Submitted by Helken & Horn Advertising Agency
Arizona’s Christmas City organizers for Prescott’s annual holiday attractions in downtown Prescott are planning a fun-filled season with several free events happening in Everybody’s Hometown.
Kick off the festivities with the 28th annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. on Cortez Street. Led by Santa, the parade features over 40 floats and music from local school bands.
The fun continues at Mile High Middle School’s field from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with music, Santa visits and reindeer games for the kids. Enjoy live performances from Prescott High School and Bradshaw High School marching bands. Entrance is through the gate on Goodwin Street, across from Old Firehouse Plaza.
Next up, the 43rd annual Christmas Parade and the 71st annual Courthouse Lighting Dec. 6. from 1 to 3 p.m. The Christmas Parade will fill downtown Prescott with floats, marching bands and music, culminating in Santa’s arrival. After the parade, kids can visit Santa on the Courthouse Plaza until 5 p.m. The Courthouse Lighting event starts with live Christmas music at 5 p.m., followed by the lighting of the Courthouse and over 80 surrounding trees at 6 p.m.
A free shuttle service with parking will be available from the Prescott High School parking lot to Granite Street.
The 37th annual Acker Night takes place Dec. 12 in downtown Prescott. The opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m. on Gurley Street. On Acker Night, people stroll through downtown Prescott, taking in the holiday lights and listening to live music from more than 500 performers. Over 100 Prescott businesses open their doors to these volunteer musicians with the shared goal of keeping music alive for local schoolchildren.
While admission is free, 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 and Yavapai College on Sheldon Street.
Ring in the New Year at the 15th annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on historic Whiskey Row. The celebrations on Montezuma Street start at 7 p.m. Dec. 31, and continue until 12:30 a.m. Experience the excitement of two boot drops at 10 p.m. and midnight as a 6-foot tall, illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace Building. Enjoy live music, fireworks, food trucks, carnival games and giveaways.
