It’s impossible to be a Grinch in Arizona’s official Christmas city! Christmas in Prescott AZ is unlike anywhere else in the Grand Canyon State. Millions of lights adorn the courthouse square, and the world’s largest gingerbread village commands a resort lobby. Drive or walk through a dazzling light show, or shop for Christmas gifts at a boutique. A Prescott Arizona Christmas is a magical Christmas indeed.
Prescott is Arizona’s official “Christmas City,” an honor bestowed upon it by then-Governor Rose Mofford in 1989.
Facebook/Prescott Chamber of Commerce One look at the town square at Christmastime, and you’ll understand why Prescott was chosen to uphold such a prestigious title.
The historic Yavapai County Courthouse is adorned with over a million lights, and horse-drawn carriages plod through the snow-covered landscape.
Facebook/Prescott Resort & Conference Center Caroling troupes set up all over town, eager to share their Christmas cheer with anyone who’ll listen. Quaint shops surround Courthouse Plaza, selling handmade gifts your loved ones will be elated to find under the tree.
After you’ve thoroughly explored the downtown area, head to Heritage Park Zoo for their annual “Wildlights and Animal Sights” event.
Facebook/Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary With animal-themed light installations and other festive décor, plus seasonal treats like hot cocoa, the display is nothing short of magical. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Valley of Lights at Fain Park in Prescott Valley is another can’t-miss light show.
TripAdvisor/Management The drive-through event features spectacular light tunnels and other festive displays. There is no cost to enter, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive. Prescott Valley Of Lights, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314, USA
You’ll find the world’s largest gingerbread village at Prescott Resort and Conference Center, the city’s only full-service resort.
Facebook/Prescott Resort & Conference Center The village consists of over 1,000 gingerbread houses contributed by local businesses and organizations. Even more charming is the motto, “It Takes a Village to Make a Village.” A true statement, indeed - and the result is quite the sight to see! Prescott Resort & Conference Center, 1500 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Prescott at Christmas is already enchanting as can be, but even more so when it snows.
Flickr/Scottb211 The city sees an average of 20 inches per year, but it’s extremely variable. So cross your fingers and hope for a white Christmas when you visit!
Visit the City of Prescott website for more information about this season’s holiday events.
Facebook/Prescott Chamber of Commerce
One look at the town square at Christmastime, and you’ll understand why Prescott was chosen to uphold such a prestigious title.
Facebook/Prescott Resort & Conference Center
Caroling troupes set up all over town, eager to share their Christmas cheer with anyone who’ll listen. Quaint shops surround Courthouse Plaza, selling handmade gifts your loved ones will be elated to find under the tree.
Facebook/Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary
With animal-themed light installations and other festive décor, plus seasonal treats like hot cocoa, the display is nothing short of magical.
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
TripAdvisor/Management
The drive-through event features spectacular light tunnels and other festive displays. There is no cost to enter, but donations are accepted at the end of the drive.
Prescott Valley Of Lights, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314, USA
The village consists of over 1,000 gingerbread houses contributed by local businesses and organizations. Even more charming is the motto, “It Takes a Village to Make a Village.” A true statement, indeed - and the result is quite the sight to see!
Prescott Resort & Conference Center, 1500 AZ-69, Prescott, AZ 86301, USA
Flickr/Scottb211
The city sees an average of 20 inches per year, but it’s extremely variable. So cross your fingers and hope for a white Christmas when you visit!
