Prescott known as 'Christmas City' in Arizona for all of its holiday fun

Prescott, Arizona is transformed into "Christmas City" this time of year each year thanks to all of the fun holiday offerings in the area. Here's a look at some of what to expect this season...

World’s Largest Gingerbread Village – November 21 through December 27
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. And it's open 24 hours a day - so there's no excuse for missing it!

Valley of Lights in Prescott Valley – November 26 through December 30
A one-mile drive through Prescott Valley’s Fain Park features a huge array of lighted and animated seasonal displays.

Holiday Light Parade – November 28
Gather at Prescott’s downtown Courthouse Plaza at 6:00 pm to watch the lighted costumes and floats in this annual festive parade, decorated for the holiday season.

Holiday Festival of Lights and Tree Display – December 4
Bask in the glow of Prescott Valley’s annual lighting ceremony and nighttime parade. Holiday tree display and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus are happening inside the Civic Center, immediately after the parade.

Hometown Chino Christmas Celebration – December 4 & 5
Over 100 Christmas trees decorated by merchants, schools and other non-profit organizations at Chino Valley’s Heritage Middle School will be on display. Prizes will be awarded to best decorated trees. Local choirs will provide holiday music and Santa will be present for the kids. 5:00 to 9:00 pm Friday, December 4 and 1:00 to 5:00 pm Saturday the 5th. Admission is free. Call 928-636-2493 or 877-523-1988 for more information.

Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting – December 5
Santa visits Arizona’s Christmas City in this fun and festive parade around Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza. (Photo by Franz Rosenberger, left, courtesy Prescott Area Coalition for Tourism)

Frontier Christmas Open House – December 5
Enjoy stepping back in time with living history interpreters in Sharlot Hall Museum’s historic buildings as they capture the spirit of Christmas past. Admission: $3 for Museum members, $5 for non-members, children under 18 are free.

Acker Musical Showcase – December 11
Celebrating its 20th season, festive luminaria lights surround Courthouse Plaza and local merchants open their doors and host over 100 of the area’s entertainers for this downtown open house. Browse the various shops, galleries and boutiques while enjoying a variety of music and entertainment and indulging in treats. 5:30-8:30 pm.