Event with holiday feel has hot deals

Downtown Glendale celebrates Christmas in July from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Shoppers in the historic district can get an early start on seasonal gifts on the day of holiday crafts, sweet treats and exclusive deals.

"Start your Christmas in July journey at the Glendale Visitor Center, where you will be greeted by visitor’s center staff and volunteers, who will be ready to get you started on your downtown experience," said Lorraine Pino, tourism manager for the Glendale Office of Tourism. "The first 500 folks will get a special gift bag."

The Glendale Express Shuttle will provide rides throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court. Visit boutique stores, specialty shops and downtown eateries for giveaways and deals. Christmas music will play throughout the neighborhood. Shoppers can enjoy free interactive entertainment including:

• Caricature artist from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Henna artist from 11 to 2 p.m.

• Face painter from 1 to 4 p.m.

Downtown shops will have holiday activities including:

• Decorate a Cerreta’s Chocolate Christmas tree — $7.

• Christmas card-making at The Creative Quest — $2.

• Make-and-take bead bracelets at The Bead Museum — $3.

• Make-and-take snowman flower pots from Glendale Flowers — Free for ages 4-12.

• Mighty Cup Coffeehouse & Spoon Gallery will feature Santa’s Workshops to make art projects — $3 to $7.

Santa will stop downtown to pose with all the good little boys and girls for a free Polaroid picture.

The Glendale Visitor Center will accept nonperishable food items to benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. For information, call the Glendale Visitor Center at 623-930-4500. The Glendale Visitor Center is at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140.