Let's Get Merry: Holiday Fun for All Ages!

Published on November 19, 2025

'Tis the season for holiday-themed events for kids, teens, and adults!

Festive Music for All Ages

Foothills Coffeehouse: Jam-Boree's Holly Follies
Monday, December 1, 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Join us the first Monday evening of every month for acoustic music performed by local musicians. This month features a festive holiday performance featuring members of the Foothills Jam-Boree Acoustic Jam.

Live @ the Library: Café Flutes Presents Holiday Delights
Thursday, December 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Celebrate the season with the enchanting sounds of Café Flutes! Join us for a festive evening of live music as this talented ensemble performs a selection of holiday favorites — from timeless carols to cheerful winter melodies. Whether you're looking to relax, get into the holiday spirit, or simply enjoy a unique musical experience, this concert is sure to warm your heart. Perfect for all ages! This event is funded by a City of Glendale Performing Arts Grant.

Main Library Coffeehouse: Holiday Acoustic Showcase
Thursday, December 11, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Celebrate the season with an evening of live acoustic music at the Main Library Coffeehouse! This special holiday edition features a lineup of talented local musicians performing cozy, crowd-pleasing renditions of your favorite holiday songs, including plenty of sing-along favorites. Come enjoy the warm, festive atmosphere, support local talent, and share in the joy of the season. Please note: Performers are scheduled in advance and performance slots are not open for sign-up during the event.

Joyful Heart Fine Arts Micro School Presents: A Holiday Showcase of the Arts
Saturday, December 13, 2-3 p.m. at the Main Library
Celebrate the season with Joyful Heart Fine Arts Micro School’s Holiday Showcase, featuring charming performances and creativity from students ages 4-12. Enjoy scenes from holiday favorites brought to life through acting, music, piano, and dance, along with a special display of student artwork. These talented young artists are sure to fill your heart with joy and your season with smiles!

Big Band Grandstand Holiday Concert
Monday, December 15, 6-7:15 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Enjoy a special performance of swinging popular standards and holiday favorites performed by Big Band Grandstand! Big Band Grandstand rehearses at the Foothills Library on Monday afternoons from 1-3 p.m.

Live @ the Library: A Classic-al Driftwood Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Celebrate the season with the rich sounds of woodwinds and the warmth of live music! The acclaimed Driftwood Quintet is a Phoenix-based chamber group known for their dynamic performances and innovative take on classical music. This festive program will include holiday favorites, classical gems, and winter-themed melodies, all performed with the signature charm and artistry of Driftwood Quintet. Perfect for music lovers of all ages, this live concert is sure to bring joy, nostalgia, and a touch of elegance to your holiday season. This event is funded by a City of Glendale Performing Arts Grant.

Phoenix Ukulele Group Holiday Concert and Singalong
Saturday, December 20, 2-2:30 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Join the fun and sing along as this friendly bunch of ukulele enthusiasts performs traditional holiday carols and songs!

A Sunday Afternoon of Music: Christmas with the Caribbean Cruisers
Sunday, December 21, 2-4 p.m. at the Main Library
The Caribbean Cruisers invite you on a vibrant musical journey through the islands this holiday season! Experience the joy of Christmas like never before as we blend beloved holiday classics with the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean. From the steel pan sounds of Trinidad to the reggae beats of Jamaica and the breezy melodies of the Bahamas, we’ll take you island-hopping through a tropical celebration of music. Enjoy reimagined Christmas favorites alongside the spirited sounds of the Caribbean in this festive, feel-good performance! This event is funded by a City of Glendale Performing Arts Grant.

Crafts and Activities for Families

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?
Throughout December at all library locations
Stop by and share your love of the festive season with the Glendale Public Library! Decorate a paper symbol of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to show what the holidays mean to you, or to express a holiday wish. Give the symbol to our staff so we can decorate an area of each library with everyone's holiday cheer. All ages are welcome to participate!

