|
Happy Friday, Prescott. In today’s edition: Arizona’s Christmas City festivities, a dramatic Christmas Carol reading, singing Santa at the library, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Spotlight on rodeo service: Massey Ferguson honored Prescott Frontier Days with its Sowing Good Deeds award at the PRCA 2025 Gala in Las Vegas, recognizing community impact and awarding a new 4700 Series tractor — read the full story.
Historic plaza goes festive: Prescott marks 70-plus years as Arizona’s Christmas City, with lights spanning seven weeks through Martin Luther King Jr. Day and events like Acker Night and New Year’s Eve Boot Drop — get all the details.
Balancing access and funding: Yavapai College’s board voted 4-1 to accept a 3% tuition hike proposal for next year, with a proposed 15% meal plan increase, citing reduced state support and local taxpayers’ burden — get all the details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.
|
🫶 We got your back
Seasonal running with purpose: On Saturday, Dec. 13, The Launch Pad’s 7th Annual Christmas City Santa Run hits Brownlow Trail. Choose the 10k, 5k, or 1-mile and score a Santa hat, beard, and ornament (Rudolph Run gets antlers). Proceeds support teen programs at The Launch Pad Teen Center. Expect cocoa, cider, and ugly sweater prizes. Pro tip: the rolling trail is not stroller friendly. Get race day details.
A festive community tradition: Prescott’s 37th Annual Acker Musical Showcase hits downtown in Arizona’s Christmas City on Friday, Dec. 12, with an opening ceremony at 5 on Gurley and live music in 140+ businesses from 5:30 to 8:30. Expect closures on Gurley and Whiskey Row from 2 to about 10. Free shuttles from Yavapai College. Get times, closures, and shuttles.
Fresh cut, feel‑good vibe: Part salon, part boutique, totally Prescott, Whiskey and Willow channels western‑boho energy while delivering color, extensions, and skin services, and yes, they’ll pour coffee or a cocktail while you’re pampered. Come for the hair, leave with a little something and a brighter mood.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.
Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
📣 Acker Night @ Elks Theatre | Friday (12/12) at 5:30pm – Acker Night takes over the Elks with Chicago Bob and Blues Squad, serving Memphis-bound blues and surprises. Bring cash for tip bags, because talent and tubas aren’t free, and help Road One South say goodbye at the last Elks Acker in honor of John Wurtz.
🎸 STEFnROCK @ Whiskey River Tavern | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Acker Night at Whiskey River means STEFnROCK holding court, smooth vocals and feel-good covers that go down like good bourbon. Expect a packed bunkhouse vibe, neighbors you sort of know, and just enough holiday cheer to make you forget parking exists.
This weekend
🎨 Sip & Paint Watercolor, Winter Wonderland @ Prescott Valley Public Library – Virtual | Saturday (12/13) at 10:30am – Settle in with your favorite sip and learn how to bring snowy forests and frosty skies to life with simple watercolor techniques. This relaxed virtual class is all about easing into creativity and capturing the quiet charm of winter from your kitchen table.
📖 Dramatic Christmas Carol Reading @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Saturday (12/13) at 11:00am – Trade the mall madness for a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol at the Prescott Valley Public Library, courtesy of One Stage Family Theatre. It is free, no tickets, no fuss, just expressive voices, Dickensian redemption, and an hour of quality time with favorite people.
❄️ Winter Solstice Gathering @ Natural History Institute | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Lean into the longest night with a cozy solstice gathering that mixes community, reflection, and just enough wonder to forget your to-do list. Wander the institute’s scientific collections, take in Return to Stone, and connect with actual humans, not group chats. Winter, consider yourself welcomed.
🐶 Coffee & Canines @ Founding Fathers Collective | Sunday (12/14) at 8:00am – If your coffee habit and your dog’s social calendar need alignment, expect coffee, pup cups, and canine spoiling. Sip something strong while your four-legged overlord demolishes a pup cup, makes new friends, and leaves with some swag, while you pretend it was their idea.
🏮 DIY Holiday Gnome Lantern Class @ ‘Tis Annex | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Build and paint a glowing gnome lantern in this hands-on class, then bask in the smug, cozy glow of seasonal competence. Fewer messes, more charm, and your mantel finally looks intentional. $42 each, or bring three friends and the fourth gets in free.
Next week
🎅 Singing Santa Visits the Library @ Chino Valley Public Library | Tuesday (12/16) at 10:00am – Ready to let someone else handle storytime? Santa and Mrs. Claus are swinging by the Chino Valley library for songs, stories, a surprisingly patient Q&A about reindeer logistics, and little goodie bags, plus a family photo if you bring a charged phone or camera.
🧣 Nordic Cozy Fest @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Tuesday (12/16) at 5:00pm – Consider this your sanctioned excuse to duck into the library and lean hard into hygge. Expect warm drinks, easy games, crafts, and coloring, all free, no registration, and mercifully low-key. Think slippers in spirit on the third floor, plus neighborly chatter, minus hosting.
🎄 Mosaic Christmas Tree Class @ Frenchie Flower Co | Tuesday (12/16) at 5:30pm – If your holiday decor needs an upgrade that isn’t plastic and prelit, come make a mosaic Christmas tree, no experience required. All supplies, light refreshments, and a goodie bag are included, $45 each, or bring the crew with Buy 3 Get 1 Free.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
🎶 Live music & entertainment
|
🏠️ Price is right – Prescott edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Dena Plane (Better Homes And Gardens Real Estate Bloomtree Realty)
2023 Grace plan with Granite Dells views, 2,889 square feet, 3 beds, 3.5 baths, and over $200K in upgrades. A gated courtyard sets a private tone. Inside, a grand great room with fireplace and windows, plus a designer kitchen with an island for nine and a morning kitchen with prep sink and wine fridge.
Split bedrooms, luxury vinyl plank, and built-ins keep living tidy. Outdoor living shines with a covered paver patio and low maintenance landscaping on a third acre. Three car garage, energy efficient construction, washer, dryer, and fridge. In The Dells, one of Prescott’s premier communities.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
|
|
|
