Prescott events, November and December 2026
Wed, Nov 11: Veterans Day Parade
Downtown Prescott. Opening ceremony at 10:30 am on the stage at Cortez and Union streets, parade at 11 am. It circles the route once. Free. Source: City of Prescott.
Nov 19 to 21: Festival of Trees
Decorated trees and wreaths, holiday vendors, Santa and kids crafts at the Sam Hill Warehouse, 232 N Granite St. Public days are Thursday through Saturday. The Christmas City Gala opens it on Tuesday, Nov 17, and the 21+ Jingle Mingle is Wednesday, Nov 18. Tickets are sold on the Festival of Trees page.
Thu, Nov 26: Thanksgiving
Most downtown shops close for the day and reopen Friday. If you are eating out, book early; the hotel dining rooms and the bigger Whiskey Row restaurants fill first. The plaza is quiet, which makes it a good morning walk.
Sat, Nov 28: Holiday Light Parade and Bonfire
The 29th Holiday Light Parade rolls through downtown at 6 pm, with a bonfire at 7 pm. Free. The same day the Gingerbread Village opens in the Prescott Resort lobby, and WildLights runs its Friday and Saturday nights at Heritage Park Zoo from Nov 27.
Nov 28 to Jan 1: Gingerbread Village
The 34th Gingerbread Village fills the Prescott Resort and Conference Center lobby, 1500 E State Route 69, daily through January 1, 2027. Free, and you do not need to be a hotel guest.
Sat, Dec 5: Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting
The big day. The 44th Christmas Parade runs 1 to 3 pm downtown, then Santa is on the plaza until 5. Live music starts on the courthouse steps at 5 pm and the 72nd Courthouse Lighting with fireworks is at 6 pm. A free shuttle runs from Yavapai College. Sharlot Hall Museum holds Frontier Christmas the same day.
Fri, Dec 11: Acker Night
The 38th Acker Night Musical Showcase. Opening ceremony at 5 pm, then musicians play inside downtown shops, galleries and restaurants from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Free, with donations going to music programs for local students.
Thu, Dec 31: Whiskey Row Boot Drop
The 16th New Year's Eve Boot Drop on Whiskey Row, 7:30 pm to 12:30 am. A lit 6-foot boot comes down from The Palace flagpole at 10 pm and again at midnight, each with fireworks. Free. High wind can cancel the fireworks or the drop, so check bootdrop.com that night.
Parking on the big nights
Free lots sit at the Depot Marketplace and at Park Plaza off Goodwin. The Granite Street garage behind Whiskey Row fills first. Most spots are a 12 minute walk or less from the square. For the lighting, the Yavapai College shuttle saves the hunt.
Frequently asked
When is the Prescott Courthouse Lighting in 2026?+
Saturday, December 5, 2026. Music at 5 pm, lights and fireworks at 6 pm on the Courthouse Plaza.
When is the Prescott Christmas Parade in 2026?+
Saturday, December 5, 2026, from 1 to 3 pm in downtown Prescott. The Holiday Light Parade is a week earlier, Saturday, November 28, at 6 pm.
What time does the boot drop in Prescott on New Year's Eve?+
At 10 pm and again at midnight on Thursday, December 31, 2026. The street party runs 7:30 pm to 12:30 am.
Are Prescott holiday events free?+
The Veterans Day Parade, both holiday parades, the Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night, the Gingerbread Village and the Boot Drop are free. Festival of Trees and WildLights charge admission.
When is the Veterans Day Parade in Prescott?+
Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Opening ceremony at 10:30 am, parade at 11 am downtown.
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