Old Towne Glendale, Catlin Court soon to open for holidays – Daily Independent

Old Towne and Catlin Court shopping districts will kick off the holiday shopping and dining season at the annual Holiday Open House beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 9.

Guests can enjoy a day full of unique experiences and returning treasured activities and exhibits.

“Start checking off your holiday shopping list with unique, artisan and handmade gift items featured in local boutiques,” Lorraine Zomock, event co-chair and owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures and The Spicery Tearoom, said in a press release.

Treats are on offer at a variety of eateries, and special gift wrapping stations will be set up in the town centre.

New this year, wooden toy soldiers march downtown. Handcrafted by local artisans, these eight-foot tall displays are a throwback to almost thirty years ago, when Catlin Court shopkeepers started the tradition with wooden toy soldiers displayed by the front doors and on the patios of the historic bungalow shops.

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

Several current stores were operating 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 worked together to design and paint the wooden stencils.

Visitors will find more than a dozen wooden toy soldiers on display in both areas. The design of 2024 matches the design of the 1990s.

Holiday window displays throughout the area will feature a new holiday mascot, making its debut for the Historic Downtown Glendale mascot bracelet. Several pick-up and drop-off points will be located throughout the area.

Santa 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 Palmer. Each year, this tree features handmade ornaments made by residents and visitors honoring the military.

Historic downtown Glendale consists of two distinct areas; Catlin Court with mature shade trees and inviting front porches lined with picket fences. The Old Towne neighborhood is home to one-of-a-kind shops and a number of restaurants nestled along red brick sidewalks. The two districts span 12 blocks filled with local small businesses.

Begin the holiday adventure with an open house at the Arizona Information Center located in Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures to pick up the activity list and walking map. For information, see www.VisitDowntownGlendale.com or follow at www.Facebook.com/HistoricGlendale. The Holiday Open House is presented by the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association.