Prescott calls itself Arizona’s Christmas City, and it earns the name. From Thanksgiving weekend through mid-December, downtown fills up with parades, lights and music, and the Courthouse Plaza becomes the center of it all. Here is what is on the calendar this year and how to plan around it.
Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival: Saturday, November 28
The Saturday after Thanksgiving, lighted floats roll down Cortez Street after dark, starting at 6 PM, followed by a community bonfire. It is a festive way to kick off the season, and a good reason to stretch a Thanksgiving trip into the weekend.
Christmas Parade & Courthouse Lighting: Saturday, December 5
This is Prescott’s biggest holiday night. The Christmas Parade fills downtown from 1 to 3 PM. That evening at 6 PM, the historic Yavapai County Courthouse and the trees around the plaza light up all at once, with music and fireworks.
Downtown gets crowded, so arrive early for a spot around the plaza, dress warm, and plan on parking a few blocks away. From Positively Prescott it is about a five minute drive.
Acker Night: a Friday in mid-December
For one evening, musicians perform in shops, galleries and restaurants all over downtown, raising money for music programs for local kids. Wander from one performance to the next. This year’s date has not been announced yet, so check the events calendar for updates.
Coming home to a warm house
After a cold night on the plaza, there is a lot to be said for a real wood-burning fireplace, a 7-seat hot tub and an overstocked coffee and tea bar with hot chocolate. In the winter months the firewood is free, for both the fireplace and the backyard fire pit. Bring the s’mores.
Positively Prescott sleeps 9 in 4 bedrooms, so the whole family can come for the holidays. Holiday weekends book up early, so check availability soon. For dinner plans and more to do while you are in town, see our Things to Do guide.
Event dates and times are from the Prescott Chamber of Commerce. Always confirm with the official event page before you travel.
