December is a Special Time in Prescott

December in Prescott is a special time as we fully embrace our designation as Arizona’s Christmas City. Traditional annual events nearly every weekend of the month are connected by the magical lights on the Courthouse Plaza on display every night. Whether you enjoy the reverie of festive traditional events or just a quiet stroll through a display of thousands of brilliantly colored lights, Prescott has something for everyone this month.

The 41st Annual Christmas Parade opens the events at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2. The pageantry of the Christmas season is on full display throughout the downtown area, with Santa himself closing out the parade. Immediately following the parade, Santa will visit with children on the Courthouse Plaza.

Later that day, you can take in the 69th Annual Courthouse Lighting on the steps of the Yavapai County Courthouse. Beginning at 6 p.m., this beloved event is truly at the heart of Arizona’s Christmas City, bringing the entire community together.

On Friday, Dec. 8, Prescott comes alive with music for the Acker Musical Showcase. This event features musicians, choirs and musical groups performing for free at local shops and businesses around the downtown area. Donation canisters at each location combine to raise thousands of dollars for youth music education in Prescott.

One of our newest traditions features the Prescott Christmas Village and Kristkindlmarket, Dec. 15 through 17, on Goodwin Street across from the Courthouse Plaza. Modeled after European holiday markets, visitors will enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, kids’ activities, traditional German food and drink, and dozens of local vendors selling thoughtfully curated gifts of all kinds.

Finally, on Dec. 31, we will give 2023 “the boot” with the 13th annual Whiskey Row Boot Drop. Enjoy live music, a Ferris wheel and lots of family fun activities. The six-foot boot will drop from the top of the Palace/Jersey Lilly at 10 p.m. and 12 Midnight to ring in the New Year on East Coast time and Arizona time.

All of these events and more can be found at ArzionaChristmasCity.com.

Another new element worth noting is the Enchroma Colorblind Accessibility program. Prescott is a color-blind friendly destination. Colorblind residents and visitors alike can borrow special glasses to help them seen the full spectrum of beautiful holiday colors on our Courthouse Plaza. The glasses are free to borrow at the Prescott Public Library, the Prescott Chamber Visitor Center, Western Heritage Museum and several other locations around the city. For more information go to ExperiencePrescott.com.

As you can tell, Prescott proudly reflects the designation of Arizona’s Christmas City. Come out and celebrate the season with us! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And Happy Hannukah to our Jewish friends and neighbors. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.