12NEWS’ TRAM MAI NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR THE 13th ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE

GLENDALE, AZ - Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers announced that Tram Mai, anchor at 12News (NBC) in Phoenix, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 13th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade, set for Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. in historic downtown Glendale.

“I am truly honored to be invited to serve as Grand Marshal for the Hometown Christmas Parade,” said 12News Anchor Tram Mai. “After more than two decades of telling stories of our community, it is incredibly meaningful to be recognized in this way, and especially humbling. I love visiting downtown Glendale for their unique shops and local restaurants.”

Mai continued, “thank you to Mayor Jerry Weiers for this honor. I’m excited to be a part of this wonderful annual tradition with everyone this December.”

Mayor Weiers and Grand Marshal Mai invite the community to kick off the holiday season with this festive, family-friendly celebration. The parade will travel through downtown Glendale along 52nd Avenue to 58th Avenue, filling the streets with holiday cheer and classic small-town charm.

The Hometown Christmas Parade celebrates the true reason for the season—the birth of Jesus Christ. Now in its 13th year, the parade has grown into a beloved community tradition, made possible by a dedicated volunteer committee representing nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses, and residents.

While proudly rooted in Glendale, the parade draws participants and sponsors from across the Valley who come together to celebrate the heart of Christmas.

“I love seeing the thousands of smiling faces that come out each year for our Hometown Christmas Parade,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. “It’s become a cherished tradition for so many families. We’re grateful to have Tram Mai as our Grand Marshal. She’s well known across the Valley, and I’m excited for our residents and visitors to have the chance to meet her in person.”

Mayor Weiers encourages families, friends, and local businesses to take part in the fun, either as spectators or as participants. Community members are invited to enter a float by decorating a vehicle or flatbed trailer, donning festive costumes, or creating a unique entry with wagons, golf carts, and more. It’s a joyful way to showcase creativity while spreading holiday spirit.

Giving back remains a central part of the parade’s mission. Last year, organizers donated more than $60,000 and thousands of pounds of food to Glendale’s Hope for Hunger Food Bank. Spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to place in on-site donation bins or make an online donation at www.hcparade.org/food-drive.

The deadline to register a parade entry is December 4. To sign up or learn more, visit hcparade.org/parade-entry.

Hope for Hunger Food Bank provides emergency food assistance, case management, and job support to more than 300 Glendale families each day. Participation in the Hometown Christmas Parade helps ensure even more neighbors receive support this holiday season.