Shop Local This Holiday Season and Celebrate Arizona’s Christmas City

This year’s holiday celebration features a full lineup of treasured events organized through the Arizona Christmas City Organization. Festivities begin with the 28th Annual Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, on Cortez Street. More than 40 illuminated floats, school marching bands, and a visit from Santa launch eight weeks of holiday cheer. After the parade, families are invited to Mile High Middle School for live music, Santa visits, children’s activities, and a chance to admire the floats up close.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the 43rd Annual Prescott Christmas Parade will fill downtown with festive floats, community groups, and holiday performances from 1-3 p.m., culminating with Santa’s arrival. Children can meet Santa on the Courthouse Plaza from 3- 5 p.m. That evening, at 5 p.m., the 71st Annual Courthouse Lighting begins with live music followed by the iconic lighting of the Courthouse and more than 90 beautifully decorated trees with the program starting at 6 p.m., complete with a fireworks finale.

The celebration continues with the 37th Annual Acker Night Musical Showcase on Friday, Dec. 12, when more than 500 volunteer musicians perform throughout downtown businesses, raising funds for local youth music programs. The season concludes on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with the 15th Annual Whiskey Row New Year’s Eve Boot Drop, featuring live entertainment, food vendors, carnival-style fun, fireworks, and two boot drops: at 10 p.m. and midnight.

All Arizona Christmas City events are presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Findlay Auto Group Prescott, Friends of the Jersey Lilly and the City of Prescott.

As we celebrate these festive traditions, I encourage everyone to shop local, dine local and support the businesses that help the Quad Cities shine. Learn more at ArizonaChristmasCity.com. QCBN

By Sheri Heiney

Sheri Heiney is the president and CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.