Glendale is abuzz with festive events this holiday season.
Between now and the end of December, families can immerse themselves in twinkly Christmas drive-thrus, walk through holiday light displays and even ice skate.
The Glendale public libraries have a slew of free, family-friendly activities throughout the month, including holiday concerts.
There are free and ticketed events on weekdays and weekends, plus activities for children and adult alike. For ticketed events, be sure to book ahead: winter festivities are popular in the Phoenix area and fill fast.
Here’s what to know.
Go ice skating at Skate Westgate in Glendale
The real-ice rink Skate Westgate is back at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. All skill levels are welcome, and tickets can be purchased near the rink in Fountain Park.
Admission with skate rental for adults and children is $25, $19 if you bring your own skates. Toddlers with shoe sizes between 9T and 12T can skate for $19. Military members with ID can skate for $19 with skate rental.
The rink is open 4-9:45 p.m. on Mondays-Fridays and from 11 a.m.-10:45 p.m. Saturdays. The rink will be open through Jan. 20.
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Be awed by Glendale Glitters holiday lights
Millions of lights illuminate the area between 57th and 59th avenues, and Glendale and Myrtle avenues in downtown Glendale for Glendale Glitters. They’ll shine nightly until New Year’s Day.
Also, Catlin Court business owners will put on holiday-themed programming throughout December.
The shop owners are bringing the weekly events back for a fourth consecutive year and are doing so with the help of Old Towne Glendale shops. Together, they’re putting on the “Christmas in Catlin Court & Old Towne Holiday Happening.” It will feature activities and late-night shopping and dining on Fridays and Saturdays.
Drive through the World of Illumination
The “Rockin’ Christmas” mile-long drive-thru light display features millions of colorful holiday lights shaped as “life-sized musical notes and retro Santa spinning it old school,” according to the website.
The mile-long display, located at Desert Diamond Casino on the southwest corner of 91st and Northern avenues, is open daily from 6-9:30 p.m. through Dec. 29 in the evening. The cost varies depending on the day but is between $40-$50 per car.
For more information, visit www.worldofillumination.com/glendale-arizona-desert-diamond-casino.
Enjoy live holiday music, arts and crafts at Glendale libraries
The Glendale Main Library, located at 59th and Peoria avenues, is hosting live musical entertainment and arts and craft sessions throughout December.
There are musical events on Dec. 12 and 19 with varying hours. The Foothills Library Roadrunner Room is also hosting a holiday concert on Dec. 16.
There are also a plethora of kids, teen and adult arts and craft activities throughout the month.
For more info, visit www.glendaleazlibrary.com.
Drive around and look at Christmas lights
Got a toddler (or several) who’s difficult to wrangle? Buckle ’em up, hand ’em a sippy cup of hot cocoa and drive around viewing lights for free.
An annual drive to look at over-the-top holiday lights is a tradition for many families in greater Phoenix. The Arizona Republic rounds up the best lights displays in metro Phoenix.
Check out the list to find displays in your area.
Get out of town at the Flagstaff North Pole Experience
Sick of Phoenix and want a change of scenery? Visit the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff.
It starts with a trolley ride at Little America Hotel, whisking you through a magic portal to the North Pole.
From there take a tour of the big man’s workshop and visit Elf University, the mailroom and Sleigh Hangar. Enjoy some of Mrs. Claus’ fresh-baked goods, and spend some personal time with Santa. Each child receives a 2024 heirloom teddy bear.
Prices vary from $52-76. For more information, visit northpoleexperience.com.
Arizona Republic reporters and contributors Shawn Raymundo, Meredith G. White, Wendy Killeen and Roger Naylor contributed to this story.
Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Christmas in Glendale, AZ: 6 holiday things to do