“We’re excited to be kicking off the holiday season for people in Prescott and hope everyone will come out and celebrate with us.”
Attendees can also get a closer look at the illuminated floats – all parked on the field for viewing. Prescott High School and Bradshaw High School marching bands will perform at the bonfire. Entrance to the field is through the gate on Goodwin St., across from Old Firehouse Plaza.
“Prescott is a magical place for the holidays,” said Prescott Downtown Partnership Executive Director Audra Yamamoto, who organizes this event. “We’re excited to be kicking off the holiday season for people in Prescott and hope everyone will come out and celebrate with us.”
Prescott’s 41st Annual Christmas Parade and 69th Annual Courthouse Lighting are held the first Saturday in December. From 1-3 p.m. on Dec. 2, the Christmas parade will fill downtown Prescott with floats, marching bands and music – all leading up to the arrival of Santa. Kids can visit with Santa on the Courthouse Plaza after the parade until 5 p.m. That evening is the Courthouse Lighting from 6-6:30 p.m. Live Christmas music will start at 5 p.m., as attendees wait for the moment when the Courthouse and more than 80 trees surrounding it come to life in brilliant light. Fireworks follow the lighting and will light up the Courthouse from above. A free shuttle service will be offered with parking again this year.
The 35th Annual Acker Night is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8, in downtown Prescott. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. on Gurley Street. On Acker Night, residents and visitors stroll through downtown Prescott, taking in the holiday lights and listening to live music from more than 500 performers. More than 100 Prescott businesses open their doors to these volunteer musicians with the shared goal of keeping music alive for local schoolkids. 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 on Highway 69.
Next up is the 2nd Annual Christmas Village & Christkindl Market. Inspired by a centuries-old European tradition, it features holiday gift items from more than 20 local vendors, German-style foods, and a beer and mulled wine garden. The Christkindl Angel is expected to return to host the event, which also includes outdoor amusement rides, Christmas music, visits with Santa, and Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides around the festive Courthouse Plaza. The event will be open 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, on West Goodwin Street. Admission is free.
“Last year was our first time for the market. We’re excited to bring it back again and offer even more fun in Arizona’s Christmas City. It’s a perfect time for last-minute gift shopping and to just get in the mood for the Christmas season,” said Prescott Chamber of Commerce President Sheri Heiney.
The 13th Annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 31, on historic Whiskey Row. This jubilant celebration on Montezuma Street starts at 7:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve and goes until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The Boot Drop is fun for all ages, with boot drops at 10 p.m. and midnight. Participants can count down as the 6-foot tall, lighted cowboy boot is lowered from the Palace Building. The event also features live music, fireworks, food trucks, a carnival and giveaways.
“We’re excited to celebrate “lucky” year 13! The Boot Drop is a favorite holiday event in Arizona’s Christmas City and we’re proud to help close out all the festive activities that take place here in Prescott,” said Matt Brassard, organizer with Whiskey Row Boot Drop, LLC.
All the Arizona Christmas City events are presented by Desert Financial Credit Union, Friends of the Jersey Lilly and the City of Prescott. Quad Cities Business News, Flagstaff Business News and other local businesses are providing additional support. QCBN
For more information, visit ArizonaChristmasCity.com.
Courtesy Photo: Holiday music fills the air during Arizona’s Christmas City festivities.
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