GLENDALE, Ariz. — The City of Glendale celebrated three decades of its iconic holiday tradition with an annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday.
Glendale Glitters moved its dazzling, interactive light displays from Murphy Park to the Glendale Civic Center this year.
“The joy, the cheer, and the merriment of Christmas and everything that Glitter represents is still here," Downtown Glendale Manager Daniel Sabillon said.
The lights lead straight to Downtown Glendale small businesses, including Scott Razo's new custom design shop near 57th and Glenn Drives.
"Right in the center of it all," Razo said.
Razo grew up attending Glendale Glitters with his family.
“This is the 30th year, so all 30 years," Razo said.
When a space became available just before the holiday event, Razo told 12News he knew it was meant to be.
“It was really a no brainer," Razo said. "I pulled the trigger on it and I’m building the store right now and we’ll be ready partially by tonight.”
Thousands of people will walk through Downtown Glendale in December, according to Sabillon.
“This definitely helps increase in sales because of so much foot traffic during this time," Sabillon said. "If you go around Downtown Glendale right now, the merchants have decorated their shops and it’s so beautiful.”
Razo said he's hoping shoppers from around the Valley stick around even after the lights come down in January.
“It’s just going to explode and move that trajectory in another direction of people who I may not have the reach to. So, that’s 100% what it’s all about," Razo said.
Vendors will be back on Saturday. The lights will remain lit through the new year.
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