arizona key magazine - november 2008

During the holidays, a palpable glow extends from the Prescott area, just 90 miles north of Phoenix. Part of this illumination comes from the festive lighting displays of Courthouse Plaza. Some originates from within the lighted window displays of Prescott’s boutiques, galleries and gift shops. The majority of this luminosity, however, seems to derive the people themselves.

Discover unusual, one-of-a-kind gift items. Enjoy the cozy, hometown feeling the Prescott area has to offer. Get in the Christmas spirit by joining holiday revelers in the historic bars and restaurants. Plan a romantic getaway and stay in one of the Prescott area’s charming hotels or B&Bs. Visit the many shops at the Prescott Gateway Mall, northern Arizona’s only regional shopping mall.

Come on up to historic Prescott, Arizona’s Official Christmas City and the state’s first territorial capital, and bask in some of that seasonal glow. The Prescott area has a wide variety of events for the holiday, as well as a great selection of shops to help you with your gift list. Following are just a few of our great holiday events:

World’s Largest Gingerbread Village
November 21st through December 28th
The largest gingerbread village in America adorns the lobby of the Prescott Resort. More than 100 gingerbread structures are on display in a winter wonderland.

Valley of Lights in Prescott Valley
November 27th through December 30th
A one-mile drive through Prescott Valley’s Fain Park features a huge array of lighted and animated seasonal displays.

Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting
December 6th
Santa visits Arizona’s Christmas City in this fun and festive parade around Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza. It’s an ideal way to celebrate the season with family, friends and neighbors.

Frontier Christmas Open House
December 6th
Enjoy period music, Charles Dickens-era carolers and hot cider by a roaring fire in the 1864 Governor’s Mansion at Prescott’s Sharlot Hall Museum.

Acker Musical Showcase
December 12th
Celebrating its 20th season, this outstanding event is a holiday favorite. More than 100 of the area’s entertainers converge for this downtown open house. 5:30-8:30 pm.

The Arizona Revue: “That’s Entertainment!”
December 13 & 14, 19-21 and 26
Adding a dash of holiday spirit to the usual blend of music, comedy and dance, this high-spirited, family-friendly variety show will be performing their Christmas show at the historic Elks Opera House. For tickets and information, call 928-830-7784 or go online to www.azrevue.com.

For more information about the Prescott area during the holidays—or any time—call 800-266-7534 or go to www.visit-prescott.com.

Please be sure to visit our rich media experience, where you will find an interactive tour of E&J’s including slide shows, virtual tours, audio and HD video clips, and directions.