Nestled among pine-covered hills in northern Arizona, our little town of Prescott comes alive each December with the spirit of the holidays. Known proudly as Arizona’s Christmas City, this charming mountain town becomes a glowing winter wonderland filled with lights, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of joy. From the courthouse plaza to the historic streets of downtown, Christmas in Prescott, AZ, is a celebration that warms the heart and reminds visitors what the season is truly about.
The air is crisp and filled with the scent of pine and junipers. Laughter and music spill out from shops and cafés. Lights twinkle in every direction. In Prescott, Christmas is not just a holiday on the calendar. It is a cherished part of the town’s identity, an experience that invites everyone to slow down, smile, and feel at home.
We’re extremely blessed to be in less than 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the downtown events while also nestled near the calm mountains of the bradshaws.
The Parade and Tree Lighting – December 6
The season begins with the Prescott Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, a tradition that draws families and visitors from across Arizona. On the first Saturday of December, Gurley Street fills with people bundled in coats and holding cups of hot cocoa as festive floats, local marching bands, and twirling dancers move through the heart of town. Children’s eyes light up as Santa Claus waves from his sleigh, signaling that the holiday season has officially begun.
As the parade concludes, the crowd gathers around the historic Courthouse Plaza for one of Prescott’s most beautiful moments. When the lights come on, the entire square glows with color and warmth. The courthouse stands tall and shining, wrapped in thousands of twinkling bulbs. The crowd cheers, music fills the air, and the town feels united in joy. It is a perfect beginning to Christmas in Prescott AZ, and a memory that stays with everyone who witnesses it.
Acker Night – December 12
A week later, Prescott hosts Acker Night, a one-of-a-kind event that combines art, music, and holiday spirit. On this special evening, downtown shops open their doors and become mini concert halls where musicians perform everything from jazz and folk to Christmas carols. Streets fill with people walking from door to door, listening to live music, shopping for gifts, and greeting friends.
Acker Night began as a way to support local students and music education. Today, it has grown into one of the most loved holiday events in Arizona. The entire downtown glows with warmth and creativity. Every note, every song, and every smile reflect what makes Christmas in Prescott AZ so unique. It is not about spectacle or grandeur. It is about community, connection, and the simple joy of sharing music together.
Courthouse Plaza Lights – All December
Throughout the month, the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza remains the shining heart of Prescott’s holiday season. The trees surrounding the courthouse are wrapped in strings of colorful lights that sparkle against the night sky. Couples stroll hand in hand, families take photos, and children play on the grass beneath the glowing branches.
The courthouse lights are more than a decoration. They are a symbol of what Arizona’s Christmas City represents. Every bulb and every strand speaks to a sense of tradition, pride, and community. Visitors often say that walking through the plaza feels like stepping into a classic Christmas movie. The peaceful glow, the smell of pine, and the joyful hum of voices create a feeling that words can barely describe.
New Year’s Eve Boot Drop
As December draws to a close, Prescott’s celebration continues with the famous New Year’s Eve Boot Drop on Whiskey Row. Instead of a glittering ball, the town lowers a six-foot illuminated cowboy boot from the top of the historic Palace Building to ring in the new year. Two drops take place, one at 10 p.m. for families and another at midnight for those who want to celebrate under the stars.
Live music, street food, and dancing fill the downtown area as people count down the final moments of the year together. The Boot Drop perfectly captures Prescott’s personality. It blends Western tradition with festive fun, creating a night that feels both exciting and uniquely local. It is the joyful finale to Christmas in Prescott, AZ, closing the holiday season with laughter and community pride.
A Season of Light and Love
Throughout December, Prescott glows with more than just holiday lights. It shines with the kindness of its people and the happiness they share. Every event, from the parade to Acker Night, celebrates the heart of this little mountain town. Visitors come for the beauty and the charm, but they leave with something deeper a sense of connection and belonging.
Christmas in Prescott AZ is not just about the sights and sounds. It is about how it makes you feel. It is about small-town joy, the comfort of community, and the wonder of seeing the world light up in celebration.
Plan Your Visit to Arizona’s Christmas City
If you have never experienced the holidays in Prescott, this is the year to go. From the moment you arrive, you will feel the warmth of the season all around you. Stay in one of the town’s cozy hotels, such as The Forest Villas Hotel, where twinkling lights and festive décor make guests feel right at home. Spend your days exploring the decorated streets, enjoying live music, and tasting local holiday treats.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a family trip, you will quickly understand why people call Prescott Arizona’s Christmas City. The charm, the lights, and the sense of joy make it a destination that captures the very best of the holiday season.
In Prescott, Christmas is not only celebrated. It is lived.