Do you ever visit Prescott at Christmas? If so, what’s your favorite seasonal activity in town? Tell us all your Prescott Arizona Christmas memories in the comments! To learn more about Valley of Lights, check out our previous article.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Prescott, AZ, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Arizona October 27, 2022 Katie Lawrence What are the best drive-thru light shows in Arizona? You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your vehicle to enjoy Christmas lights in the Grand Canyon State. There are several drive-thru light shows in Arizona that will make your holiday season merry and bright, and one of our favorites is World of Illumination. With locations in both Glendale and Tempe, World of Illumination is the largest drive-thru Christmas light show on earth. The theme changes each year, but you can always expect millions of lights set to festive tunes, holiday-themed displays, and an overarching sense of Christmas cheer. Can I ride the Polar Express in Arizona? “All aboard! This is The Polar Express”…Arizona style, anyway! There are a couple of different opportunities to ride the Polar Express in Arizona, one of which departs from the world-famous Grand Canyon Railway. Passengers embark on a magical journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, and a special gift from Santa - just like in the popular children’s book The Polar Express, which the ride is based on. Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas and head to Williams this holiday season for an experience that promises to enchant kids from one to ninety-two. Can I take a sleigh ride in Arizona in the winter? Did you know you can take a sleigh ride in Arizona? At Snowy Mountain Stables in Greer, you can dash through the wintery landscape and feel like you’ve entered a storybook. The rides are between 25 and 45 minutes long, and every second is pure magic. Not only are the horses majestic as can be, but the snow-covered ponderosa pine trees are also breathtaking. So bundle up and listen to “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” a few times on your way to the stables to get you in the holiday spirit, and prepare for the winter excursion of a lifetime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas in Arizona
October 27, 2022
Katie Lawrence
What are the best drive-thru light shows in Arizona? You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your vehicle to enjoy Christmas lights in the Grand Canyon State. There are several drive-thru light shows in Arizona that will make your holiday season merry and bright, and one of our favorites is World of Illumination. With locations in both Glendale and Tempe, World of Illumination is the largest drive-thru Christmas light show on earth. The theme changes each year, but you can always expect millions of lights set to festive tunes, holiday-themed displays, and an overarching sense of Christmas cheer. Can I ride the Polar Express in Arizona? “All aboard! This is The Polar Express”…Arizona style, anyway! There are a couple of different opportunities to ride the Polar Express in Arizona, one of which departs from the world-famous Grand Canyon Railway. Passengers embark on a magical journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, and a special gift from Santa - just like in the popular children’s book The Polar Express, which the ride is based on. Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas and head to Williams this holiday season for an experience that promises to enchant kids from one to ninety-two. Can I take a sleigh ride in Arizona in the winter? Did you know you can take a sleigh ride in Arizona? At Snowy Mountain Stables in Greer, you can dash through the wintery landscape and feel like you’ve entered a storybook. The rides are between 25 and 45 minutes long, and every second is pure magic. Not only are the horses majestic as can be, but the snow-covered ponderosa pine trees are also breathtaking. So bundle up and listen to “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” a few times on your way to the stables to get you in the holiday spirit, and prepare for the winter excursion of a lifetime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your vehicle to enjoy Christmas lights in the Grand Canyon State. There are several drive-thru light shows in Arizona that will make your holiday season merry and bright, and one of our favorites is World of Illumination. With locations in both Glendale and Tempe, World of Illumination is the largest drive-thru Christmas light show on earth. The theme changes each year, but you can always expect millions of lights set to festive tunes, holiday-themed displays, and an overarching sense of Christmas cheer.
Can I ride the Polar Express in Arizona?
“All aboard! This is The Polar Express”…Arizona style, anyway! There are a couple of different opportunities to ride the Polar Express in Arizona, one of which departs from the world-famous Grand Canyon Railway. Passengers embark on a magical journey to the North Pole, complete with hot cocoa, and a special gift from Santa - just like in the popular children’s book The Polar Express, which the ride is based on. Put on your favorite Christmas pajamas and head to Williams this holiday season for an experience that promises to enchant kids from one to ninety-two.
Can I take a sleigh ride in Arizona in the winter?
Did you know you can take a sleigh ride in Arizona? At Snowy Mountain Stables in Greer, you can dash through the wintery landscape and feel like you’ve entered a storybook. The rides are between 25 and 45 minutes long, and every second is pure magic. Not only are the horses majestic as can be, but the snow-covered ponderosa pine trees are also breathtaking. So bundle up and listen to “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” a few times on your way to the stables to get you in the holiday spirit, and prepare for the winter excursion of a lifetime.
