Historic Downtown Glendale will bring a winter mood to a mid-summer day when the 20th annual Christmas in July returns Saturday, July 11. Organizers are staging the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., concentrating activities inside air-conditioned shops and restaurants to help visitors manage Valley heat that often tops 100 degrees in July.
What to expect
The family-friendly celebration spans Catlin Court and Old Towne, with craft stations, seasonal décor and merchants offering make-and-take projects (some of which carry a small fee). Event maps and activity sheets are available at Memory Lane Treasures and Trinkets’ Arizona Information Center at 5836 W. Palmaire Ave. Free parking is provided in the nearby garage at 58th Drive and Palmaire.
- Event date and time: Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Location: Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court
- Admission: Free; select crafts may have a nominal fee
- Parking: Free garage at 58th Drive and Palmaire
Shuttle and accessibility
A complimentary shuttle will circulate through the event area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by Glendale Councilmembers Lauren Tolmachoff and Bart Turner, the shuttle makes stops at Catlin Court and Old Towne and pauses every 20 minutes at Cerreta Candy Company to help attendees move between sites without worrying about walking in extreme heat. Longtime Glendale resident Davita Solter will serve as the shuttle narrator and provide directions for riders.
Back-to-school drive for local students
Organizers are pairing the festive day with a Back-to-School Supply drive to benefit the Glendale Elementary School District. Donors can drop off items at the Arizona Information Center. Among the requested contributions are:
- Rulers
- Crayons
- Glue sticks
- No. 2 pencils
- Notebook paper
- Pencil sharpeners
| Need | Drop-off location |
|---|---|
| School supplies for Glendale Elementary School District | Arizona Information Center, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave. |
By linking a community holiday event to a school supply collection, organizers aim to steer some of the seasonal goodwill into practical support for students in the district as the new school year approaches.
Why it matters to Glendale
The annual summer celebration is one of several downtown draws that help keep foot traffic flowing to Old Towne businesses during the hot season. Holding activities indoors and offering transportation options reflects a practical approach to summer event planning in the Phoenix metropolitan area, where extreme heat can limit outdoor gatherings. For residents, the event is a low-cost way to support local merchants, pick up school supplies for families in need and enjoy a neighborhood tradition that has run for two decades.
Maps and a full list of requested school-supply items are available at the Arizona Information Center. Visitors should plan for the July heat despite the indoor emphasis: carry water, use the shuttle if walking long distances, and check with merchants about any craft fees before joining make-and-take activities.
