Happy Tuesday, Prescott. In today’s edition: Stroll Through Valley of Lights, Holiday Craft Fair, Nordic Cozy Fest, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Drive support for causes: Arizona drivers now have three new specialty plate options featuring Ovarian Cancer Awareness, Phoenix Mercury, and the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Most cost $25 annually, with $17 benefiting nonprofits — see how to order.

Unwind with creative warmth: Hygge comes to Prescott Valley Public Library for Nordic Cozy Fest on Tuesday, December 16, 5 to 6:30 PM. Activities include games, crafts, coloring, and warm drinks in the Crystal Room — get all the details.

City advances lake restoration: Prescott reported most Watson Lake water-quality treatments finished ahead of storms, with remaining work scheduled after Thanksgiving. The lake stayed open as crews targeted clarity, organic material, weeds, and algae — read the full story.

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.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate at The Center’s Holiday Craft Fair
• Celebrate Prescott’s parade, courthouse lighting and fireworks
• Celebrate Frontier Christmas at Sharlot Hall Museum
• Experience a radio-style Prescott Christmas Carol
• Celebrate the 37th Annual Acker Night
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

Dazzling community light show: Valley of Lights is now open at Fain Park in Prescott Valley, featuring a one-mile drive-through of holiday displays. Cruise through nightly through Dec. 30, 6 to 9 pm Sun-Thu and 6 to 10 pm on Fri, Sat, and holidays. A $5 per car cash donation is appreciated. Get hours, dates, and location.

Temporary wildlife access limits: Seasonal closures are now in effect at Prescott National Forest to protect nesting bald eagles. An area near Lynx Lake is closed, and parts of the Verde River are restricted to pass-through only, so float and keep moving. Violators can be fined. Closures could be lifted if nesting attempts unfortunately fail. See what’s closed and why.

Upgrade burrito night: The signature Green-Green Burrito headlines the menu at Barbudos Grill & Cantina, a Baja-style hangout that grew from a tiny burrito shop in 2006. Expect a surf-y vibe, a full bar, and burritos that turn weeknights into mini victory laps.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 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

✨ 2025 Stroll Through Valley of Lights @ Fain Park | Tuesday (12/2) at 6:00pm – Grab the crew and enjoy a rare walk-through of Valley of Lights, a one-mile loop of twinkle therapy, kid wonder, and great photo ops. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Buddy will be out, so you can call it quality time, cardio, and holiday spirit.

🎷 The Gift of Jazz @ Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center | Wednesday (12/3) at 7:00pm – Think you know all the holiday tunes? Trailblazer and Roughrider Big Bands bring joyful rhythms, smooth ballads, and plenty of swing, mixing classics with cheeky surprises, including a jazzy Baby It’s Cold Outside, aka your antidote to carols on repeat and small talk fatigue.

🦉 Dispatches from the Intersection of Species @ Natural History Institute | Thursday (12/4) at 7:00pm – Join author Bridget A. Lyons as she guides you through wild landscapes, close encounters, and the surprising intelligence of the creatures who share our planet. From Alaskan icebergs to Baja coastlines, her stories blend scientific insight with pure wonder. Grab a seat and get ready to see the natural world with fresh eyes.

✂️ Holiday Craft Fair @ The Center on Rosser | Friday (12/5) at 10:00am – Skip the big-box madness and wander a proper Holiday Craft Fair at The Center, with festive décor, local makers, crafts for kids, and photos with Santa. Knock out gifts, keep the peace, and maybe score a sweet surprise, or at least a candy cane.

🎈 50th Anniversary Celebration @ Bennett Glass & Mirror | Friday (12/5) at 11:00am – It’s been half a century of glass, grit, and great service, and Bennett Glass & Mirror wants to celebrate with you. Drop in for a friendly, community-centered celebration honoring the customers who kept this locally owned gem going strong.

This weekend

🏃 Jan Alfano Trail parkrun @ Jan Alfano Trail | Saturday (12/6) at 7:30am – Free weekly Saturday 5k on the Jan Alfano Trail behind the Beneful Dog Park on Willow Creek Road. Run, jog, or walk at your own pace, no fancy gear required, then debrief over Method Coffee, community, and smug steps.

🐶 Read to a Dog @ Prescott Valley Public Library | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Curl up with a furry friend and let your child read their favorite stories to an endlessly patient pup. It’s a calming, confidence-boosting way for young readers to practice, whether they’re sounding out words or soaring through chapter books.

🍓 Berry White Day @ Superstition Meadery | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Berry White Day returns to the Tasting Room with the 10th anniversary, all four OG Whites, plus Mulberry White and creamsicle-ish Dream Tickle. No tickets, free glass with your first mead, Hawaiian shirts by day, masks by night, park once for parade and courthouse lighting.

🎤 Open Mic Saturday @ The Groove Theater | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to share that song, poem, or half-finished masterpiece, this monthly Saturday open mic at The Groove Theater on Grove is it. Hosted by Morgan Cooper and Andy Hofer, it’s a real listening room, coffee included, nerves optional.

🐶 Coffee & Canines @ Founding Fathers Collective | Sunday (12/7) at 8:00am – This caffeine meet-up pairs your latte with pup cups, treats, and a little retail therapy for the four-legged tyrant who runs your house. Bring your good dog, your favorite leash, and your camera, because nothing says weekend reset like foam mustaches and wagging tails.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Bingo @ Prescott Valley Active Adult Center – 1:30 pm
• 12/3 The Gift of Jazz @ Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center – 7 pm
• 12/3 Musicians with Heart @ Jersey Lilly Saloon – 7 pm
• 12/4 Little Larry @ Jersey Lilly Saloon – 7 pm
• 12/8 Prescott JRAD @ Bird Cage Saloon – 7:30 pm
• 12/11 Una Voce – Christmas Reflections @ Elks Theater – 7 pm
• 12/12 Acker Night announcement @ Elks Theatre – 5:30 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

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