Everything you need for the holidays in Anchorage is in our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. Whether you're an Anchorage regular or a once-in-a-lifetime visitor, this guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
One popular event is the Anchorage Christmas Tree Lighting, where the city gathers to kick off the festive season with music, lights, and a sense of community. The Anchorage Concert Association Holiday Production offers a stunning array of performances that showcase local talent and holiday spirit through an engaging array of acts. And the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring fireworks and festivities to ring in the new year. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Anchorage
- New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
- Anchorage Concert Association Holiday Production
- Anchorage Christmas Tree Lighting
- Zoo Lights
- Holiday Concerts
- Cyrano’s Holiday Shows
- Winterfest (Talkeetna)
- Bachelor Auction Winterfest (Talkeetna)
- Christmas Tree Lighting Winterfest (Talkeetna)
- Parade of Lights Winterfest (Talkeetna)
See these and even more events listed below!
Anchorage Holiday Light Displays
Anchorage Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Iconic tree lighting ceremony in Downtown Anchorage.
Description:
The Anchorage Christmas Tree Lighting is a long-standing tradition that kicks off the holiday shopping season in Downtown Anchorage. This event brings together the community to celebrate the start of the holiday season with festive lights and activities.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: Anchorage Christmas Tree Lighting
Zoo Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Alaska Zoo's annual festival of lights, Zoo Lights, features a spectacular display of lights and attractions set amidst the zoo's natural surroundings.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: Zoo Lights
Anchorage Holiday Shows and Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
What to Expect:
Luxury hotel event with live entertainment and fireworks.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve with an immersive feast for all senses, featuring a sumptuous cocktail hour, live performance, and spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
Anchorage Concert Association Holiday Production
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local talent and holiday music.
Description:
The Anchorage Concert Association Holiday Production features a variety of performances, including the Ugly Sweater Holiday Show with the Portland Cello Project, blending local guest artists with a refreshing holiday spectacle.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: Anchorage Concert Association Holiday Production
Cyrano’s Holiday Shows
What to Expect:
Charming holiday tales with professional theatre entertainment.
Description:
Cyrano’s Theatre Company presents a delightful holiday season with two shows: "Meteor Shower" and "The Wickhams at Pemberley." "Meteor Shower" is a hilarious and absurdist play by Steve Martin, while "The Wickhams at Pemberley" is a charming holiday tale by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, exploring the confines of class and generosity of forgiveness.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: Cyrano’s Holiday Shows
Holiday Concerts
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday concert with local singers and post-show visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
The Anchorage Concert Chorus presents a delightful holiday concert featuring two hundred local singers and musicians performing your favorite holiday music. The event promises to bring holiday cheer to the stage at Atwood Concert Hall, where you can also meet Santa and Mrs. Claus immediately after the show.
Where: Anchorage | More Info: Holiday Concerts
Anchorage Other Holiday Activities
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Unique blend of competitions and community events.
Description:
Talkeetna Winterfest is a celebration in December featuring the Wilderness Woman Contest, Bachelor Auction, and a Parade of Lights, showcasing community spirit and holiday cheer.
Where: Talkeetna | More Info: Winterfest
Parade of Lights Winterfest
What to Expect:
Community-driven celebration with unique competitions and auctions.
Description:
The Talkeetna Winterfest is a community celebration that kicks off with a Tree-Decorating and Lighting Ceremony in Village Park, featuring caroling, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa. The event continues with the renowned Wilderness Woman Competition and Bachelor Auction, showcasing participants' skills and celebrating the strength and spirit of Talkeetna's women.
Where: Talkeetna | More Info: Parade of Lights Winterfest
Christmas Tree Lighting Winterfest
What to Expect:
Community-driven winter celebration with unique competitions and festivities.
Description:
Talkeetna Winterfest features the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a motorized parade of lights, and the Wilderness Woman Contest, where Alaskan ladies showcase their strength and skills.
Where: Talkeetna | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting Winterfest
Bachelor Auction Winterfest
What to Expect:
Unique bachelor auction fundraiser.
Description:
The Bachelor Auction at Talkeetna Winterfest features a lively fundraiser where bachelors are auctioned off to single women for a drink and dance, celebrating community spirit and raising funds for social services.