submitted by Tracey Horn, Helken & Horn Advertising Agency, photos by blushing Cactus Photography
Prescott became a place where sugar plums danced, reindeers flew and lots of marching was going on during its traditional Christmas celebrations.
First up was the Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival, which returned for its 27th year on Nov. 20. The nighttime downtown parade — of course led by Ol’ St. Nick himself — featured more than 40 lighted floats and music from school marching bands. It was followed by the Bonfire Festival at Mile High Middle School (where the parade down Cortez Street ended) and included music, visits with Santa and reindeer games for the kids.
Attendees also could get a much closer look at the illuminated floats. Prescott High and Chino Valley High schools marching bands performed. This event was hosted by the Prescott Downtown Partnership and sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union, Arizona Public Service, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Experience Prescott Office of Tourism.
During the day Dec. 7, the second and older parade — the 42nd annual Christmas Parade — strutted its stuff in the heart of downtown Prescott. The 2024 theme was Heroes of the Holiday and the parade had 130 entries, making it the largest parade in Prescott so far.
After the parade, kids met with Santa before the evening’s 70th annual Courthouse Lighting Ceremony.
Live Christmas music kicked off the evening, creating a festive backdrop as the Courthouse and more than 80 glowing trees surrounding the Plaza were illuminated with more than a million LED lights. A fireworks display got plenty of ooohs and aaahs.
Prescott was proud to be recognized by Newsweek last year as one of the Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in the country.
Prescott was officially designated as Arizona’s Christmas City in 1989 because the city had long been known for its festive holiday events. In 2022, the city of Prescott and Prescott Chamber of Commerce Foundation formed the official Arizona Christmas City Organization. This organization brought the city’s main holiday events together under one umbrella, enabling event organizers to collaborate on marketing, fundraising, and sponsorship assistance.
The Courthouse Lighting dates back to 1954, when local organizations, including the Rotary Club and Prescott Elks Lodge No. 330 collaborated to create the first Christmas display on the Courthouse Plaza.
By 1955, inspired by Denver’s Civic Center, decorations expanded to include the Courthouse itself, with red foil, lights and a neon Season’s Greetings sign. Through the years, support from the community drove the event to grow into the dazzling display it is today, boasting some of the most elaborate decorations in the region.
All the Arizona Christmas City 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. Additional support provided by ZebraScapes, Ability Remodeling, Cemex, Culver’s of Prescott, Pioneer Title, Springhill Suites, Residence Inn, C4th Home Improvement, APS, NAPA, R & R Auto & Truck Parts, Fancy That!, Bucky’s Casino, Dignity Health, Yavapai Casino, Matt’s Saloon, Lighthouse Coffee Company, The Daily Courier, Blind Brothers Arizona, Black Arrow Native American Jewelry & Art, KPPV106.7FM, KDDL94.3FM, JUAN107.1FM, JACK94.7FM, KQNA1130AM, American Mailer, Hilton Garden Inn, UP2 Productions, Your Home First Magazine, Sparklight Advertising, Torme, El Gato Azul, Prescott Living, Prescott NOW, Magic99.1FM, KAFF92.9FM, Hope Arizona Shine 103.9FM, The Mountain 93.9FM, Fun Oldies 1450AM, Prescott Woman Magazine, Bill’s Pizza, Red White & Brew , Hotel St. Michael, Barrett Propane, Hair Station 105, FooteWork Auto License & Title, Quad Cities Business News, and Flagstaff Business News.