All-Ages Art Night: Paint the Northern Lights
Thursday, December 4, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Velma Teague Library
Create your own custom piece of the radiant northern skies with this astonishing blend of art and science! Please wear clothing you do not mind getting painted. This program is intended for ages 3 and up. If registering more than one attendee, please register each attendee separately.
Register for Paint the Northern Lights

Family Night: Sock Snowman
Monday, December 8, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Who says you can’t make a snowman in the Valley of the Sun? We can make it happen! Families with children aged 8 and older are invited to turn socks into roly-poly snow friends with coal eyes and carrot noses. We supply the materials, and you supply the magic! Please register each family member who will be attending. This is a parent (or person over 18) and child program, so adults who do not have a child with them will not be able to attend.
Register for Sock Snowman

Holidays at Heroes
Saturday, December 13, 12-2 p.m. at Heroes Regional Park Library
Celebrate the season with Holidays at Heroes, a festive family program full of holiday cheer! Families can enjoy holiday ornament painting (while supplies last), a fun scavenger hunt, and more winter activities. Don’t miss a special Storytime with Mrs. Claus, spreading warmth and joy to all ages.

Frozen Fun at Foothills Library!
Monday, December 15, 4-5 p.m. at Foothills Library
Step into a snow-kissed wonderland and join us for a royal winter storytime! Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are making a magical stop to share a story, sing songs, and sprinkle some icy enchantment. Bring your warmest smile and winter spirit to snap a royal selfie, craft your own snowflake masterpiece, and enjoy frosty fun with games and activities fit for Arendelle royalty. Please note that space is limited at this first-come, first-served program.

Crafts for Kids

3D Paper Snowmen
Throughout December at the Velma Teague Library
Do you want to craft a snowman? Roll up some construction paper “snow” to craft a jolly and festive decoration for winter gatherings. This program is intended for ages 3 and up, while supplies last.

Crafty Kids: Winter Slime
Thursday, December 11, 4-5 p.m. at the Main Library
What's more fun than playing with slime? Making slime! Smush in some snowflake glitter to the mix and you've got a winter wonderland in a cup! This first-come, first-served program is geared for school-aged children, ages 5-11. Younger children are welcome to join with the assistance of their adult.

Tween Art-repreneurs: Clay Penguin Keychains
Thursday, December 11, 6-7 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Looking to get artsy? Join us monthly to try out new projects, whether it's painting, crafting, or something unique! Open to tweens, ages 9-11. This month we are creating penguin keychains out of air-dry clay! Follow instructions to roll, shape, and stick pieces together and take home new decor or a sweet gift. Space and supplies are limited. Please register each tween individually.
Register for Clay Penguin Keychains

Snowman Stress Balls
Thursday, December 11, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Velma Teague Library
Explore different textures and learn some winter science while also crafting a stress ball to help you wind down with the year. This program is intended for ages 3 and up. If registering more than one attendee, please register each attendee separately.
Register for Snowman Stress Balls

Posada Poinsettia Piñatas
Thursday, December 18, 4-5 p.m. at the Main Library
Las Posadas is a yearly tradition celebrated by those in Latin America and in the United States between December 16-24. In this hands-on program, tweens will discover the history behind this holiday and learn about the cultural significance of poinsettias and piñatas while making their own festive piñata to take home to continue the festivities. This program is intended for children ages 9-11, though younger children may participate with the assistance of an adult.

Crafts & Activities for Teens 12-18

Warm Words Wall
Throughout December at the Heroes Regional Park Library
Got the winter blues? Help turn them into bright hues! Teens can drop by the Teen Space anytime this month to share a note of encouragement, a happy thought, or something that makes you smile to help others warm up their day.

Snowball Guessing Jar
December 10-31 at the Velma Teague Library
Can you guess how many snowballs are in the jar? The person with the closest guess will win a prize pack! Staff will notify the winner during the first week of January.

Teen STEM: Marshmallow Snowflakes
Monday, December 1, 6-7 p.m. at the Heroes Regional Park Library
Explore the science of snowflakes, then bring your own to life. Using marshmallows and toothpicks, teens will build creative and sturdy snowflake shapes while learning about how snowflakes form and crystallization.

