Downtown Prescott during Christmas, the Arizona Christmas City in Prescott, Arizona

Christmas in Prescott AZ

3 min read4 sections
Quick answer
Prescott calls itself Arizona's Christmas City. The Courthouse Plaza lights for the season after Thanksgiving. The annual parade, lighting ceremony, and holiday boutiques fill the calendar from late November through New Year's.

The Courthouse Plaza lighting

The official lighting happens the Saturday after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting on the plaza, music, and a fireworks finale. Plaza lights run nightly through New Year's.

The parade

The Christmas Parade runs the first Saturday of December down Cortez and Gurley. Arrive early to find a curb.

Shopping and markets

Holiday boutiques fill the plaza buildings and downtown shops. Sharlot Hall hosts a frontier Christmas event. Local makers do pop-ups in early December.

Lights tour

Drive through downtown after dinner. Several neighborhoods nearby decorate heavily. The Acker Music Festival night fills downtown with music throughout the season.

Frequently asked

When is the lighting ceremony?+

The Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Is there snow?+

Sometimes. Snow is rare but possible in December and January.

Are restaurants open Christmas Day?+

A few are. Hotels often serve a holiday meal.

Is Acker the music event?+

Acker Music Festival is a free downtown music night in early December where venues open their doors and donations support the music scholarship fund.

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