She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Prescott Christmas is the signature statement for the people of Arizona.
There is a reason why it has been the official Christmas city of the state for more than 30 years, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Prescott in winter is a unique experience for everyone, and the only thing that tops is witnessing Christmas in Prescott and revelling in the holiday spirits.
The city transforms into a magical winter wonderland, and spending Christmas in Prescott is one of the best ways to soak in the festive spirits with your kids.
Located in Yavapai County, Prescott is one of the top places to visit during Christmas in Arizona and offers tons of activities with something in store for everyone.
Whether you want to admire the spectacular light displays, listen to carols, enjoy rides with your kids or taste delicious Christmas delicacies, I have covered the best Prescott Christmas events you must add to your itinerary.
Check these winter guides to plan your holidays:
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11 TOP ARIZONA ICE SKATING RINKS FOR ADVENTURE
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15 TOP SCOTTSDALE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
BEST PRESCOTT CHRISTMAS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
WATCH THE FABULOUS CHRISTMAS PARADE
Historic Downtown gets packed in the afternoon for the most coveted Prescott Christmas event, the fantastic parade, which has been the top highlight for over 40 years consecutively.
It is the show-stopper among all Christmas events in Prescott which you should not miss.
Bring family, friends, blankets and chairs to the Annual Prescott Chamber Christmas Parade to see a long line of nearly a hundred festive floats, marching bands, and community groups made up of kids and pets parading through the streets.
The parade officially kicks off the holiday season.
Wait for your kids to meet and greet Mr. & Mrs. Claus following the parade.
Timings – 1 PM to 3 PM
SEE THE COURTHOUSE LIGHTING SPECTACLE
Prescott, one of the oldest cities in Arizona, is currently a modern town with a mining past that takes holiday celebrations seriously.
A Prescott Arizona Christmas is a magical Christmas indeed. But Christmas celebrations go back to the late 19th century in this beautiful city.
One of the top Prescott Christmas events is the annual Courthouse Lighting, a longtime tradition that draws thousands of people to downtown Prescott.
Every December, on the first Saturday, large crowds gather in the often-chilly night air as the spectacle unfolds.
The Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza is illuminated with thousands of lights, a tradition lasting over 60 years.
Watch the switch being flipped as the historical Courthouse radiates.
Along with the decorations on the courthouse building, dozens of trees around it are also lit up colourfully.
Although the Courthouse Lighting happens in early December, the decorations remain through mid-January, more than a month-long attraction in downtown Prescott.
Even if you do not attend the lighting event, be assured that the historic building looks nearly as magical on a random winter night.
Timings – 6 PM
VISIT FRONTIER CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
One of the fantastic places to visit in the city to get to know about the early history, culture and heritage, along with experiencing a slice of Prescott Christmas traditions is the Frontier Christmas Open House.
After watching the Yavapai Courthouse Lighting, head to Sharlot Hall Museum, located within walking distance, in the evening to continue the festivities.
Stroll along the walkways adorned with spectacular luminaries, and watch the interactive displays showcasing the rich past of the city.
Buy classic holiday treats, heritage style, Victorian-themed handicrafts, and cute souvenirs to gift your loved ones.
Listen to soothing live music while savouring cookies, cider, hot chocolate and other tasty Christmas snacks.
CHECK OUT THE WORLD’S LARGEST GINGERBREAD
Known for putting on the show of Arizona’s largest gingerbread display, the Gingerbread Village at the Prescott Resort & Conference Center is one of the top Prescott Christmas attractions you should check out.
It is one of the best Christmas events in Prescott AZ you can enjoy for free.
A sweet Prescott tradition for nearly three decades, Gingerbread Village is a favourite of adults and kids alike.
You cannot escape the sweet aroma that beckons you to the resort from far!
Check out over one thousand unique gingerbread structures handcrafted and displayed.
The village takes creativity to new levels each year with dazzling light displays, and various themes of characters, and is also home to groups of gnomes.
Let your kids get on the electric train, watch the crafts, and munch on snacks.
ENJOY HOLIDAY MUSIC AT THE ACKER NIGHT MUSICAL SHOWCASE
One of the major attractions that await music lovers coming to explore Prescott Christmas is Acker Night Musical Showcase, which is all about holiday special music.
For over three decades, Acker Night Musical Showcase has turned downtown Prescott into a musical hub when the festival begins.
Held at the Yavapai County Courthouse, it is run by volunteer locals to raise funds for art and music scholarships, and musical instruments.
The event, which typically takes place the Friday after the Courthouse Lighting, features more than 100 musicians, all playing, singing, and dancing in Prescott’s shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as on the downtown streets.
Timings – 5:30 PM to 9 PM
VALLEY OF THE LIGHTS
One of the lighting events that is a popular part of Prescott Christmas is the Valley of the Lights.
Beginning from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve, Fain Park off 5th Street is lit up with brilliant Christmas displays.
Drive along for a mile taking in the artistic displays of lights!
Timings – 6 PM to 10 PM
TAKE YOUR KIDS TO HERITAGE PARK ZOO
During the Christmas week between December 23rd to December 29th year every year, Prescott’s quaint Heritage Park Zoo hosts a spectacular holiday zoo lights event known as Wild Lights.
It is one of the fun Prescott Christmas things to do with your kids.
This small park, spanning only 10 acres, turns magical with festive holiday decorations, music, and spectacular holiday light displays, including animal-themed wire displays.
Check out the animals, all being rescued, including a black bear, tiger, mountain lion, Mexican wolf, coyote, lemur, bobcat, and various birds and reptiles.
The holiday light display will be opened to the public every Friday & Saturday evening beginning November 23 and running until New Year’s Eve.
Timings – 6 PM to 9 PM; Entry fees – $6
SHOP AT THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
One of the favourite attractions probably loved by all is the ChristkindlMarket or Christmas Market, and one of the top Prescott Christmas attractions is this vibrant market that happens at Historic Downtown.
Let your kids have fun on the carriage rides, carousels, and other games, while you can check out the unique brews at the German Beer Tent, and shop to your heart’s content for souvenirs.
Grab your favourite desserts, or warm yourself with hot chocolate.
ATTEND WHISKEY ROW BOOT DROP
Although it is technically a New Year’s event, you can add New Year’s Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop to your Prescott Christmas itinerary if you are here during the holiday week in the town.
The annual New Year’s Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop, plays off the western heritage of Prescott’s historic Whiskey Row near the Courthouse Plaza.
The New Year’s party is among the most popular New Year’s Eve events attracting thousands of visitors.
It features a large, illuminated, 6-foot-high cowboy boot as a countdown tool, which is so cool.
On December 31, at 10 PM and midnight, the boot slowly descends from its perch atop the historic Palace Restaurant & Saloon building as you begin cheering with the countdown.
In addition to this event, you can enjoy live music, ride a Ferris wheel, and gather around fire pits.
SEE THIS INDOOR HOLIDAY ATTRACTION
If you are looking for more colourful Christmas lights in Prescott, head to Enchanted Christmas, an amazing Indoor Holiday Light Attraction.
Feel the holiday spirit in the many themed rooms decorated with at least half a million lights, click family pictures to frame them on your walls back home.
