Christmas in July celebration coming to downtown Glendale

The weather feels like summer but Historic Downtown Glendale is bringing Christmas cheer in July.

The 18th Annual Christmas in July celebration arrives downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Start your holiday journey at the Arizona Information Center, located at 5836 W. Palmaire Ave., to pick up the event map and activity sheet.

Many of the boutique stores, specialty shops and eateries will feature festive treats, holiday gift ideas and merry make-and take-crafts. Additional activities include the return of the Recipe Card Collection. This year’s collection features dessert recipes.

Enjoy photos with Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to noon. (photos are $5 each.) Santa will be located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures, at 5836 W. Palmaire Ave. The Historic Downtown Glendale Charm Trail returns with a special charm for the day.

The holiday spirit continues with a back-to-school supply drive to benefit the Glendale Elementary School District. Needed supplies include rulers, crayons, glue sticks, #2 pencils, notebook paper and pencil sharpeners. Visit www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com/events for a complete list of requested supplies.

Drop off donations at the Arizona Information Center.

New this year a Glendale Elementary School District bus will be available to transport attendees throughout the area for free. The shuttle will have multiple stops in Catlin Court, Old Towne, and a stop every 30 minutes at Cerreta Candy Company.

The shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Longtime Glendale resident Davita Solter will be on the bus providing narration including local historical facts, directions to activities, and more.

Admission to the event is free. Some make-and-take crafts have a nominal fee. All activities take place inside the shops and restaurants to offer a cool downtown experience.

There is free parking throughout the downtown including a parking garage with free covered parking at 58th Drive and Palmaire.

Christmas in July is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association in partnership with the downtown business community and the Glendale Elementary School District.

Visit www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com , call 623-299-2060, or follow @HistoricGlendale.