Light up the sky: Phoenix-area Christmas light show to premiere after Thanksgiving

PHOENIX — Even though the holiday season is still around the corner, residents of Glendale, Arizona, took part in an early celebration Monday evening.

A photo posted by Miss Hannah's Popcorn (@misshannahspopcornco) on Jan 12, 2015 at 8:20pm PST

Glendale Glitters, a local Christmas light show, kicked off Monday with a quick, several-hour preview, showing off the nearly 1.5 million lights. The festival will officially open to the public on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.

City of Glendale spokeswoman Kim Larson said the 16-block holiday lighting display enhances the “home-y” feel of the neighborhood.

“It’s just that hometown feel, brick-lined streets combined with the historic setting and the older trees that are beautifully decorated when they are lit up,” she said.

Larson said the city has made several updates to this year’s display, including replacing all 1.5 million lights with energy-efficient LED light bulbs.

“(There is a) new color in the Christmas light display, different design, we have a new display that will be on the side of city hall,” she said.

A photo posted by Mike Brannin (@wvwanderer) on Jan 11, 2015 at 11:41am PST