Discover Prescott, Arizona’s Christmas City
There’s no place like Prescott for the holidays. Mountain views, snowy landscapes, dry, cool weather — if you love experiencing the seasons, this is the place to be. Known as Arizona’s “Christmas City,” Prescott is serving up piping-hot servings of holiday cheer this winter. From the Festival of Trees to the Holiday Light Parade, plus live music and holiday markets, you may think you boarded the express train to the North Pole. Check out our guide to this season’s most merry and bright events.
November 15-18 | Sam Hill Warehouse at 232 N. Granite Street
The Festival of Trees Prescott is an annual holiday community event where local businesses come together to celebrate Prescott’s heritage as Arizona’s Christmas City by creating a beautifully decorated forest of Christmas trees and wreaths. Attendees can shop for designer trees and wreaths and vote for their favorites. Plus, visit with Santa, enjoy live entertainment, raffles, ornament crafting, and more.
Holiday Light Parade & Bonfire Festival
November 25 | Downtown Prescott at Cortez St. to Mile High Middle School
Starting at 6 p.m. on Cortez St., a parade led by Santa features more than 40 colorfully lit floats and music from school marching bands. The parade ends on the field at Mile High Middle School, where the Bonfire Festival takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. Attendees enjoy music, Santa visits, reindeer games, and more.
November 25 - January 1 | Prescott Resort & Conference Center at 1500 E. State Rte. 69
Get in the holiday spirit and use your imagination to build a unique gingerbread creation, to be on display through the New Year. Deliver your work of art to the Prescott Resort by Nov. 20 for judging on Nov. 21. Then, be sure to grab family and friends to visit and marvel at these Gingerbread wonders.
Christmas Village & ChristkindlMarket
December 15-17 | Prescott Chamber at 117 W. Goodwin Street
In the spirit and style of a German Christmas Market, Goodwin Street will be filled with vendors with gift items, live music, horse-drawn carriage rides around the Courthouse, and a visit with St. Nicholas for the kids. Enjoy German-style food and a bier garten with tasty brews and hot mulled wine!
New Year's Eve Whiskey Row Boot Drop
December 31 | Historic Whiskey Row at 120 S. Montezuma St.
Ring in the New Year at Prescott’s annual Boot Drop, and mark the end of 2023 in a big way. The event, which features “boot drops” at 10 p.m. and midnight, is perfect for young families and those who wish to head home early after celebrating. Attendees enjoy prizes and giveaways, music by Magic 99.1 FM, plus local food and drink.
Photo credit: Blushing Cactus Photography