The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Alaska That’s Nothing Short Of Magical
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the last frontier. Attention, Alaskans! The holidays are officially upon us and this enchanting Christmas Lights Road Trip is exactly what you need to get into the spirit of the season. So load up the kiddos, grab a couple of friends, or take your special someone on this journey that will lead straight into a winter wonderland, the best Christmas lights displays in Alaska.
The entire Christmas roadtrip takes about 8 hours and covers roughly 450 miles. Along the way, you will have ample opportunities to see a mix of neighborhood Christmas lights, ice sculptures, holiday theme parks, and so much more. You might even get to meet Santa Claus himself along with some of his trusty reindeer. Buckle up, this is going to be just what you need to keep the Grinch away!
Kick off your Christmas lights road trip at the Santa Claus House in the North Pole. Visit the man himself, meet Mrs. Claus and even meet some of Santa's reindeer. You'll also have lots of yummy goodies to enjoy along with some pretty excellent holiday shopping. Address: 101 St Nicholas Drive, North Pole, AK 99705.
Santa Claus House, 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705, USA
*UPDATE: Unfortunately, this event has pemanently ended.
After you get done checking out the Santa Claus House, head next door and check out the mesmerizing ice park which features a Christmas-themed ice art competition with incredible pieces, ice slides, a maze, an indoor kids’ crafts area and many educational ice sculpture demonstrations.
This phenomenal museum is open all year long, but it is especially magical during the holiday season. The museum building alone is a sight to see, an enormous structure that stays below the freezing point. Suffice it to say, you'll want to be sure to dress warmly! Check out all the indoor ice sculptures in the ice hotel and finish the day off by soaking in the wonder of Chena Hot Springs Resort. Address: 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK 99711.
Aurora Ice Museum, 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
This historical theme park is transformed during the holiday season as it is dressed to the nines with bright, cheery lights. Load up the family, grab some hot chocolate and drive through a winter wonderland. Address: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
The month of December is awfully dark, but the tight knit community of Talkeetna knows how to combat all those winter blues with their month-long Winterfest celebration. Some standout events include the Bachelor Society Ball and Auction and the Wilderness Woman Contest. Other fun activities include bazaars, holiday gift shows and a Festival of Lights variety show which mainly happen during the weekends. If you're looking for a charming holiday activity, this town is where you'll fall in love with the magic of the season.
This specific area in Wasilla is a true work of art. It is reported that a gal by the name of Raquel Armstrong begins working on her miraculous holiday display in September, which is truly a work of art. Locals and visitors from all over Southcentral Alaska enjoy visiting are for the majestic light show. In fact, this quiet street on a dead end road actually becomes the busiest residential street in Wasilla for the one month period leading up to Christmas day.
South Vicki Way, S Vicki Way, Lakes, AK 99654, USA
7. Town Square Lights & Ice Sculptures – Anchorage
Head to downtown Anchorage to see a beautiful display of Christmas lights dressing up the trees in the middle of the florescent cityscape. After Christmas from January 15th – 17th you can enjoy the world-class ice carving competition which features the most breathtaking displays of ice art in the world. Address: 544 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Town Square Park, 544 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Who doesn't love the zoo? This place is always a treat, but during the holidays it is something extra special. Head on over and take a stroll on the well groomed trails while feasting your eyes on brilliant sparkling Christmas lights with adorable animals in the distance. This is a family friendly destination that is sure to charm the hearts off of anyone and everyone that walks through. Address: 4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.
Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
9. Hillside & Rabbit Creek Neighborhood Lights – Anchorage
The hillside and rabbit creek neighborhoods in Anchorage are generally filled with big towering houses. Not to mention, a million dollar view overlooking all of the city and the inlet in the distance. When you add sparkling Christmas lights to those houses, the entire hillside beams with Christmas pride. Stop and get a peppermint mocha and a hot chocolate for the kiddos and take a winter wonderland cruise to this renowned area. You'll be happy you did!
Hillside Drive & Rabbit Creek Road, Hillside Dr & Rabbit Creek Rd, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Girdwood is always magical, but it shines in a different way during the holiday season. Drive around the charming little neighborhoods in town or head to Alyeska Resort for a major panoramic dose of Christmas eye candy. Take the tram up to Seven Glaciers and enjoy a nice dinner with a view overlooking the Christmas lights or do some night riding on the mountain and ski downhill into a sea of lights. Address: 1000 Arlberg Avenue, Girdwood, AK 99587.
Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Where else can I see great holiday lights in Alaska?
Some of the other places to see beautiful holiday lights in Alaska include the Light O Rama Christmas Lights in Fairbanks, the Juneau Lights Tour, which includes another “Santa House” display, or how about seeing natural Christmas lights that are the phenomenal northern lights known as the Aurora Borealis. Festive holiday lights are also always ready for viewing at one of Alaska’s most enchanting Christmas towns, the most obvious being the North Pole, of course!
What was the biggest snowfall in Alaska?
For a state that ranks as one receiving the highest levels of snowfall in the country and has the snowiest town in America, a record-breaking snowfall is much different than for states that receive very little snowfall. The largest snowfall on record in Alaska did not even happen in its snowiest town, believe it or not! It happened in neighboring Thompson Pass during the holiday season in 1952, when a massive blizzard dumped over 974 inches of snow onto the area.
Address: Alyeska Resort, 1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
Address: Talkeetna, AK 99676, USA
Address: Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
Address: Aurora Ice Museum, 17600 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Address: Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
Address: Town Square Park, 544 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
Address: Santa Claus House, 101 St Nicholas Dr, North Pole, AK 99705, USA
Address: Hillside Drive & Rabbit Creek Road, Hillside Dr & Rabbit Creek Rd, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Address: South Vicki Way, S Vicki Way, Lakes, AK 99654, USA
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Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
