The Anchorage winter holidays shimmer with Christmas lights and other bright ways to celebrate the season. Find glittering downtown displays, sparkling special events, and oversized only-in-Anchorage exhibits. Whether you’re searching for a fun family excursion or an enchanting evening out, these Anchorage lights displays help make the holiday season shine.
Town Square Park: The holiday lights display in the heart of downtown Anchorage includes the massive, decorated Christmas Tree in Town Square Park, lit the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It’s a colorful backdrop for an informal family portrait, and the perfect destination for an evening stroll around downtown. Park nearby, pick up a cup of hot chocolate en route, and enjoy the lights on the walk to see the tree at Town Square Park.
Anchorage Museum: The lawn of the Anchorage Museum twinkles with lights during the winter holiday season. Admire the lights from the museum’s tree-lined walkways; the museum's exterior facade also regularly hosts large scale projections of art. Bring a to-go picnic from a local restaurant – benches along the way offer places to pause and enjoy the sights.
Zoo Lights: The iconic Zoo Lights event at the Alaska Zoo offers an outdoor holiday lights walking tour intertwined with the traditional zoo experience. Follow the illuminated trails around the zoo, enjoying festive displays perfect for the whole family. This event requires tickets in advance.
Alaska Botanical Garden Brighter Winter Nights:Alaska Botanical Garden brings Brighter Winter Nights, a different kind of color to garden beds covered in snow for the winter. Stroll garden paths sparkling with botanical-themed light displays, illuminated archways, and glowing greenhouses. Get cozy around the fire pit, explore with a kicksled, or let the model train lull you into a loop. Purchase tickets in advance.
Star on the Mountain: Sparkling over the Anchorage Bowl from a mountainside above Arctic Valley Road, Anchorage's Star on the Mountain is a beloved Anchorage tradition that marks the unofficial start of the holiday season when it switches on in November.
Government Hill Christmas Tree: Towering over Government Hill, this massive holiday lights display is visible from downtown Anchorage and beyond.
Bright up the Night Holiday Lights Display: A short drive north of Anchorage, this dazzling drive-through at the Alaska State Fairgrounds makes for a sparkling holiday road trip.
Bonus - Northern lights: These aren’t your traditional holiday lights, but the aurora can definitely brighten up the winter season. For a planetary-sized light show, read our tips for Anchorage aurora viewing.
