Happy Tuesday, Prescott. In today’s edition: Prescott market shifts to neutral, a Christmas market, singing Santa, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Prescott market shifts to neutral: Prescott’s median list price fell to $584,900 year over year as active listings jumped 30.5% to 1,663 and median days on market hit 91, with 43% of listings cutting prices — see the full market breakdown.

Mixed signals across sectors: Prescott’s labor market cooled as the workforce shrank, with August unemployment at 4.0% and year-to-date resident employment down 3.6%, even as hourly earnings rose 4.5% to $27.67 — read the full analysis.

A Prescott educator’s journey: At Yavapai College, Dr. Megan Hanna blends banking experience and a writer’s craft to teach business statistics, turning data into stories. She navigates change and AI while centering student belonging — read the full profile.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

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.

Highlights this week

• Shop handcrafted gifts at Prescott Christmas market
• Take a cozy stroll through lantern-lit gardens
• Tour Bronzesmith’s working art foundry
• Find fellowship at free Christmas dinner
• Celebrate the season with Gypsy Soul
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Local generosity on display: Prescott’s 28th Annual Shop with a Cop lit up the morning on Dec. 13, with a siren-led convoy and Santa landing by helicopter at Walmart. Officers paired with local kids for holiday shopping, a tradition since 1997 that’s brightened seasons for 2,000+ children, funded entirely by community donations. Get event details and donate.

Post-holiday recycling made easy: Prescott’s Solid Waste crew is offering appointment based curbside Christmas tree pickup Jan 6 to 9. Registration is open now and required. Set undecorated, unbagged real trees curbside by 6 a.m. No plastic trees. Prefer drop off? Free disposal at the Transfer Station at 2800 Sundog Ranch Rd, Dec 30 to Jan 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. See pickup and drop-off details.

Make movie night count: Skip explosions and sequels for curated indie gems, foreign standouts, and special event screenings at Mary D. Fisher Theatre. Its cozy, small-venue vibe turns going to the movies into a treat again, with thoughtful programming that rewards curiosity and conversation.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

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.

This week

🔥 Nordic Cozy Fest @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Tuesday (12/16) at 5:00pm – Chilly evening at the library means one thing, hygge. Prescott Valley Public Library is going full Nordic cozy with games, crafts, coloring, and warm drinks, basically sanctioned loafing with neighbors. Free, no registration, Crystal Room, third floor, bring your comfiest sweater and your inside voice.

🧩 Mosaic Christmas Tree Class @ Frenchie Flower | Tuesday (12/16) at 5:30pm – Swap the mall chaos for a mosaic Christmas tree class, where you piece together colorful glass, sip light refreshments, and let your inner elf clock in. All supplies, a goodie bag, and bragging rights included. $45, or bring three friends, get one free.

👣 Wednesday Wanderings @ Highlands Center for Natural History | Wednesday (12/17) at 9:00am – Whether you can ID every manzanita or just need an excuse to escape email, join a guided walk with a local expert through the Central Highlands’ rocky trails. Every first and third Wednesday, bring sturdy shoes, water, layers, snacks, poles, and meet by the bronze.

🎅 Singing Santa @ Chino Valley Public Library | Friday (12/19) at 10:00am – Santa and Mrs. Claus are popping into the library for songs, stories, a few kid-approved questions, and little goodie bags, because of course they are. Bring the grandkids, your camera, and your patience, then snag a sweet Chino Valley family photo for the fridge.

📚 Teen Hunger Games Book Club @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Friday (12/19) at 3:30pm – Calling all tributes ages 12 to 18. This teen book club dives into Mockingjay, unpacking the characters, themes, and rebellion that made The Hunger Games iconic. Come ready to discuss, debate, and join the literary resistance. Registration required.

This weekend

🎄 A Christmas Market @ The Grand Highland Hotel | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – Think you’ve maxed out on Arizona’s Official Christmas City cheer? Two downtown stops, the Goodwin Street Lot and the Grand Highland, deliver local makers, live music, and treats, plus a bar. Stroll, shop for “others,” bump into half your address book, then toast your productivity.

🐶 Read to a Dog @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Saturday (12/20) at 10:00am – Reading feels a lot less scary when a friendly, nonjudgmental dog is listening. Kids can drop in, pick a book, and build confidence one page at a time in this relaxed, feel-good reading session. No sign-up needed, just show up and start reading.

🎭 The Elevated Actor Workshop @ Main Street Theatre | Saturday (12/20) at 10:30am – Main Street Theatre hosts a six-week acting workshop with pro Matt Conde, covering stage, screen, improv, and commercials. Whether you’re rusty or brand-new, expect practical tools, thoughtful feedback, and real reps, not trust falls. Adults, teens, and kids can join, tuition is $130 to $140.

🕉️ Connect with the Life Force @ Prescott Public Library | Saturday (12/20) at 1:00pm – Slow down, tune in, and experience HU, the Sound of Soul in this welcoming Eckankar gathering. You’ll take part in a gentle 15–20 minute HU chant followed by relaxed, open spiritual conversation. Come curious, leave grounded, and connect with fellow spiritual adventurers along the way.

🧶 DIY Hand Knit Holiday Wreath Pillow Class @ Toothpick Art Studio | Sunday (12/21) at 11:00am – Toothpick Studio is cozying up your morning with a beginner-friendly class where you hand-knit a soft, festive 12-inch wreath pillow using chunky yarn. Bring a friend, sip something warm, and pretend your holiday shopping is done. $42, zero experience, maximum bragging rights.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/17 Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Show @ The Point Bar & Lounge – 6 pm
• 12/18 The Modern Gentleman @ Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 12/20 Gypsy Soul Holiday Concert @ Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 12/22 Grateful Dead Night @ Bird Cage Saloon – 7:30 pm
• 12/26 The Faultlines Reunion @ Bird Cage Saloon – 8 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Gerry Garcia (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate BloomTree Realty)

On 2.03 acres in Granite Oaks, backing to State Lands with Granite Mountain views, this 2020 Crystal Creek single-level has 3,151 square feet. Hickory floors, knotty alder doors, and a stone hearth gas fireplace set an open plan with chef’s kitchen, dual pantries, breakfast nook, and screened porch. Three en suite bedrooms plus a study, mudroom, and big storage.

No HOA and a share in a private water company. Sealed 3-car garage with 50-amp RV plug. The 36×36 raised-aisle barn offers four stalls with runs, auto waterers, arena, and pipe fencing, or convert to a workshop or RV garage.

Take a peek inside →