Holiday Events in Anchorage

If you plan on being in Anchorage, Alaska for the 2006 holiday season, there are plenty of events and celebrations scheduled this year. You don't need to look very far for something to get your in the spirit of the holidays. Tree lighting events, Christmas parades, holiday music and festivities for the entire family can be found. Many events are free and some charge an admittance fee, but there will be something for everyone, both young and old. Just get ready to go out and enjoy the beauty of the season in Anchorage, Alaska this year.

Thanksgiving Weekend and "Downtown for the Holidays"
This event runs from November 24 - 25, 2006. The Anchorage City of Lights holiday season includes the Town Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Oregon Ballet's "The Nutcracker," and the 13th Annual Crafts Weekend at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art.

Annual Crafts Emporium
This holiday event runs from November 18 - 19, 2006. It is one of the largest craft events in Alaska with artisans from all parts of the state. Food is available and the whole family is welcome. There is free admission. The fair is located at the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center. Phone (907) 263-2800.

Traditional Irish Music Jam
This music celebration happens on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2006 from 7 - 11 p.m. at the
Snow City Café. This is a weekly event with Celtic dance and music from local musicians and performers. Soups, sandwiches, desserts and beer and wine available. For more information please phone (907) 272-2489 or visit www.snowcitycafe.com/

New Years Fire and Ice Extravaganza
The celebration happens on Sunday, Dec 31, 2006 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Town Square.
Fire jugglers, circus side show, music, ice skating, food, Ferris Wheel, and fireworks off of Egan Convention Center at 7 p.m. For more information call (907) 279-5655 or visit www.anchoragedowntown.org

New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display
The parade kicks off on Sunday, Dec 31, 2006, 8 p.m., at the Alyeska Resort.
Over 300 participants will ski and snowboard down Mt. Alyeska carrying a glowing flare attached to a long bamboo pole in this old tradition. A fireworks display, one of the largest in Alaska, will immediately follow. Phone 907-754-1111 for more information or visit www.alyeskaresort.com

November 10-12 brings the Holiday Food and Gift Festival.

From 12p.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Sullivan Arena you can browse from over 300 booths. Admission is $7 adults, children free, and free parking. This holiday bazaar includes handcrafted ornaments, Victorian lace baskets, quilts, candles, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, furs and crystal. Food vendors will offer honey-glazed ham, smoked salmon, sauces, kettle popcorn, European breads, cakes, jams and jellies. There will also be kids activities, stage shows, a living Nativity performance, Santa Claus and toy land and numerous musical groups. Contact Kim R. Jones or Shelbi Lynne Laughlin, 277-7469; www.sourdough.net; sales@sourdough.net for more information.

Alaskan Christmas Bazaar by Anchorage City Church
This crafts fair runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at 1301 W. 100th Ave. Over 80 vendors will sell handmade and unique Christmas gifts and decorations. There will be live music playing throughout the bazaar, our gourmet espresso, a delicious food court and overflowing silent auction tables. Contact Jeannine Jabaay, 344-2141; holiday@alaskanchristmas. com; www.alaskanchristmas.com for more information.

The Native People's Bazaar
Located by the Alaska Native Medical Center Auxiliary, it runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Alaska Native Medical Center. The 23rd annual bazaar has traditional arts and crafts including collectors table, baskets, dolls, baleen baskets, ivory and whalebone artwork, masks, silver jewelry, bead work, dance fans, ulus, ivory jewelry, kuspuks, Christmas ornaments, books, prints and cards. Entertainment includes drumming, singing and dancing. No credit cards accepted. Contact Agnes Coyle, 333-4668; drthomson@gci.net for more information.

Whatever your preference, whatever makes the holidays special for you, Anchorage will most likely have it ready and waiting this year. Whether it's the soft glow of twinkling lights on fragrant pine trees or a cup of hot chocolate while you watch the Christmas parade, you can find it here. Put on your hat, warm coat, gloves, and a smile and head out into the holiday season ready to experience the joy in Anchorage, Alaska this winter. The magic of the holiday is just around the corner.