Teen Makers: Fuse Bead Ornaments
Monday, December 1, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Come explore different tech gadgets and maker tools. Attendees will face building challenges, play with cool tech toys, and learn to use maker tools. Each month features a new project. This month, participants will use fuse beads to create unique holiday decor.
Register for Fuse Bead Ornaments

Teen Artisans: Needle Felting Winter Scene
Saturday, December 13, 2-3:30 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Searching for teens ready to get creative! Join us bimonthly as we explore projects and develop new hobbies through crafting, painting, fiber arts and more! This month we will explore needle felting by creating a winter aurora borealis scene. Learn how to felt wool into a flat canvas and blend fibers together, creating a unique decoration piece or gift. Space and supplies are limited for this program, so please register each participant individually.
Register for Needle Felting Winter Scene

Deck the Brawls: A Holiday Super Smash Bros. Tournament
Thursday, December 18, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Teen Smash players are invited to participate in multiple rounds of a Swiss-style format, with no eliminations. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or it's your first time in the ring, this is your opportunity to enjoy competitive excitement and forge new friendships. Grab your controller and dive into the fun! While controllers will be provided, teens are welcome to bring their own non-modified controllers to join in. All characters will be available to use.
Register for Deck the Brawls

Ugly Holiday Apparel for Teens
Friday, December 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Foothills Library
Need something festive to wear this holiday season? Join us to make some holiday apparel that's so ugly, it's good! Plain white t-shirts will be available to decorate but some sizes are limited. Participants may bring their own plain t-shirt or sweater to decorate if they want a specific fit or style. We will provide all the other gaudy goodies you need to uglify your outfit.
Register for Ugly Holiday Apparel for Teens

Teen Craft: Mini Yarn Hats
Monday, December 22, 6-7 p.m. at the Heroes Regional Park Library
Wrap, fluff, and style your own mini yarn hat. Teens will create tiny yarn hats using just cardboard, yarn, and a little creativity. These adorable little hats make great decorations, keychains, or gifts. Please register each teen individually. Can't make it the day of the program? Register for online attendance to pick up your supply kit at the service desk by December 28.
Register for Mini Yarn Hats

Crafts for Adults 18+

Artistry Workshop: Iris Paper Folded Greeting Card
Monday, December 1, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Main Library
Discover the art of iris folding in this hands-on workshop! Learn how to create a beautiful, layered design using folded strips of paper to form a stunning greeting card, perfect for gifting or framing. No prior experience is necessary. Just bring your creativity, and we’ll provide the rest! This session will guide participants step-by-step through the process of crafting an iris paper folded design. You'll leave with a handmade card and a new artistic skill to explore. All materials will be provided. Space is limited.
Register for Iris Paper Folded Greeting Card

Adult Craft: Fused Glass Candle Ornament
Tuesday, December 2, 2-4 p.m. or Tuesday, December 9, 2-4 p.m. at the Foothills Library
This month, guest presenter Beth will show participants how to make unique ornaments out of glass. The ornaments will be fired off-site and participants can pick them up starting December 18. Please note that we are offering two sessions of this project. Please only sign up for one session. Space and supplies are limited for this program, so please register each participant individually.
Register for Fused Glass Candle Ornament Session 1
Register for Fused Glass Candle Ornament Session 2

Crochet Club: Snowflakes
Wednesday, December 3, 10:15-11:30 a.m. at the Heroes Regional Park Library
Join our adult Crochet Club, a welcoming space for crochet enthusiasts to connect, create, and unwind. Whether you're looking to work on your own projects or try one of our monthly projects, this club offers the perfect blend of creativity and community. Prior knowledge of basic crochet stitches is not needed. This month we are focusing on snowflakes.

Crafty Chapters: Heroes Book Club
Thursday, December 4, 6-7 p.m. at the Heroes Regional Park Library
Explore the magical world of The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey while creating your own enchanting literary snow globe. Discussion about the book's themes and characters will flow naturally as we craft literary keepsakes that celebrate both the story's winter wonderland and our love of reading.
Register for Crafty Chapters

All events at the Glendale Public Library are public, and participants may be photographed by the media and/or City staff for future print and/or online publication.