When does Glendale Glitters 2026 start? The 33rd season opens Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, with the city's official lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre in Murphy Park. The kickoff runs Nov. 27-28, 5-10 p.m. each night. After that, the lights stay on nightly from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2027.
Worth the drive from Scottsdale or Central Phoenix? Yes, if you like a walkable holiday night out. Historic Downtown Glendale pairs the lights with bungalow-district shops in Catlin Court, restaurants and free covered parking. Here's the plan.
Data note: Details come from the City of Glendale's special events page, the city's Oct. 27, 2026 Glendale Glitters council update (schedule marked subject to change) and the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association, read November 10, 2026. The merchants association lists the ceremony at 5:45 p.m.; the city lists 5:30 p.m.
Glendale Glitters at a Glance
- Lighting ceremony: Fri., Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m. (city listing), E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre
- Kickoff nights: Nov. 27-28, 5-10 p.m.
- Lights on display: nightly, 5-10 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2027
- Where: Murphy Park, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., and Historic Downtown Glendale
- Event footprint: 59th Avenue to 57th Avenue, Myrtle Avenue to Glendale Avenue (city council update)
- Parking: free covered parking at the Palmaire Parking Structure, 5835 W. Palmaire Ave.
- Vendors: the city reported 150 kickoff vendor applications and 71 approved
The Kickoff Weekend
The city describes the two-night kickoff as:
- Light displays and interactive attractions
- Photo opportunities throughout the park
- Local vendors and seasonal treats
- Live entertainment and holiday carolers
- A visit with Santa
Friday run of show (city council update)
- 5:30 p.m.: opening ceremony
- 6 p.m.: lights on
- 6:15-9:15 p.m.: community performances in three sets
- 10 p.m.: evening concludes
Saturday, Nov. 28, entertainment begins at 6 p.m. with groups including Spotlight Youth Theatre and Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company.
December Weekends at Murphy Park
The city's entertainment schedule (subject to change):
- Fri., Dec. 4, 6 p.m.: Creative Edge Dance; Purely Dance Performance Team
- Sat., Dec. 5, 7 p.m.: LiVE! @ Murphy Park: Mega Ran Presents Buddy's Magic Holiday
- Fri., Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m.: Movies by Moonlight: Elf
- Sat., Dec. 12, 7 p.m.: LiVE! @ Murphy Park: A Winter's Evening With Ryanhood
- Fri., Dec. 18, 6 p.m.: Michaela's Dance Magic; Cachito Dance Project
- Sat., Dec. 19, 7 p.m.: LiVE! @ Murphy Park: New Destiny
More Downtown Glendale Holiday Dates
Holiday Open House: Sat., Nov. 14
The 30th annual Holiday Open House in the Old Towne and Catlin Court districts begins at 10 a.m. Look for eight-foot handcrafted wooden nutcrackers, holiday window displays and make-and-take stations. Start at the Arizona Information Center, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave., for the activity list and walking map.
Small Business Saturday: Nov. 28
Shops and restaurants open at 10 a.m. Historic Downtown Glendale has more than 70 independently owned shops, and merchants encourage visitors to stay for the lights.
Tamale Festival & Christmas Marketplace: Sun., Dec. 6
Noon-7 p.m. at The Lot, 57th Avenue and Glenn Drive, presented by the West Valley Foundation.
Tips for the Trip
- Kickoff Friday is the big night. Arrive early for parking and a spot near the amphitheatre
- Weeknights are quieter. The lights are on every night through Jan. 1
- Walk Catlin Court. The bungalow-district shops are part of the charm
- Make it a season: pair it with the APS Electric Light Parade, Phoenix Zoo ZooLights or Las Noches de las Luminarias
“Downtown Glendale during Glitters is a good reminder of how different the Valley's historic districts feel. Catlin Court's bungalows are a real contrast to the newer neighborhoods many of my clients live in. When people tell me they're curious about older homes with character, a holiday walk like this is a fun, low-pressure way to see one up close.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Glendale Glitters 2026 start?
Fri., Nov. 27: lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. (city listing); kickoff Nov. 27-28, 5-10 p.m.
How long are the Glendale Glitters lights up?
Nightly, 5-10 p.m., through Jan. 1, 2027.
Where do you park for Glendale Glitters?
The Palmaire Parking Structure, 5835 W. Palmaire Ave., offers free covered parking.
What else is happening at Glendale Glitters in December?
Friday and Saturday entertainment, Movies by Moonlight (Elf, Dec. 11) and a Tamale Festival on Dec. 6.
Exploring the Valley's Neighborhoods?
From Scottsdale to Central Phoenix to the West Valley's historic districts, I'll help you find the neighborhood and home that fit how you like to live.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Let's Talk · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: City of Glendale: Special Events · City of Glendale: Glendale Glitters council update, Oct. 27, 2026 (PDF) · Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association
Disclaimer: Event details are set by the organizers and may change. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch