As the leaves turn and the air chills, Prescott gears up to celebrate with a November packed with holiday events and tributes to veterans. The city, which holds the title of Arizona's Christmas City, has a busy calendar starting with Veterans Day and culminating in a series of festive occasions that carry the community through to the new year.
The month kicks off with a tribute to the service of military veterans on November 11. Prescott's annual Veterans Day Parade is set for 11 a.m. downtown, where the city comes together to express gratitude to those who have served. This year, Mayor, a Vietnam combat veteran, emphasized the significance of acknowledgment, recalling a time when such appreciation was scarce. The mayor mentioned, in a statement obtained by the city's own press channel, "As a Vietnam veteran, who served in combat, I know how meaningful genuine expressions of appreciation are." The acknowledgment extends to city staff member, and also a veteran, Michelle Stacy-Schroeder for her role in orchestrating this homage to veterans.
Following this, Thanksgiving arrives on November 28, paving the way for the 70th annual Courthouse Lighting event, a cornerstone of Prescott's holiday festivities. The city accentuates its yuletide spirit with not just one but multiple events including the 27th Annual Holiday Light Parade on November 30, coinciding with Small Business Saturday. This event bolsters the local economy by drawing patrons to shops, restaurants, and various local establishments, according to an announcement shared on the Prescott official government website.
The holiday cheer doesn't stop there; December's calendar is just as robust. On December 7, the city will see the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade and the 70th Annual Courthouse Lighting. Plus, Prescott keeps the music alive with the 36th Annual Acker Night, a community-favorite event on December 13 that supports musical scholarships for youth. The following weekend, residents and visitors alike can experience the festive Third Annual Prescott ChristKindlMarket, an event that offers a quaint old world holiday shopping experience.
Ringing in 2024, locals can join in the 14th Annual Whiskey Row Boot Drop event on New Year's Eve. Marking a playful farewell to the year, this event features two drops – one at 10 p.m. and another at midnight. And even beyond the holidays, Prescott's courthouse lights continue to illuminate the nights through to the Martin Luther King holiday in January, inviting all to enjoy the sights downtown. The array of events is a testament to the community's commitment to holiday traditions, a sentiment echoed by the city's recent recognition by Newsweek Magazine as one of the top 10 towns to celebrate Christmas.
