<body><div>Prescott, Arizona, often celebrated as “Arizona’s Christmas City,” has a rich history of festive holiday events, with the iconic Courthouse Lighting standing as a central symbol of the season. The tradition, now over seven decades old, has evolved and grown, solidifying Prescott’s reputation as a must-visit destination for Christmas cheer. The annual lighting ceremony, which began humbly in the 1950s, continues to capture the spirit of the holidays and attract visitors from across the country.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1d16ap_0wBJJPub00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1d16ap_0wBJJPub00" width="900" height="600" ></figure>A Spark in 1954: The Beginning of a TraditionThe first Courthouse Plaza Christmas display was brought to life in 1954, thanks to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Decorations Committee. This inaugural display featured contributions from local organizations like the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Prescott Elks Lodge No. 330, and others, which created a festive atmosphere with Christmas scenes displayed on the north side of the Plaza. The community-driven effort set the stage for what would become an annual holiday celebration.1955-1958: The Birth of the Courthouse LightingThe following year, in 1955, the Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) was enlisted to help coordinate decorations. Inspired by a trip to Denver Civic Center, Sylvia Reuter of the BPW introduced the idea of lighting the Yavapai County Courthouse. The first decorations included a neon “Season’s Greetings” sign, red foil, and lights around the doors, along with floodlights patterned after Denver’s display. Seventeen local organizations each contributed by setting up their own Christmas scenes, creating a festive display that drew community and visitor attention.From 1956 to 1958, the lighting program gained momentum. BPW published the “Hot Iron” magazine to help fund the lighting, which expanded to cover three sides of the Courthouse. Permanent fixtures were installed in 1957, and by 1958, the display was enhanced with 9,000 watts of candle power and a rotating carousel featuring reindeer, pixies, and Santa Claus.1959-1977: Growing National RecognitionThe years that followed saw the addition of new features, including music in 1959, the introduction of a 60-foot electrically lit “candle” in 1960, and praise from national organizations like the Chicago Motor Club. Prescott’s reputation as a holiday destination was further solidified in 1962 when Governor Paul Fannin declared it “Arizona’s Christmas Town.” Over the next decade, BPW continued to oversee the lighting program, earning national media attention for Prescott and the Courthouse lighting tradition.1978-1984: Transition and RevitalizationIn 1978, BPW disbanded, and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce took over coordination of the Courthouse lighting. The tradition continued to thrive, with the Prescott Junior Woman’s Club taking responsibility for decorating the Gazebo and lighting 6,000 bulbs on the Courthouse. In 1983, the Prescott Chamber sponsored its first Christmas parade, an event that remains a staple of the holiday season.1985-2001: New Displays and a Growing LegacyThroughout the 1980s and 1990s, new features were regularly added to the lighting display, including snowmen, elves, and a revolving platform in the Gazebo depicting Santa’s workshop. Local businesses and community members contributed to the decorations, with large donations funding significant additions, like the motorized display sponsored by Merabank in 1988. In 2001, the Prescott Downtown Partnership, Inc. joined forces with the Chamber, creating a long-term master plan for the Plaza and launching a tree sponsorship program.2002-2024: Expanding Prescott’s Christmas CityAs the years passed, Prescott’s holiday celebrations grew in both scope and popularity. By 2008, The Friends of Jersey Lilly Saloon began fundraising efforts to ensure the lights surrounding the courthouse could continue to shine. Their annual donations, raising over $50,000, have made them the largest single contributor to the Courthouse lighting event.In 2022, the City of Prescott, Acker Committee, Prescott Downtown Partnership, Whiskey Row Boot Drop, LLC, and the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Foundation joined forces to create the official Arizona Christmas City Organization. This collaboration unified key holiday events, including the Christmas Parade, Courthouse Lighting, Acker Night Music Festival, and the Whiskey Row Boot Drop, promoting greater teamwork in marketing, fundraising, and sponsorship efforts.Prescott’s Courthouse Lighting Ceremony remains a highlight of the holiday season, with new features added each year. In 2023, lights were added to the Courthouse pillars, and in 2022, a sleigh dedicated to longtime contributors Tommy and Joan Meredith was introduced. In 2024, Prescott earned a spot on Newsweek’s list of the Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in the nation, further solidifying its status as the ultimate holiday destination.Arizona’s Christmas City: A Tradition of JoyPrescott’s annual Courthouse Lighting is much more than just a festive tradition—it has become a significant driver of the local economy. Each year, the Arizona Christmas City organization must raise the necessary funds to host all these free holiday events. The total cost for the events is around $400,000, a testament to the effort and resources required to maintain Prescott’s iconic holiday spirit.The impact of these events extends far beyond the joy they bring. The Courthouse Lighting and related holiday events create over 500 local jobs and generate more than $52 million in economic impact. These events also contribute $3 million in tax revenue for the City of Prescott and Yavapai County, providing essential support to the community.Several major sponsors have stepped up to ensure the continued success of Prescott’s Christmas festivities. The Friends of Jersey Lilly Saloon have been a standout supporter, donating $79,000 in 2023 alone. Other key sponsors include the City of Prescott, Desert Financial Credit Union, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. APS (Arizona Public Service) has been particularly instrumental in helping improve the decorations, providing grants and support to convert the lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, which not only save on energy costs but also ensure the displays last longer.Prescott’s Courthouse Lighting continues to grow each year, blending tradition with innovation to maintain its status as Arizona’s Christmas City. With the dedication of local organizations, businesses, and the community, this beloved tradition is poised to bring joy and economic vitality to Prescott for years to come.For more information on Prescott’s holiday events, visit www.ArizonaChristmasCity.com.This article was made possible by Prescott Valley Transmissions; service you can trust!</div></body>

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The Legacy of Prescott’s Courthouse Lighting: A Christmas Tradition Through the Years

Prescott, Arizona, often celebrated as “Arizona’s Christmas City,” has a rich history of festive holiday events, with the iconic Courthouse Lighting standing as a central symbol of the season. The tradition, now over seven decades old, has evolved and grown, solidifying Prescott’s reputation as a must-visit destination for Christmas cheer. The annual lighting ceremony, which began humbly in the 1950s, continues to capture the spirit of the holidays and attract visitors from across the country.