Discover the best of the holidays in Glendale! Our guide has all the must-see festive events and activities. From those who navigate Glendale streets with ease to those still finding their way, our guide leads to holiday joy.
One of Glendale's most cherished holiday traditions is Glendale Glitters, a dazzling light display that transforms the city's downtown into a winter wonderland. With its enchanting glow and festive ambiance, it's a favorite for families and friends alike. If you're looking for a unique holiday experience, head to the Phoenix Zoo and marvel at the mesmerizing illuminations of ZooLights. Las Noches de las Luminarias captivates with its serene beauty, adorning the Desert Botanical Garden with hundreds of glowing luminarias. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Glendale
See these and even more events listed below!Glendale Holiday Light Displays
Glendale Glitters
What to Expect:
Largest free holiday light display in Arizona
Description:
Glendale Glitters illuminates 16 blocks of historic downtown with 1.7 million LED lights. This dazzling spectacle transforms the area into a glowing canvas of holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through the twinkling streets, enjoying the crisp winter air. The event, which began in 1993, has become a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike. You'll find food vendors offering seasonal treats and live entertainment scattered throughout the decorated blocks. Glendale's commitment to energy efficiency shines through its use of eco-friendly LED bulbs, making this a guilt-free celebration of light.
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Winter Wonderland Express
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed train ride through illuminated landscapes
Description:
The Winter Wonderland Express whisks passengers away on a festive journey through Glendale's twinkling landscapes. This unique train ride offers a dynamic way to experience holiday lights, combining nostalgia with modern LED technology. The express departs from the historic Glendale train depot, built in 1895, adding a touch of old-world charm to the adventure. Passengers can participate in onboard caroling, led by costumed conductors. As the train chugs along, it passes through tunnels of light and animated displays, creating an ever-changing panorama of holiday scenes. The gentle sway of the train cars adds a soothing rhythm to this illuminated excursion.
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Glendale Other Holiday Activities
Hometown Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven parade celebrating local heritage
Description:
The Hometown Christmas Parade in Glendale embodies the spirit of small-town America with a distinctly Arizonan flair. This grassroots event showcases local businesses, schools, and community groups, each contributing their unique take on holiday cheer. The parade route winds through Glendale's historic district, highlighting architecture from the early 20th century. Spectators can admire vintage cars decked out in holiday decorations, a nod to Arizona's car culture. The event emphasizes Glendale's agricultural roots, with floats featuring local produce and farming themes. As marching bands fill the air with festive tunes, the parade captures the essence of community pride and holiday tradition in this close-knit desert town.
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Nearby Events
ZooLights (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Wildlife-themed light sculptures
Description:
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo transforms the animal habitats into a luminous safari. Intricate light sculptures depict exotic creatures, creating a unique blend of wildlife education and holiday spirit. The event originated in 1992 and has since evolved into a beloved Arizona tradition. Visitors can ride the carousel, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, for a whimsical experience. The zoo's conservation efforts are highlighted through educational displays interspersed among the light installations. As you wander the illuminated paths, the soft hoots of nocturnal animals add an authentic touch to this wild holiday adventure.
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Las Noches de las Luminarias (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Southwestern cultural celebration with luminarias
Description:
Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden embraces Southwestern holiday traditions. Thousands of hand-lit luminarias line the garden paths, casting a warm glow on the desert landscape. This event dates back to the 1970s, honoring the Hispanic custom of lighting the way for the Christ child. Visitors can sip on warm cider while exploring the illuminated cacti and succulents. Native American and Hispanic music performances add cultural depth to the experience. The garden's unique flora takes center stage, adorned with subtle lighting that accentuates their natural beauty in this distinctly Arizonan celebration.
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Christmas at the Princess (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Luxury resort transformed into winter playground
Description:
Christmas at the Princess elevates holiday celebrations to new heights of opulence. This Scottsdale resort morphs into an extravagant winter retreat, complete with an ice-skating rink and a four-story musical tree. The event showcases Arizona's ability to create a frosty atmosphere in the desert. Visitors can indulge in gourmet s'mores at the fire pits, a luxurious twist on a campfire classic. The Princess, opened in 1987, infuses its signature sophistication into every aspect of the festivities. Lagoon lights dance to holiday tunes, creating a symphony of color that reflects off the resort's shimmering pools.
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Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields (Scottsdale)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show synchronized to music
Description:
Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields revolutionizes the traditional light display with a high-tech, drive-through experience. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station, immersing themselves in a synchronized audio-visual spectacle. This innovative approach allows for a comfortable, personalized viewing experience. The show utilizes over 5 million LED lights, choreographed to both classic and contemporary holiday tunes. Salt River Fields, typically known for spring training baseball, transforms its expansive grounds into an animated light canvas. As you cruise through the dazzling displays, keep an eye out for the towering 40-foot LED Christmas tree, a centerpiece of this modern holiday attraction.
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Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields
Christmas on Main Street (Mesa)
What to Expect:
Old-fashioned holiday celebration in historic downtown
Description:
Christmas on Main Street in Mesa captures the essence of a bygone era with its charming old-fashioned celebration. The event breathes life into the historic downtown, showcasing buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Visitors can ride in horse-drawn carriages, clip-clopping down streets adorned with vintage-style decorations. Local shops offer unique, handcrafted gifts, supporting the area's artisans and small businesses. The aroma of roasting chestnuts wafts through the air, adding an authentic touch to the nostalgic atmosphere. Mesa's rich agricultural heritage is celebrated with displays of antique farming equipment decked out in holiday finery.
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APS Electric Light Parade (Phoenix)
What to Expect:
Nighttime parade with illuminated floats and performances
Description:
The APS Electric Light Parade electrifies the streets of Phoenix with a dazzling procession of illuminated floats and performers. This beloved tradition, dating back to 1987, draws thousands of spectators to Central Phoenix. The parade showcases the creativity of local organizations and businesses, with each entry competing for the coveted title of best illumination. Spectators can marvel at the intricate light designs that bring each float to life. The event highlights Phoenix's community spirit, with participants ranging from school marching bands to local celebrities. As the glowing procession winds through the city, it creates a moving river of light against the backdrop of the desert night sky.
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Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (Tempe)
What to Expect:
Illuminated boat parade on Tempe Town Lake
Description:
The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade brings holiday cheer to the waters of Tempe Town Lake. This unique aquatic spectacle features a flotilla of boats adorned with thousands of lights, reflecting off the lake's surface to create a mesmerizing display. The event, which began in 1999, has quickly become a cherished local tradition. Visitors can watch from the shore as decorated watercraft glide by, their lights dancing on the gentle waves. After the parade, a fireworks show illuminates the sky, mirrored in the lake below. This celebration showcases Tempe's innovative approach to urban water features, turning the man-made lake into a holiday attraction.
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Santa's Village (Surprise)
What to Expect:
Interactive North Pole experience in the desert
Description:
Santa's Village in Surprise brings a slice of the North Pole to the Arizona desert. This immersive experience transports visitors to Santa's workshop, complete with faux snow and ice sculptures that defy the warm climate. The village showcases Arizona's ability to create winter magic in an unlikely setting. Visitors can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, adding a personal touch to their holiday treats. The event emphasizes sustainability, using recycled materials in many of its displays and decorations. As you explore the village, you'll encounter costumed elves busily preparing for Christmas, bringing the North Pole mythos to life in this unique desert interpretation.