Downtown Glendale is known for its annual holiday lights spectacular, but Christmas comes to the historic area each year well before November.

During the 11th annual Christmas in July celebration on July 8, guests in Old Towne and Catlin Court have the chance to play in the snow, visit with Santa, taste holiday treats, make-and-take craft activities and purchase themed gift items with discounts as Historic Downtown Glendale celebrates Christmas around 170 days early.

During the event, patrons can support locally-owned shops and restaurants, many of which will play holiday music and decorate in the spirit of Christmas.

Lorraine Zomok, administrator for Visit Glendale and a resident of the area, said monthly promotions such as Christmas in July help to create a festive atmosphere in the historic neighborhoods.

“It’s so special to be able to walk outside of your door a couple of blocks, and there’s this energy and excitement of this urban environment of Historic Downtown Glendale, yet it has so much history and culture as well,” Zomok said.

During the event, guests of all ages will be able to play in snow at centrally-located Murphy Park. This year’s amount of snow has doubled to 12 tons.

“For many of the children, it (is) their first time forming a snowball or making a snow angel,” Zomok said.

This year, the event has expanded with more activities designed to get patrons in the holiday spirit.

By the Glendale Visitor Center,  families can take early holiday photos in front of a 24-foot-long inflatable Santa’s workshop.

The visitor center, the suggested first stop of the day, will have maps and activities listings, along with a drawing for a gift basket from Cerreta Candy Co.

At Cerreta,  guests can create make-and-take chocolate ornaments..

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Glendale Flowers and Gifts to take pictures with families and find out the hot items on children’s wish lists. The shop will also have a make-and-take fan activity, ornament-making and lemonade and fudge samples throughout the day.

Guests yearning for early Christmas treats can also venture over to Bears and More, where they will find homemade cookies.

A new shop in the downtown area, Gracie’s Marketplace, will offer discounts on lighted holiday canvas art and give away a $50 shopping spree.

At the Astrology Store, the first 100 shoppers receive free Herkimer diamond quartz crystals.

Throughout the day, free Ollie the Trolley shuttles will take visitors from one destination to another.

Shoppers can give back by donating bottled water for local residents in need. Bottles and cases of water can be dropped off at the visitor center or Glendale fire stations through July 8.

Details: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8. Free, with costs of up to $3 for some make-and-take activities. 877-800-2601, visitglendale.com.

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