Westgate unveils holiday slate in Glendale

This November, Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale will celebrate two decades in the West Valley with special anniversary promotions before ushering in the holiday season with a full calendar of events.

Events include a scavenger hunt and surprise giveaways to its annual tree lighting and weekly holiday entertainment.

The anniversary celebration, themed “Cheers to 20 Years,” will run through Nov. 30 and feature a 20-day scavenger hunt with clues directing visitors to participating tenants throughout the district.

Along the way, guests can discover anniversary surprises and golden tickets featuring $20 gift cards and other prizes.

Participating restaurants and retailers will also offer select 20% discounts, limited-time specials and celebratory menu items.

“When Westgate first opened 20 years ago, we could only imagine what the property would become and the role it would play in the West Valley,” stated Alex McNeil, senior marketing manager of Westgate, in an email. “Celebrating this milestone during the holiday season makes it especially meaningful, and we're excited to welcome guests to be part of the celebration as we look toward the next 20 years.”

Every Wednesday from Nov. 11 through Dec. 23, except for Dec. 9, Westgate Wednesdays bring holiday-themed entertainment to Fountain Park 6-7:30 p.m. Scheduled snowfall during each event transforms Fountain Park into a winter wonderland.

Westgate’s annual tree lighting is 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at Fountain Park. The evening will feature a live show with Buddy the Elf and the Grinch, stilt walkers, twirlers and an LED drumline, along with complimentary photos with Santa from 7-9.

The Christmas tree is illuminated at 7. Admission and parking are free.

Santa Claus is making several stops at Westgate this holiday season. Families can visit the man in red for complimentary holiday photos at Fountain Park from 10 a.m.-noon Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, as well as Dec. 21-24.

Guests can use their devices to capture photos on a first-come, first-served basis. Westgate will also offer a dine-and-skip-the-line opportunity for visitors who make a qualifying restaurant purchase of at least $15 and show their same-day receipt.

Additional holiday programming will continue with a Santa Hustle 5K planned at 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. More details will be announced.

For information about upcoming events and anniversary festivities, visit westgateaz.com.