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Happy Friday, Prescott. In today’s edition: The Nutcracker, the 43rd Annual Christmas Parade, Courthouse Lighting, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Prescott job market snapshot: Prescott’s labor market cooled this year as the workforce shrank 3 percent year to date and unemployment rose, while job growth stayed flat even as August wages climbed 4.5 percent — read the full analysis.
Careers taking flight locally: Three Embry‑Riddle graduates have launched careers at Prescott Regional Airport, strengthening ties with Ernest A. Love Field as they support operations from FAA compliance and wildlife safety to airfield inspections — read the full story.
A dazzling holiday tradition: Downtown Prescott’s 71st Annual Courthouse Lighting is Saturday, Dec. 6, with live Christmas music at 5 pm, lights at 6, a fireworks finale, and free shuttles from Prescott High School — see times, location, and shuttles.
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.
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🫶 We got your back
Seasonal wildlife protections enacted: Heads up, Verde River users: The Forest Service has closed the Ladder’s bald eagle breeding area south of Camp Verde through June 30 to protect nesting birds. Rafters may float straight through but can’t stop, and hunting, fishing, hiking, drones, and select roads/trails are off-limits. Early reopening is possible if nesting fails. Get all the closure details.
Accreditation standards under review: Assessors from the Arizona Law Enforcement Accreditation Program will be in Chino Valley on Dec. 15 to review the police department for accreditation. Residents and employees can submit feedback on the department’s compliance ahead of the visit via ALEAP’s community input portal. The review covers policies, operations, and support services. See how to submit feedback.
Local pint, no fuss: Whether you’re craving a fresh house-brewed pour or a laid-back hang in The Park, LazyG Brewhouse keeps it easy. Pretzels, burgers, and other comforts pair with friendly vibes. Bring friends, settle in, and let the afternoon roll with good beer and patio energy.
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 that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity 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.
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📆 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
🎅 The Story of St. Nicholas @ St. George Orthodox Church | Friday (12/5) at 5:30pm – If you’ve ever wondered how a 4th-century bishop turned into the jolly man in red, this is your night. Enjoy a thoughtful presentation for adults while kids enjoy their own activities alongside St. Nicholas himself. Stick around afterward for refreshments and a festive gift bag to take home.
🎶 Prescott Chorale @ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Prescott Chorale is kicking off the season with two concerts, and they are not skimping on the goosebumps. One evening brings Bach’s Magnificat and carols, the matinee brings the kids, sing-alongs, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. Both end with a cookie reception, obviously.
This weekend
🎄 43rd Annual Christmas Parade @ Downtown Prescott | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Holiday season in Prescott means the Christmas Parade downtown, then the courthouse lighting and fireworks at the plaza. Bundle up, bring a thermos, wave at every float, then ooh and aah as the courthouse lights up, fireworks pop, and you remember why you live here.
🎅 Firefighter’s Night Before Christmas @ Eric Marsh Foundation | Saturday (12/6) at 2:30pm – Kick off the holiday season with a festive afternoon where Santa and real-life firefighters team up for some heartwarming fun. Bring the kiddos for meet-and-greets, big smiles, and plenty of Christmas cheer. It’s family-friendly, cozy, and guaranteed to spark some holiday magic.
🤠 Frontier Christmas @ Sharlot Hall Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – Skip the post-lighting traffic and stroll to Sharlot Hall for Frontier Christmas, the cozy kind. Luminarias, cookies, and cider set the mood while you print cards on an 1865 press, nod at Father Christmas, craft a little, and finish your gift list with local finds.
🎨 DIY Ornament Party Class @ Tis Annex | Sunday (12/7) at 2:00pm – Trade the gift list for a glue gun and make five ornaments you’ll brag about, including a light up snow globe. Four for your tree, one to swap in class. No skills needed, $38, or bring the crew, buy 3, get 1 free.
✨ The Nutcracker @ Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Get swept away by Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, and a stage full of seasonal sparkle. This enchanting performance is the perfect excuse to trade your weekend errands for a little magic and a lot of holiday cheer.
Next week
🐾 Paws for Friendship @ Chino Valley Public Library | Tuesday (12/9) at 11:00am – Nothing beats story time with a wagging audience. In the Children’s section, bring the kids to read to calm, certified therapy dogs, the most patient, nonjudgmental critics in town. Grab a book off the shelves, or bring a favorite from home, and watch confidence grow.
🧱 Lego Club @ Chino Valley Public Library | Tuesday (12/9) at 3:00pm – If the kids are climbing the walls, let them build some instead at Lego Club. Bricks are provided, creativity encouraged, and your stash can stay home, which your feet will thank you for. All ages welcome, kids under 5 need a parent sidekick.
🎼 Holiday Harmonies @ Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 7:00pm – Trade the mall soundtrack for the real thing, and let the Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, and Symphonic Band tune up your holiday spirit. From the lively Patapan to the hauntingly beautiful The Eighth Candle, it is cocoa for the soul, minus the sticky mittens.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ 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: Geoffrey Hyland (eXp Realty)
Past a gated entrance and 1,200-foot paved drive, a cedar and stone home crowns the pines with a 22-foot great room, floor-to-ceiling views, and wood-burning stove. The entertainer’s kitchen stacks maple cabinetry, granite, double ovens, a commercial hood, and dual pantries. The main-level suite adds a fireplace, secluded deck, spa bath, and an office with bay windows. Upstairs bedrooms get 12-foot ceilings, balconies, and a Jack-and-Jill bath.
Extras include a Whiskey Row saloon, theater, 1,594 sq ft guest house, woodshop, studio, pavilion with outdoor fireplace and screen, two horse barns, 10 minutes to Costco, 20 to downtown Prescott.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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