4 Festive Holiday Events In Anchorage

Blanketed with pristine white snow, surrounded by majestic mountains under bright, starry skies, Anchorage is the ideal winter destination. Paired with the beautiful, snowglobe-like scenery are a variety of events around town to get you in the holiday spirit! To help you make the most of the season, we've compiled a list of holiday festivities in Anchorage, offering fun for the whole family! From light displays to visits with Santa, live music and classic theater productions, here's all you need to know about the best Christmas events in Anchorage.

Holiday Lights in Alaska Botanical Gardens

Beginning on Thursday, November 29th bring the family and come out and celebrate Alaska Botanical Garden's first annual Holiday Lights in the Garden celebration. This recurring event runs from 5–8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through December 29th. The gardens will also be open 5–8 p.m. on New Year's Eve.

Luminaries, thousands of lights and illuminated art will adorn the various gardens, and their twinkle is sure to invoke the holiday spirit. Thursdays will feature a guided stargazing journey through the gardens, and each evening will feature music, hot cider and cocoa, incredible ice formations and of course, a warming bonfire.

Look no further for outdoor holiday recreation for the family—and at incredible rates! Tickets to Holiday Lights in the Garden for members are only $5 with non-member tickets costing $7, and children 4 and under are free. Alaska Botanical Gardens is also sponsoring wreath making courses and other holiday activities, so check their schedule out to all 2018 seasonal festivities.

The Nutcracker Ballet

Join the Nutcracker Prince and Sugar Plum Fairy as they enter the Kingdom of Sweets! Experience holiday magic and fantasy through The Nutcracker, a ballet performance by the Anchorage Ballet. Featuring international guest artists in principal roles, this production is being held for 2 days only, December 7 and 8, at Discovery Theatre in Anchorage, AK.

This wonderful holiday event features incredible music—the songs and dances Marie is rewarded with. Of course, the phenomenal finale with the Sugar Plum Fairy's Cavalier dance is a highlight of the show. Experience the awe and wonder as Marie awakens from her ‘dream' beside her Christmas tree and her treasured Nutcracker. Make sure to get your tickets early, and bring the entire family for this memorable performance.

A Christmas Carol

Enjoy a classic holiday story at Discovery Theatre in Anchorage. Based on the original Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol tells the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his magical transformation after a Christmas Eve visit from four spirits. The greedy businessman has no time or patience for compassion, charity or acts of kindness, leaving him destined to be alone forever. However, the spirits step in to remind him of his fate to give him the chance to make a change—before it's too late.

Presented by Perseverance Theatre, this traditional theatrical performance runs from December 14–29, 2018. Friday and Saturdays generally feature 7:30 evening performances with Sundays offering a matinee at 4 p.m. See the schedule for full information on dates, times and pricing. While children are welcome, infants are discouraged during this feature. Tickets can be bought online at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts website.

Christmas Village

For last minute holiday shopping, visit the annual Anchorage Christmas Village as it returns to thrill residents and visitors alike for an 11th year. This winter holiday exhibition on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at the Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center features a wide variety of things to see and do. If you're looking for one-of-a-kind or unique items from local and international artists, there's a treasure trove of holiday goodies at the village's exhibitions and vendor booths.

Both food and craft vendors are eager to share their creative wares and goods that range from arts and crafts to dynamic gifts and artisan foods. You're sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Support the local community by coming out and seeing what's up for grabs and support the sponsor's mission of increasing the vitality of downtown Anchorage.