Arizona’s Christmas City promises a delightful season lineup including parades, live music, Santa visits, street parties, and more
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Prescott. This year, Newsweek honored the city, “Everybody’s Hometown,” as one of its Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in the Nation, further cementing its reputation as the ultimate destination for holiday cheer and celebrations. Prescott’s annual holiday attractions have begun downtown, and there are several free events happening that will make your holidays complete.
Prescott’s 42nd Annual Christmas Parade and the 70th Annual Courthouse Lighting is scheduled for Saturday, December 7. From 1-3 p.m., the Christmas Parade will fill downtown Prescott with festive floats, marching bands, and music, culminating in Santa’s arrival. After the parade, kids can visit Santa on the Courthouse Plaza until 5 p.m. The Courthouse Lighting event starts with live Christmas music starting at 5 p.m., and then the Courthouse lighting at 6 p.m.: watch as the Courthouse and more than 80 surrounding trees light up. Finally, the event culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
A free shuttle service with parking will be available again this year from the Prescott High School Parking lot to Granite Street.
The 36th Annual Acker Night will take place Friday, December 13, 2024, downtown, with the opening ceremony at 5 p.m. on Gurley Street. On Acker Night, people stroll through downtown, 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 off Highway 69.
The third annual Christmas Village & Christkindl Market brings its magic back to West Goodwin Street downtown from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. December 14 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. December 15. Admission is free. The Christkindl Angel returns to host the event, which also includes live Christmas music and visits with Santa.
Inspired by a centuries-old European tradition, it features holiday gift items from more than 20 local vendors offering unique holiday gifts, delicious German-style foods, and a beer and mulled wine garden presented by JARD LLC. This year, attendees can enjoy a new outdoor ice-skating rink, adding more seasonal fun for families and friends.
“It’s a perfect time to get in the mood for the Christmas season,” said Sheri Heiney, President of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re looking for last-minute gifts or just want to soak in the holiday spirit, this festive market has something for everyone.”
“It makes for a really festive full weekend with Acker Night the day before,” she said. “It’s a perfect time for last-minute gift shopping and to just get in the mood for the Christmas season.”
Ring in the New Year at the 14th Annual New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on historic Whiskey Row. The celebrations on Montezuma Street start at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and continue until 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Day. Experience the excitement of two boot drops at 10 p.m. and midnight as a six-foot tall, illuminated cowboy boot descends from the Palace building. Enjoy live music, fireworks, food trucks, carnival games, and giveaways.
“We’re thrilled to host one of Arizona’s largest New Year’s celebrations,” said Matt Brassard, organizer with Whiskey Row Boot Drop, LLC. “The Boot Drop is a favorite event on Whiskey Row, and we’re proud to close out the festive season in Prescott.”
All 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, SignalsAZ.com, Edward Jones, 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,Talking Glass Media, Hotel St. Michael, Barrett Propane, Hair Station 105, FooteWork Auto License & Title, Quad Cities Business News, and Flagstaff Business News.
About Prescott, Arizona’s Christmas City
Prescott was officially designated as Arizona’s Christmas City in 1989 because the city had long been known for its festive holiday events. Today, Prescott offers a multitude of holiday attractions and is increasingly a destination for visitors looking for special ways to celebrate.
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 following events now work together within the Arizona Christmas City Organization: the Prescott Holiday Light Parade, hosted by the Prescott Downtown Partnership; the Christmas Parade & Courthouse Lighting, hosted by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce; the Acker Night Music Festival, hosted by the Acker Foundation; and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop, hosted by the Whiskey Row Boot Drop, LLC.
This collaboration will continue to grow and help support each event financially for years to come.
Learn more at www.ArizonaChristmasCity.com.