Prescott is widely known for attracting families and people of all ages to enjoy our beautiful climate, four seasons, scenery, outdoor activities, the downtown plaza and much more. We’re becoming known as the best city in the Southwest to live, learn, work and play. As the fall and winter seasons approach, this attraction is abundantly clear: Prescott has a lot to offer for both our local residents and tourists, and holds a special honor as Arizona’s Christmas City. So designated by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in 1989 by proclamation, Prescott has firmly embodied this reputation ever since. The spirit of Christmas comes alive in Prescott with its beautiful backdrop of ponderosa pines, often dusted with snow during the Christmas season, and because Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City, many traditions and events both old and new have been established or enhanced over the past several decades.
Perhaps the most well known of the City of Prescott’s events during the end of the year holidays is the Annual Christmas Parade, which is followed by the iconic Courthouse Lighting. The 34th Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 1-3 p.m., near the Courthouse Plaza. This year’s theme is “All I want for Christmas,” and there will be many festive floats for the family to enjoy. Immediately following the parade at 6 p.m. is the 62nd Annual Courthouse Lighting, which has been a pinnacle event in Prescott since 1955. Come and enjoy the thousands of lights on display around the Courthouse and Plaza. The light show continues for six weeks, ending mid-January. For the past 15 years, former Arizona Secretary of State and Prescott native, Ken Bennett, has read the Christmas story prior to turning on the lights.
Another very popular annual tradition is the J.S. Acker Musical Showcase, known as “Acker Night,” which began in 1988. Acker Night will be held on Dec. 9, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at various businesses and other locations in the downtown area. Business owners sponsor and host performers and musicians at their establishments to bring the spirit of Christmas and holiday festivities to shoppers and visitors who are encouraged to walk the downtown to each location where performances are held. Most locations also provide food and warm drinks while visitors enjoy the music and festive mood. This family-friendly event is free of charge.
The Prescott Resort and Conference Center is well-known for its annual display of the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village. The free display is shown throughout December in the Prescott Resort lobby, and features highly detailed gingerbread villages and houses, including Santa’s workshop and many other fun and unique creations. Reflecting Prescott’s unique Western history, Sharlot Hall Museum hosts “Frontier Christmas,” an event bringing to visitors a flavor of Christmas past, during the time when Prescott was the Territorial Capital of Arizona, with homemade holiday cookies and hot cider. Discover how the earliest local residents celebrated the holiday, and learn about traditions common in the late 1800s. Frontier Christmas at Sharlot Hall Museum, which is only a short walk from the Courthouse Plaza, will take place Saturday, Dec. 3 from 6 – 8:30 p.m., immediately following the Courthouse Lighting. Admission is free for children 17 and under and $5 for those 18 and older.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the approaching Christmas season with us in the City of Prescott. The longstanding events presented by our community continue to grow, and draw thousands of people to Prescott each year, so be sure to book your rooms early. Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City for many reasons, and we invite you to come discover them for yourself, along with family and friends. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! QCBN
By Harry Oberg
Harry Oberg is the mayor of Prescott.
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