It’s the most wonderful time of year in the last frontier, winter in Alaska! Get ready for the whole state to turn into an epic winter wonderland paradise as the snow starts flying and the year quickly comes to a close. If a magical white Christmas that is decked out with sparkling lights from top to bottom is what you’re after, be sure to visit some of these enchanting towns and soak in the magic of the season! Without further ado, we present to you the best Christmas towns in Alaska.

1. North Pole
North Pole, AK 99705, USA
Rosie Rosenberger/Flickr
Let's be honest, when it comes to the best Christmas towns in Alaska, you just can't beat North Pole. This town is home to the Santa Claus House where you can actually meet the man himself along with his reindeer. Plus, it's located at 101 St Nicholas Drive which is pretty much the most magical address in Christmas history. Also, be sure to watch out for the 'Christmas in Ice' event that runs throughout the holidays Those ice sculptures will blow you away. Learn more about what makes North Pole one of the most magical Christmas towns in Alaska.
2. Anchorage
Anchorage, AK, USA
Michael Hayes/Flickr
The ice sculptures and fascinating light displays in downtown Anchorage are like something from another Christmas planet. Absolutely, positively remarkable! Not to mention, as Alaska's largest city you will find so many great neighborhoods filled with homes that are sparkled to the holiday nines. If you're looking for something memorable to do while you're in town, be sure to check out the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, one of the most unique day trip destinations in Alaska.
3. Kenai
Kenai, AK, USA
Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center/Facebook
The "Christmas comes to Kenai" celebration is a magical takeover that is full of life, love, and holiday magic. The parade and fun activities are the perfect way to ring in the holiday season with the whole family. There is no denying that the Kenai Chamber of Commerce along with the incredible local residents know how to "go big or go home" during the most wonderful time of the year. It's no surprise that Kenai is also home to one of the most picturesque Main Streets in Alaska during the holidays.
4. Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Elias Angulo/Flickr
The Golden Heart City comes alive during the magical Christmas season. Visit the Holiday Bazaars at Pioneer Park, Celebration of Lights Fireworks, or the Winter Solstice Walk and find yourself falling in love with the season on a whole new level. In fact, Fairbanks might just be one of the most underrated towns in all of Alaska.
5. Cordova
Cordova, AK 99574, USA
Cordova Alaska/Facebook
This sweet little isolated town is particularly magical around the holidays. Watch as the town transforms with Christmas lights and join the Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa Parade. While you're there, be sure to check out this stunning Alaskan glacier.

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6. Juneau
Juneau, AK, USA
Juneau Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
There is just something awe-inspiring about witnessing a whole harbor of floating boats decked out in Christmas lights. Juneau knows how to keep things wildly Alaskan and totally magical during the holidays. Other neat local events include the Holiday Pops Concert and the Juneau Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count and Potluck. Downtown Juneau also has the Last Minute Frolic Attack and gift wrapping which encourages residents to shop local and enjoy the magic of the season from the comfort and convenience of their backyard. For the most up-to-date information about what to do in Juneau, check out the official visitor's website.
7. Soldotna
Soldotna, AK 99669, USA
Visit Soldotna/Facebook
The Christmas in the Park tree lighting at Soldotna Creek Park right next to the world-famous Kenai River is a magical way to kick the holiday season into high gear. Come join the family fun and fall in love with one of the most incredible communities in the last frontier. Other great holiday events include the Kenai Watershed Forum Holiday Open House and the Winter Wonderland Sterling Community Center Annual Fundraiser. Truly, the small town of Soldotna may just steal your heart.
8. Palmer
Palmer, AK 99645, USA
Travis/Flickr
Winter might just be the magical time of the year in Palmer. Join the Colony Christmas celebration and enjoy fireworks, a parade of lights, gingerbread contests, and tons of family fun for days on end. The Mat-Su Valley truly knows how to have a good time, no matter how cold and dark it gets outside. For more information about planning your trip, check out this Palmer visitor's guide.
9. Homer
Homer, AK, USA
Visit Homer/Facebook
From the incredible community events to the Christmas parade, it's impossible not to fall in love with the holidays in the 'halibut fishing capital of the world'. Kick the season off right with a visit to the Homer Chamber of Commerce for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting celebration and bring the kiddos to meet Santa Claus while you're at it. Without a doubt, Homer is one of the most beautiful, charming small towns in Alaska.
10. Sitka
Sitka, AK, USA
Visit Sitka/Facebook
This magical little town in Southeast Alaska is special all year long but it has a way of coming to life on a whole new, magical level during the holidays. Enjoy community gatherings as well as the enchanting sights of many homes and businesses in the area decked out in Christmas lights. This little-known town in Alaska is positively brimming with character.
11. Nome
Nome, AK, USA
jaedonavey/Flickr
Last but not least on our list of the best Christmas towns in Alaska is Nome. This city located on the southern Seward Peninsula coast on the cuff of the Bering Sea is unique in so many ways, but that doesn't stop the town from celebrating the holidays in true festive fashion. The Christmas Extravaganza at Old St. Joe's Civic Center is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. Or a drive through the sleepy downtown streets lined with Christmas lights is sure to bring out the magic in everyone's eyes. Curious to learn more? Check out the official Nome, Alaska visitor's guide.

Do you agree that these are some of the best Christmas towns in Alaska? Which Alaska Christmas town would you add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! If you want more holiday magic, check out these 9 incredible Christmas displays in Alaska.

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Winter is notoriously cold and snowy here in Alaska, but you'd be remiss to stay indoors all season. If you're planning on hiking during the winter in Alaska, you'll want to be sure to prepare. Weather can be notoriously unpredictable, so be sure to pack plenty of reinforcements in the form of warm layers, a flashlight, food, and water. You should also be sure to tell someone where you're planning to go hiking if you're going by yourself. (Or even better, bring a hiking buddy). Some of our favorite winter-friendly hiking destinations in Alaska include Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Spaulding Meadows, Burns Glacier, Powerline Pass, Milo Lakes, White Mountains, Admiralty Island, Turnagain Arm, Knoya Peak, Haines, Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake, Salmon Creek, Girdwood, Rainbow Lake Trail, Boy Scout Beach, Seward, and Wolverine Peak.

 

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