The Old Towne and Catlin Court retail districts will kick off the holiday shopping and dining season at the annual holiday open house beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9.

Guests can enjoy a day full of unique experiences and the return of treasured activities and displays.

“Begin checking off your holiday shopping list with unique, artisanal, and handcrafted gift items featured at the locally owned boutiques,” stated Lorraine Zomok, event co-chair and owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures and The Spicery Tearoom, in a press release.

Treats are available at the variety of eateries and special gift-wrapping stations will be set up downtown.

New this year, wooden toy soldiers march downtown. These local-artisan handcrafted, eight-foot-tall displays are a throwback to nearly thirty years ago when shop owners throughout the Catlin Court began the tradition with wooden toy soldiers on display by the front doors and on the patios of the historic bungalow-style shops.

Wooden soldiers were on display for several holiday seasons. It took local resident Rory Goree’, who lives in Catlin Court, to bring the tradition back this year. Goree’ found one of the wooden soldiers in his garage and shared it with the merchant’s association.

Several current shops were in business when the toy soldiers debuted in the 1990s including The Tole Shop and Bears & More. Carolyn Gimplowitz, owner of The Tole Shop, said the business community working together to design and paint the wooden templates.

Visitors will find more than a dozen wooden toy soldiers on display throughout the two districts. The 2024 design matches the design from the 1990s.

Holiday shop window displays throughout the area will includ a new holiday charm will debut for the Historic Downtown Glendale charm bracelet. Several make-and-take stations will be set up throughout the area.

Santa Claus will also make an early visit from the North Pole for photos and early wish lists. Photos are $5 each. Visit with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures, 5836 W. Palmaire Ave.

Returning this year, event attendees can customize ornaments for the Patriotic Community Tree at the corner of 58^th Drive and Palmaire. Each year, this tree features handcrafted ornaments made by residents and visitors to honor the military.

Historic Downtown Glendale is made up of two distinct districts; Catlin Court featuring mature shade trees and welcoming front porches lined with picket fences. The Old Towne District is home to one-of-a-kind shops and a restaurant row nestled along red brick sidewalks. The two districts span 12 blocks filled with locally owned small businesses.

Start the Holiday Open House adventure at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures to pick up the activity list and the walking map. For information, check out www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale.  The Holiday Open House is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association.