GLENDALE
ROLLED OUT THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY
GLENDALE, Ariz.
– The weather was indeed frightful, but shopping
in downtown Glendale during Christmas in July was
delightful! Shoppers celebrated the joy of the season early
on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoyed a
fun-filled day of holiday crafts, sweet treats and exclusive
deals in Historic Downtown Glendale.
Christmas cheer began at the
Glendale Visitor Center, where the first 500 visitors picked
up a holiday map, coupons and gift bag and took a spin on
the prize wheel. Then folks hopped on board the cool and
comfortable Glendale Express Shuttle, which provided rides
throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court. It was hot, but a
great time to visit boutique stores, specialty shops, and
downtown eateries for giveaways and great deals.
Christmas music played throughout
the neighborhood while shoppers got into the spirit of the
season. We were even treated with seeing Santa at the
Glendale Visitor Center!
L to R Ashley,
Amie and Ariel Cunningham from Albuquerque
New Mexico stopped into visit Santa while on vacation
at the Glendale Visitor Center where Santa had
taken up residence during the summer heat in the
Christmas In July promotion if Historic Downtown Glendale.
Photo by Ed Sharpe
Downtown businesses offered
fun-filled holiday activities, including decorating a
Cerreta’s Chocolate Christmas tree, Christmas card-making
at The Creative Quest and The Tea Shoppe, and a
make-and-take beaded snowflake at The Bead Museum, all for a
nominal fee. Glendale Flowers will also had a free
make-and-take craft for the first 200 visitors.
The Christmas Cottage had a snow
machine generating snow to greet visitors that crossed the
entry portal there!
In the spirit of holiday giving,
the Glendale Visitor Center accepted non-perishable food
items to benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank. During the
summer, the food bank shelves are at their most bare, so
people need to donate to help families in need.
Christmas in July also kicks off
the start of decorating 1.5 million lights for the annual
holiday light display, Glendale Glitters, Azcentral.com’s
Critics’ Choice for Best Festival. The installation of the
holiday lights takes more than 5,000 labor hours to complete
in order to be ready for Glendale Glitters Spectacular on
November 27-28, from 5 to 10 p.m.
For more information for a visit
to the downtown area, contact the Glendale Visitor Center
at 623-930-4500 or visit www.visitglendale.com.
The Glendale Visitor Center is located at 5800 W. Glenn
Drive, Suite 140.
Linda Whittley of
Papa Ed's Ice Cream shows off the collection box that held
the gathered items for the Back to School drive. Ed
Sharpe, Glendale Daily Planet/KKAT-IPTV on the left. Photo
by Bette Sharpe
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