Photos by Blushing Cactus Photography
Arizona Christmas City is living up to its name with festive free events planned throughout December. Prescott was honored this year to be named one of the Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in the nation by Newsweek.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Prescott will host the 42nd annual Christmas Parade and the 70th annual Courthouse Lighting.
This year’s parade theme, Heroes of the Holiday, celebrates those who make the season brighter in our community. From 1 to 3 p.m., downtown Prescott will come alive with floats, marching bands and holiday tunes, with the Grand Marshal, the Friends of the Jersey Lilly, leading the way.
Following the parade, children can meet Santa at the Courthouse Plaza until 5 p.m. Live music starts at 5 p.m., and at 6 p.m., the Courthouse and more than 80 trees will light up. The evening will be capped off with fireworks. This year, a free shuttle service from Prescott High School to Granite Street will make parking more accessible.
The 36th annual Acker Night will be Friday, Dec. 13, with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Gurley Street. People then stroll through downtown Prescott businesses, taking in the holiday lights and listening to live music from more than 500 performers. All tips to artists provide music lessons and instruments to local youth and support school music programs. A free shuttle bus service will run between Yavapai College and downtown Prescott starting at 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 14 and Dec. 15, the Christmas Village & Christkindl Market will return to West Goodwin Street in downtown Prescott, bringing the magic of a European Christmas market for its third year. With over 20 vendors offering holiday gifts and German-style food, the event also features a Beer & Mulled Wine presented by JARD LLC.
This year, attendees can enjoy an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Ring in the new year at the 14th annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on historic Whiskey Row. The celebration starts at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31. You can experience boot drops at 10 p.m. and midnight as a 6-foot illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace Building. Enjoy live music, fireworks, food trucks, carnival games and giveaways.
All the Arizona Christmas City events are presented by Desert Financial Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Friends of the Jersey Lilly and the City of Prescott.
