Glendale Glitters: Downtown Glendale Holiday Lights
Glendale Glitters is the West Valley's signature holiday-lights celebration, wrapping Historic Downtown Glendale in millions of twinkling lights around the Civic Center and Murphy Park. The free festival features interactive displays, holiday photo scenes, carolers, local shops, seasonal treats, and visits with Santa. It kicks off with a lighting ceremony and a weekend block party, then the lights stay up nightly through the end of the year.
When
The kickoff is typically the weekend after Thanksgiving (late November), with a Friday-evening lighting ceremony; the display then runs nightly through December 31 (recent hours about 5–10 p.m.). Confirm dates on the City of Glendale site.
Where
Historic Downtown Glendale, around the Glendale Civic Center / Murphy Park (near 5750 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale).
Tickets
Free to attend and to view the lights. A few add-ons cost extra (Santa photos have recently been a few dollars), and food/craft vendors are à la carte.
Tips
- Santa has recently appeared at "Santa's Village" on Friday and Saturday evenings during the first weekends of December — check the current schedule if that's a priority.
- The kickoff weekend is busiest (live entertainment + dozens of vendors); for a quieter stroll, visit a weeknight later in December when the lights are still up.
- It's a walkable downtown district — park once and explore the shops, treats, and photo scenes on foot. Dress warmly for desert winter evenings.
Upcoming dates & related events
FAQ
When is Glendale Glitters?
It typically launches the weekend after Thanksgiving with a Friday lighting ceremony, and the lights stay on nightly through December 31. Confirm dates with the City of Glendale.
Is it free?
Yes — attending and viewing the lights is free. A few extras (like Santa photos) and vendor purchases cost more.
Where is it?
Historic Downtown Glendale, around the Civic Center / Murphy Park (near 5750 W. Glenn Dr.).
What should I expect?
Millions of lights, interactive displays and photo scenes, carolers, local shops, food and craft vendors, and Santa visits on select nights. Dress warmly for the evening.