Prescott is the kind of town you'd expect Santa to hit up first on Christmas Eve. • Boasting the world's largest gingerbread village, a 70-foot-plus Christmas tree in the town square, and a slew of long-held Christmas traditions, how could St. Nick not bestow a little extra attention on Arizona's self-proclaimed Christmas City? • Prescott (pronounced "Pres-kitt") is nestled in the pine-filled Bradshaw Mountains of Northern Arizona about 215 miles from Tucson. It begs visitors to abandon their cars, pull on a sweater and partake in the holiday cheer that fills the streets of the historic, Old West downtown. • "It's everybody's hometown, and it's a very friendly town," said Mayor Jack Wilson. "I think that's what our distinction is." • So if you'd rather see some pine trees instead of cacti for a change, and if you want an excuse to trade in your flip-flops and T-shirts for winter boots and chunky sweaters, then a getaway to Prescott is just a few hours away. • And if you're lucky, it just might snow.
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Snapshot of Prescott — 'Arizona's Christmas City'
Prescott was established in 1864 after becoming recognized for its gold and silver, and was even the capital of Arizona Territory for a few years until Tucson and finally Phoenix snatched up the honor.
Today, Prescott boasts hundreds of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the well-known Sharlot Hall Museum and The Palace Restaurant and Saloon, which the restaurant says is "the oldest bar in Arizona."
Gov. Rose Mofford declared Prescott Arizona's Christmas City in 1989, long after the ceremony of the courthouse lighting had been established. Since then, more Christmas traditions have been created and upheld, making Prescott comparable to Dr. Seuss' Whoville.
Prescott is also the home of the world's oldest rodeo, so don't be surprised if you see a fair number of cowboy boots and hats around town. You'll find that many of the bars, especially along the historic Whiskey Row, blast country tunes and encourage line dancing.
With a population that barely rivals the University of Arizona at about 43,000 people, Prescott is a cozy, tight-knit community of warm individuals.
"There are lots of cities that are bigger and have more lights, but don't have the hometown feel of Prescott," said David Mauer, CEO of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
Kristen Kauffman, 23, has lived in Prescott for two years but has been visiting the Christmas City from Phoenix every December since she was 7.
"We always made sure we would attend the electric light parade and the courthouse lighting because there's such a huge sense of community," said Kauffman. "I didn't think that kind of world existed outside of the movies."
Top Christmas activities in Prescott
The courthouse lighting
When: 6 p.m. Saturday.
Where: The courthouse plaza, downtown Prescott.
Cost: Free.
Being surrounded by swarms of people waving small candles and singing along to "Deck the Halls" and "Silent Night" is just a small part of what you'll experience at the 54th annual courthouse lighting on Saturday.
Locals spend weeks garnishing the courthouse square with strings of lights and other decorations in preparation of the moment when the crowd of thousands will chant a countdown, the switch will be flipped and —voilà! — the courthouse will twinkle and glow with a radiance you could probably see from outer space.
The Statehood Tree, which stands more than 70 feet tall, was planted on the Courthouse Plaza on Valentine's Day, 1912, the day Arizona became a state. Today it is the designated Christmas tree of downtown and is decorated with special care.
Prescott Chamber of Commerce CEO David Mauer says that, of the $70,000-$75,000 the city spends on Christmas decorations annually, $5,400 of it goes to adorning the Statehood Tree.
Before the lights come on, a children's choir sings a number of classic Christmas carols on the courthouse steps, and the Christmas story is read from the Bible. Mauer says that reading the Bible at the event has not been a problem, and that the town seems to embrace the tradition.
"The first year I was here I got a letter protesting it, but nothing since," said Mauer, who has been the CEO for four years.
"You know, I'm surprised nobody has challenged that," said Steve Norwood, city manager. "But I think it's kind of unique in this day in time to be reading Bible stories on the courthouse steps." He paused, then added lightheartedly, "If it offends you, you can leave."
The 26th Annual Christmas Parade
When: 1 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Downtown Prescott.
