Looking to have some outdoor fun with the family this holiday season? Holiday Zoo Lights in Alaska is an annual tradition that families look forward to every year. Stroll the zoo during the evenings and be dazzled by its gorgeous light displays, beautiful scenery, and amazing animals with some of the best holiday lights in Alaska! It’s one of the best things to do at the Alaska Zoo. Holidays in Alaska don’t get much better than this!

Every year the amazing Alaska Zoo holds a holiday Zoo Lights event!
Alaska Zoo / Facebook
Tickets can be purchased both online and at the door.
Stroll through canopies of colored lights throughout the 25 acres inside the Zoo.
Alaska Zoo / Facebook
This event is looked forward to all year long. The entire zoo dresses up in beautiful light displays that you can adore while walking through the snowy landscape.
You'll also stroll by enclosures with the stunning Arctic wolves, although they may be hard to see if there's lots of snow.
Alaska Zoo / Facebook
The polar bear, Cranbeary, may or may not be available for viewing in person. Cameras are set up in her den, however, and you can view her on the monitors in the Coffee Shop dining room.

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The entire Zoo is awash in holiday-themed light displays, including light-wrapped trees along the trail.
Alaska Zoo / Facebook
Many of the animals you'll see are native to Alaska, and are used to the cold temperatures. You'll pass by the majestic musk oxen, whose fur, qiviut, is one of the warmest fibers on the planet!
Enjoy watching fun light displays that display animals participating all sorts of crazy antics.
The Alaska Zoo/Facebook
Make sure to dress warmly! The entire light display is outside and it can get pretty cold most nights during the winter. There are a couple of spots to warm up, but you will mostly be walking outside along the trails.
End your stroll through this magical holiday event at the gorgeous bonfire to warm up a bit.
Alaska Zoo / Facebook
Enjoy your hot cup of cocoa from the Zoo's cafe, while you admire the lights and animals around the bonfire. It's a wonderful way to finish your evening at the Zoo.
The Zoo Lights are an impressive display of dazzling lights that are a treat for the eyes. Make sure to attend this year!
The Alaska Zoo/Facebook

Have you visited the Holiday Zoo Lights in Alaska with your family? What did you think? Would you go again? Let us know in the comments! If you’re looking for more holiday adventures, check out some of the best Christmas towns in Alaska.

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Holiday Happenings in Alaska

William Suphan | April 06, 2023

What are the best Christmas towns in Alaska?

The best Christmas towns in Alaska include:

  • North Pole
  • Fairbanks

Alaska's towns are known for their extra festive atmosphere during the Christmas season, due to their proximity to the North Pole. The town of North Pole was named after the home of Santa Claus, and it boasts the Santa Claus House on St. Nicholas Drive, which is the most Christmas-like place in the country. Fairbanks is renowned for its vibrant holiday scene, with many homes adorned in lights and various events like the Celebration of Lights Fireworks and Holiday Bazaars at Pioneer Park. Even the small and remote town of Cordova gets into the holiday spirit with a tree-lighting ceremony and a Santa Parade. 

What are the most festive Main Streets in Alaska?

The most festive Main Streets in Alaska include:

  • Kenai
  • Homer

There are numerous American towns that are illuminated for the holiday season. Alaska has some of the most impressive displays! The quaint Old Town of Kenai becomes even more delightful when its streets and shops are lit up in festive fashion, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and enjoy a steaming cup of hot cocoa. The charming fishing town of Homer is transformed into a magical winter wonderland when it is awash with Christmas lights. One of the best ways to experience this enchanting display is by viewing it from East End Road, where visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the town and the bay.

What are the best holiday events in Alaska?

The best holiday events in Alaska include:

  • Colony Christmas Fair in Palmer
  • White Pass Santa Train in Skagway

Alaska is basically a winter wonderland all over during the holiday season. The town of Palmer hosts a 3-day event known as the Colony Christmas Fair where you can meet actual reindeer and view a Christmas parade of illuminated floats. Several detailed, locally-made gingerbread houses are on display, and there are dozens of hand-made crafts from all over that would make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Skagway has the White Pass Santa Train where you can meet with Santa and take a picture with him, and the ride through the snowy Alaskan countryside is magical. It can get cold, so be sure to bring a blanket!

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Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA