Visit Anchorage is convening community participation in pioneering a new seasonal marketing effort - Anchorage DecemberFest.
The goal is to package, brand, and promote existing seasonal events in late November and throughout December in order to grow the many diverse observances that already take place independently between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in order to:
- Attract more Alaska residents and outside travelers to Anchorage during an off-peak portion of the calendar.
- Increase Anchorage resident awareness of the many events and activities taking place during the timeframe to strengthen community spirit
- Showcase Anchorage as a great place to live.
- Support local artisans, entertainers, event organizers, and businesses.
DecemberFest promotions would elevate the many events already taking place throughout the community such as Family Skating at Westchester Lagoon, Winter Solstice Festival, Zoo Lights, Solstice Tree Tour, Alaska Botanical Garden's Brighter Winter Lights, Alaska Association of Figure Skaters Holiday Show, Alyeska Torchlight Ski Parade, Eagle River’s Merry Merchant Munch, and Winter Wonderland Celebration, to name a few. Promoting these separate but complementary events together would facilitate marketing and ideally generate more participation.
The promotion would run for more than a month, with 7-10 days as a centerpiece highlighting the heart of the city including the Tree Lighting ceremony, holiday gift bazaars, performances at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts, and shops and restaurants, and could potentially add a few new seasonal downtown experiences.
Your place at the table to begin brainstorming this concept is most welcome! Please contact Jody Overstreet; joverstreet@anchorage.net to add your name to the contact list if you are interested in participating in planning or an exchange of ideas.