Cost: Free.
If you're looking for an old-fashioned parade, this is it.
You will see everything from a herd of Scottie dogs in antlers to senior citizens dressed up in Santa costumes literally tap dancing down the street. You'll also spot Tucson's very own Catalina Foothills Falcon Marching Band, which has participated in the Christmas Parade since 1993, said Renee Shane-Boyd, the band's director. The parade offers traditional Christmas floats and marching bands, but keep an eye out for the things unique to Prescott, such as the rowdy bunch of saloon women who tear down the street on horses.
It doesn't compare to any Macy's parade, but the corny small-town charm is half the appeal. Come early and set up your lawn chairs along the sidewalk downtown, because people always fight for a good spot at this event.
20th Annual Acker Musical Showcase
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12.
Where: Downtown Prescott.
Cost: Free, but donations accepted.
Acker night puts a modern twist on traditional Christmas caroling: Instead of carolers coming to your door, you go to them.
More than 90 downtown businesses open their doors to host musical groups who sing and perform Christmas carols for the public. The performers include choir singers, country musicians, jazz groups and high school ensembles.
Sherrie Rabellino, owner of the Artful Eye Jewelers on Whiskey Row, said Acker night is her favorite of the Christmas festivities. Her store opens its doors to carolers every year for the event.
"Instead of going Christmas caroling, which is such an old-fashioned tradition, you get to do it in a unique way," said Rabellino.
You can grab a cup of cocoa or hot cider from Cafe St. Michael, then wander the streets that will undoubtedly be filled with music while daylight turns to twilight.
Dickens of a Holiday
When: 1-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13.
Where: Courthouse Plaza.
Cost: Fees for some activities.
With a name like that, family fun and a day of Christmas activities are to be expected. All happening downtown, this event is like the county fair of Christmas.
Look forward to seeing Santa's village, carolers, a toy workshop for kiddies, and even an ice-skating rink on the courthouse plaza.
Don't forget to try some roasted chestnuts.
Giant gingerbread village
When: Now through Dec. 29, open 24 hours a day.
Where: The Prescott Resort and Conference Center, 1500 State Route 69.
Cost: Free.
The Prescott Resort showcases what it calls the world's largest gingerbread village 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the holiday season.
If you're tuckered out from the parade and all of the activities downtown, viewing a bunch of gingerbread houses is pretty low-key.
But it's not just gingerbread. Some of more than 100 gingerbread houses — even mansions and castles — are designed by chefs who like to flex their creative muscles.
But be warned, it may make you hungry. Luckily, the fine folks of the resort offer children the chance to decorate their own gingerbread cookies for free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Too much Christmas cheer?
Going to too many Christmas activities in a short amount of time is like drinking a ton of eggnog all at once. It can make you feel icky.
Check out some of these activities if you need a break from the holiday cheer.
Whiskey Row:
Technically South Montezuma Street, this string of bars is a tourist trap by day, street of drunken debauchery by night.
Well, OK, drunken debauchery may be overdoing it. But past 10 p.m., The Row definitely looks more like the red-light district it was once known as than a family-friendly, Christmas-caroling street.
Stop by Matt's Saloon for some country tunes and good deals on domestic bottles. Venture into the Bird Cage Saloon if you want to see some leather and tattoos.
Mount Vernon Street:
Scenic Victorian architecture. Take a stroll or drive down the historical Mount Vernon Street to see some truly beautiful Victorian houses in pretty much every color imaginable. It's fun to pick out which one you'd like to own.
Antique Row:
A selection of interesting antique shops downtown. Get your shopping in by wandering down North Cortez Street and browsing in the dozens of antique shops. You'll find everything from antique jewelry to old Western knickknacks.
Thumb Butte:
For a good hike with a fantastic view.
Thumb Butte is the famous mountain that sticks up like a thumb along Prescott's skyline.
It is perfect for a short morning hike. The trail is partially paved and fairly steep in parts. The hike offers a breathtaking view of Prescott from the top.
