What is synonymous with holiday fun on Thanksgiving weekend in the Valley of the Sun?
Glendale Glitters! The stunning display of 1.5 million lights will illuminate 16 blocks of Historic Downtown Glendale, making it the largest free holiday light display in Arizona, and it all kicks off Nov. 25-26 from 5-10 p.m. each evening. Free admission and free shuttles makes Glendale Glitters one of the best-loved festivals in Arizona year after year. In fact, the event was named azcentral.com’s  Critics’ Choice for the Best Festival in the Valley in 2008. 

Event Hours/Free Admission/Free Shuttles

Event hours for Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend are 5-10 p.m. Admission is free. Free shuttles will run to the event site from Glendale Community College’s north lots from 4:30 – 10:30 both evenings of Glendale Glitters. The entrance to those lots is north of 59th Avenue and Olive at Via Gaucho. Preferred parking is available in the two downtown Glendale parking garages, as well.

Visitors of all ages will delight in holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s winter wonderland and petting zoo, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and, of course, visits with Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. The always-entertaining stage show counts down to the lighting ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 25 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Check out Glendale Glitters on You Tube! Ready to get in the holiday spirit? Then check out two new Glendale Glitters videos on Glendale’s You Tube channel: www.youtube.com/myglendale11. The videos are produced by the award-winning staff from Glendale’s television station. Glendale Glitters Promo 1 Glendale Glitters Promo 2

Glendale Glitters Spectacular Entertainment - Main Stage

Holiday Weekends

The holiday magic continues with more events in downtown Glendale, each Friday and Saturday, from 6-10 p.m. each evening.

• Dec. 2-3: Glendale’s Spirit of Giving Weekend
  
• Dec. 9-10: Glendale’s Winter Wonderland Weekend
• Dec. 16-17: Glendale’s Jingle Bell Rockin’ Nights
  

The glittering magic of Glendale’s holiday display remains lit nightly through Jan. 14, from 5-10 p.m. each evening. Historic Downtown Glendale is located at 58th and Glendale avenues. For more information, call the Special Event Hotline at 623-930-2299.

Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend Designated Official Arizona Centennial Event

To commemorate the state’s centennial, Governor Jan Brewer will be the city’s guest of honor for the opening night of Glendale Glitters on Friday, Nov. 25.

The Governor will join Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and city councilmembers on stage during the Countdown to Glendale Glitters Show beginning at 5:30 p.m. The 30-minute show will culminate with the Governor and City Council turning on the 1.5 million lights that cover 16 blocks throughout downtown, creating Arizona’s largest free holiday light display.             

Along with the special appearance from the governor, Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend has also received designation as an official centennial event by the Arizona Centennial Commission.

“The Arizona Centennial commemoration promises to be a year of celebration, reflection and newfound discovery of Arizona’s most important cultural and historical treasures. Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend is the perfect event to have associated with the centennial,” stated Karen Churchard, director of the Arizona Centennial Commission.

The kickoff weekend for Glendale’s annual holiday light display is Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26, from 5-10 p.m. each evening.

In addition to commemorating the state’s 100th birthday, the festival will feature elements to celebrate Arizona’s statehood, including a video as part of the lighting show that highlights the centennial; 100 ornaments created by Glendale elementary school students that will adorn the city’s 30-foot Christmas tree, as well as a large illuminated sign that will read “Happy 100th Birthday Arizona.”

For additional information on the Arizona Centennial Commission, visit www.arizona100.org.