the world become a better place.” His words captured the purpose of the season-long event: to help visitors bring light to the places where they live and worship.
Kirtland, Ohio
At the historic Kirtland sites, the Nativity exhibit opened on November 30, 2025, inviting guests to slow down and reflect on Christ’s birth. The exhibit is open daily from 1 to 7 p.m., concluding with a 6 p.m. performance by Hark! The Children’s Angel Choir. The music, paired with the historic setting, adds a gentle, reverent atmosphere to the experience.
Mesa, Arizona
For more than fifty years, volunteers in the Phoenix metro area have been the heart of the Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas display. Some begin preparing as early as spring, with most working diligently in November to transform the temple grounds.
This year’s visitors can enjoy colorful lights and a vast International Nativity Display featuring hundreds of nativities from around the world. The event remains free, open to all, and deeply rooted in its message of peace and unity.
Oakland, California
Temple Hill offers one of the most scenic Christmas light displays in the Church, combining illuminated walkways with panoramic views from its rooftop gardens. The lights turn on at dusk through December 31, remaining lit until 9 p.m. The display is intentionally peaceful, providing a simple, reflective retreat during the holiday season.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Temple Square continues its Christmas tradition even as renovation on the Salt Lake Temple progresses. Beginning November 28, 2025, lights shine in every open area from 6–8 a.m. and again from 4:30–10 p.m. until January 1, 2026. Families can enjoy Christ-centered displays and activities, preserving the feeling of a sacred celebration at the heart of the Church.
Here’s Everything Happening at Temple Square This Christmas
St. George, Utah
The St. George Utah Temple begins its Christmas season on November 28, 2025, welcoming visitors with brightly lit grounds and nightly devotionals. From 7 to 7:30 p.m. through December 22, guests can gather in the Visitors’ Center for music and brief messages before walking the decorated pathways. The event blends light, sound, and quiet reflection.
Laie, Hawaii
The Laie Visitors’ Center hosts free Christmas concerts nightly in December. Local performers share music from 7 to 7:30 p.m., creating a warm and joyful setting where visitors can experience the spirit of the season before exploring the temple grounds.
Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial (Vermont)
One of Vermont’s most beloved Christmas displays shines at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in South Royalton. Red, green, and gold lights illuminate the grounds from dusk to 9 p.m., and the Visitors’ Center is open daily from 1 to 8 p.m. The display brings a sense of quiet beauty to the rural landscape.
International
Manila, Philippines
The Manila Philippines Temple held its annual Lighting Ceremony on November 13, 2025, hosting government leaders, diplomats, and community representatives. Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., Philippines Area President, presided alongside Elder Chi Hong (Sam) Wong and Elder William K. Jackson. Elder Jackson led the ceremonial lighting that filled the temple grounds with warm illumination celebrating the light and love of Jesus Christ.
Hamilton, New Zealand
Temple View’s Christmas Lights shine from December 6–25, beginning nightly at 8:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy choir performances on December 16 at 8:15 and 9 p.m. Organizers also provide helpful guidance on parking and walking routes, ensuring families can enjoy the festive walkway with ease.
Mexico City, Mexico
The Mexico City Temple glows with more than 250,000 lights—an extraordinary effort that requires a 28-person team working for three months to complete. The result is a radiant display that invites locals and visitors to feel joy and unity throughout the Christmas season.
São Paulo, Brazil
In São Paulo, Curitiba, and Fortaleza, the Little Village of Bethlehem opened on December 5, 2025, accompanied by a festive countdown and thousands of attendees. Notable guests such as Luiz Felipe Scolari, Edson Celulari, and Otaviano Costa participated in the celebration. The display remains open daily from 6 to 10 p.m. through January 6, 2026, offering families a vibrant depiction of Christ’s nativity.
Wherever these celebrations unfold—whether in a quiet village in Vermont or a bustling city like Manila—their purpose remains constant: to help individuals feel the peace and light of Jesus Christ. Through music, illuminated pathways, and nativity scenes, these events invite the world to come closer to the Savior and “light the world” by reflecting His love.
Which site will you be visiting this Christmas season? Share with us in he comments!
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
