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Dec. 1, 2007
Chocolate Lovers Walk
Chocolate has long been hailed for its healing properties and ability to combat stress (oh, and we hear it tastes pretty good too). Treat yourself to some “chocolate therapy” at Cottonwood’s 14th annual Chocolate Lovers Walk. Strolling through Old Town Cottonwood with your hand-decorated bag and map, collect homemade chocolates at more than 20 participating merchants, from restaurants and bars to gift and antique shops. Hot cider and refreshments await at the Old Town Jail/Visitors Center and the Civic Center. At 6 p.m., the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting takes place. Plan on two hours to visit all the chocolate stops (and do some shopping on the way). All proceeds from the event’s ticket sales (only 400 available, and the event sells out every year) benefit the Old Town Association.
Chocolate Lovers Walk
Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m. $15 per person (tree lighting at 6 p.m. is free)
Main St. in Old Town Cottonwood (928-634-9468; www.oldtown.org)
Dec. 2, 2007
Songs for a Winter Solstice: Community Sing-Along – Barbara’s Park
When the shopping, baking, decorating and cleaning threaten to overwhelm you, take a time out for a night at Barbara’s Park in West Sedona for the second annual Community Sing-Along, hosted by Friends of the Posse Ground. Organizers were inspired by Carols by Candlelight, a tradition in Australia. A small stage is set up for a group of singers dressed in Santa hats and Christmas sweaters while community members gather around to join in traditional holiday songs. Don’t know the words? Songbooks will be provided. Luminarias line the stage and take on a festive glow at sunset, illuminating the red rocks in the background. After singing, head over to the Teen Center for hot cider and fresh cookies.
Songs for a Winter Solstice: Community Sing-Along
Dec. 2, 4 p.m. Free admission. Barbara Antonsen Park, at Posse Ground Rd., West Sedona (928-821-2534; www.barbaraspark.com)
Dec. 7, 2007
J.S. Acker Musical Showcase
Since 1988, “Acker Night” has been one of Prescott’s favorite holiday traditions. More than 100 musicians of every age group and genre perform inside and outside 80 downtown businesses while folks wander about, finishing Christmas shopping, drinking hot chocolate, munching on chestnuts and slices of pie, and listening to the music. A trolley picks up at various points around town with drops at the Courthouse Plaza; Whiskey Row is closed to traffic. The event was the brainchild of LaVon Anderson, a local supporter of children’s music, who launched the event in 1988. She named it in honor of James S. Acker, who lived in Prescott in the early 1900s and again in the 1930s. At his death in 1955, Acker bequeathed land to the city for parks and music programs for children. Now, the J.S. Acker Music Park is a non-profit group that promotes music, especially for children. Donations collected during the holiday concerts fund scholarships for area youth and assist music programs at local schools. Naturally, performances by local kids and choirs are a highlight of Acker Night.
J.S. Acker Musical Showcase
Dec. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission. Downtown Prescott
(www.ackershowcase.com)
Dec. 8, 2007
APS Northern Lights Parade
Floats, people, pets and marching bands adorned with thousands of twinkling lights will move through downtown Flagstaff during the 9th annual APS Northern Lights Holiday Parade, all competing for cash and prizes. The parade, themed “Bright Nights and Holiday Lights,” begins at the corner of Beaver and Elm, heads south to Aspen and continues past Heritage Square. More than 60 entries, including NAU’s brightly decorated shuttle bus and a carpet-cleaning van, made up the 2006 parade, says the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, with 4,000 to 6,000 revelers on hand. The parade, which lasts about two hours, ends with jolly St. Nick’s arrival – Rudolph must have the day off; this time, Santa Claus is coming to town on a fire truck.
APS Northern Lights Parade
Dec. 8, 6 p.m. Free to attend. Downtown Flagstaff (928-774-4505; www.flagstaffchamber.com)
Dec. 8, 2007
Christmas in the Park
Long for days of Christmas past? Enjoy an old- fashioned holiday celebration at the Sedona Heritage Museum with tales from descendants of some of Sedona’s storied pioneers and a strolling chorale. Pick up gifts made by Sedona artisans at the annual museum gift shop sale. Museum admission is free during the event – catch up on your local history by spending time in the museum’s main house, formerly the farm home of Walter and Ruth Jordan. If you’re feeling crafty, try making cornhusk-doll tree ornaments. A concert of holiday music begins at 1 p.m.
Christmas in the Park
Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission
Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Rd. at Jordan Historical Park
(928-282-7038; www.sedonamuseum.org)
