The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us and now we look towards Christmas. There are a lot of really fun things going on around Anchorage and Wasilla this time of year. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Festival of Trees – November 27 through December 9 at the Dimond Center, 800 East Dimond Blvd., is this year’s beautiful Festival of trees. There will be 15 beautifully decorated Christmas trees each with a tree prize package valued between $1500 and $4000. Raffle tickets will be sold at the festival and proceeds will benefit local charities. This is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit and get some inspiration of your own.
Holiday Lights in the Alaska Botanical Gardens – beginning on Thursday, November 29 at the Alaska Botanical Gardens you can enjoy the first ever holiday lighting and garden celebration. The event starts at 5:00 PM and runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through December 29. This is an amazing display of various gardens with twinkling lights, and tickets are just five dollars for members ($7 for non-members, and 4 & under is free)!
Alaska Christmas Factory at the Fairgrounds – Some of our amazing local artists and designers have created and brought to life Santa’s 500-year-old factory. Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus – and their elves! – November 23-December 24. Tickets are $32, and 2 & under are free.
Nutcracker Ballet – this holiday tradition features the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy held at the Discovery Theater in Anchorage for just two days only December 7 and 8. Get your tickets before they’re sold out!
Anchorage Christmas Village returns for its 11th year on Saturday, December 15 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Dena-ina Civic and Convention Center. This is a great opportunity to find those unique treasures you won’t find anywhere else. There will be food and craft vendors as well as music, local and international artists, and hundreds of one-of-a-kind items.
A Christmas Carol – this classic holiday story will run from December 14 through the 29th featuring Friday and Saturday showtimes at 7:30 PM and a 4 PM Sunday afternoon matinee at the Discovery Theater in Anchorage. Tickets can be purchased through the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Colony Christmas – A whole packed schedule of Christmas events running December 7-9, including the Parade of Lights on December 8th beginning at 5 PM! Celebrate Christmas in downtown Palmer!
The Gingerbread Village – located at Hotel Captain Cook from November 27 through January 1 at 939 W. 5th Ave., is one of Alaska’s largest Gingerbread Villages. Visit Hotel Captain Cook and be inspired by pastry chef Joe Hickel as he constructs a sweet winter wonderland using more than 500 pounds of sugar and 200 pounds of chocolate.
Zoo Lights – located at the Anchorage bazooka, 4731 O’Malley Road, is this year’s Zoo Lights running from November 29 through December 23, Thursday through Sunday from 5 PM to 8 PM. This lighted parade of animals takes over the zoo every winter and is definitely a sight not to be missed.
These are just some of our favorites around the Anchorage area this December. I hope you all find something fun to do with friends and family!
As always, Advantage Alaska is here throughout the holiday season and beyond to help with any of your local real estate needs!