Photo courtesy of Prescott Chamber of Commerce
by Helken & Horn Advertising Agency
Festivities kick off with the 27th annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. on Cortez Street. Led by Santa, the parade features more than 40 illuminated floats and local school bands.
The fun continues at Mile High Middle School’s field 7-8:30 p.m. with a bonfire, music, Santa and reindeer games for the kids.
Prescott’s 42nd annual Christmas Parade and the 70th annual Courthouse Lighting happen the next Saturday, Dec. 7. The parade, 1-3 p.m., will fill downtown Prescott with floats, marching bands and other music. After the parade, kids can visit Santa on the Courthouse Plaza until 5 p.m..
The Courthouse Lighting event — with live music — begins at 5 p.m., and then watch as the Courthouse and more than 80 trees light up at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.
A free shuttle service will be available from the Prescott High School parking lot to Granite Street.
The 36th annual Acker Night will be Friday, Dec. 13, with an opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Gurley St. People can 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 service is provided from Frontier Village Shopping Center off AZ-69.
Next up is the 3rd annual Christmas Village & Christkindl Market Dec. 14 and Dec. 15 on West Goodwin Street. Inspired by a centuries-old European tradition, it features holiday gift items from more than 20 local vendors, German-style foods and a Beer & Mulled Wine Garden.
Ring in the New Year at the 14th annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on historic Whiskey Row. The celebration — with music, food trucks, games, giveaways and firework — starts at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 31. You can experience a boot drop at 10 p.m. and another at midnight as a 6-foot, illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace Building.
“We’re thrilled to host one of Arizona’s largest New Year’s celebrations,” says Matt Brassard, organizer with Whiskey Row Boot Drop, LLC.
Events are presented by Desert Financial Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Findlay Toyota, Friends of the Jersey Lilly and the City of Prescott.
