For most of the year, Prescott is first and foremost the county seat of Yavapai County. But this time of year, it's Arizona's Christmas City (Gov. Rose Mofford made it so in the 1980s) and the city isn't resting on its title.
Prescott's scenic downtown courthouse square is a perfect setting for the celebration, with big trees strung in lights and chorale performances on the courthouse steps.
And budget woes be damned. We're told by a chamber of commerce spokeswoman that Prescott's Christmas celebration will be bigger than ever. The Holiday Light Parade, with lighted floats, is set for 6 p.m. Saturday downtown.
But the big Christmas splash is a week later, with the Christmas Parade (1 p.m.) and Courthouse Lighting Ceremony on the courthouse square at 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
Right after the lighting there's the annual Frontier Christmas Open House two blocks west at the Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St. It features live holiday music, a roaring fire and presentations of what Christmas was like in the state's territorial days. It's $5 and free for those 17 and younger. You can get more information through the museum's website, www.sharlot.org
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For more on Prescott holiday activities: www.visit-prescott.com
IF YOU GO
• What: Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting Ceremony on the courthouse square.
• When: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 4.
• Where: Prescott.
• Cost: Free.
• To get there: Take Interstate 10 north (we know, technically it's an east-west route) to I-17 north. Take exit 262 toward Arizona 69 for 34 miles to downtown Prescott.It's about 217 miles from Tucson.
• Bundle up: Dress in layers. Prescott can get cold, or be balmy, but the average December high is 52 degrees and the low 23.
Dan Sorenson
