Best Christmas Light Shows in Alaska 2025: Top Dazzling Displays to See

Every year, I see visitors come to Alaska for its holiday lights and festive displays.

Christmas light shows here bring together families and friends looking to enjoy colorful decorations that brighten the long winter nights.

If you’re searching for memorable and well-organized Christmas light shows in Alaska for 2025, you’ll find a range of options statewide that make the season special.

From drive-through displays to quirky holiday events, there’s something here for everyone.

1) Alaska Botanical Garden

I went to the Alaska Botanical Garden to see their Christmas light show and was honestly impressed by how they decorated the trails.

The gardens featured creative light installations tucked among native and cultivated plants, and the walking paths were easy to follow even on a chilly night.

The event felt calm and relaxed, with families and groups moving at their own pace.

Themed lights and displays highlighted Alaska’s unique plants and wildlife, and friendly staff hung out along the walkways to answer questions or point folks in the right direction.

Parking was a breeze, and the entrance stood out clearly.

I noticed most people spent about an hour exploring, snapping photos and just soaking it all in.

A small shop near the entrance sold hot drinks and local gifts—perfect for warming up your hands or finding a last-minute present.

Rating: 4.7 (834 reviews)
Location: 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
Contact: (907) 770-3692
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025 (TBA)	Evenings TBA	4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK	TBA (usually $10-$15)	SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Embassy Suites by Hilton, or other Anchorage hotels can be found on Booking.com	http://www.alaskabg.org/

2) Alaska State Fair

I visited the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer during one of their winter events.

The grounds are huge, and all the main buildings are easy to spot.

In December, different groups set up light displays and seasonal activities all around the property.

Walking through the fairgrounds, I passed through colorful tunnels of lights, glowing decorations, and a classic winter scene that felt straight out of a postcard.

Families crowded the walkways, and I saw signs for upcoming performances plus vendors selling food and warm drinks.

Parking ran smoothly, with staff guiding cars to open spots.

The fairgrounds also have indoor venues like Raven Hall and the Borealis Theatre.

Sometimes these spaces host concerts or holiday markets, which is a nice way to escape the cold for a bit.

I found it helpful that their website lists info about facilities and schedules, though I’d still check directly for the latest event calendars.

Hours and admission prices can shift from year to year, especially for special holiday programs.

Rating: 4.5 (2774 reviews)
Location: 2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645
Contact: (907) 745-4827
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Aug 15 – Sep 1, 2025 (Fair) Winter light shows: Varies	11AM–10PM (Holiday hours vary) Closed Tues & Weds during fair	2075 Glenn Hwy, Palmer, AK 99645	Varies by event	Nearby Hotels on Booking.com	alaskastatefair.org

3) Alaska Zoo

I visited the Alaska Zoo in winter, and honestly, it’s one of Anchorage’s go-to spots for holiday lights. The zoo lines its paths with all sorts of lights—some animal-themed, some classic, all glowing through the trees and snow.

Walking through those winding forest trails, the lights looked even brighter against the snow. There’s a real Alaskan vibe you can’t quite get anywhere else.

Lots of native Alaskan animals stay active in winter, so you’ll actually see them moving around. The zoo places the lights so you can spot the animals safely, even after dark.

I liked that there were warm-up stations and snack spots along the main paths. When the cold started biting, it was easy to duck into a heated area for a few minutes or grab a cup of cocoa.

The Alaska Zoo also puts a big focus on teaching about Arctic and sub-Arctic wildlife. Every display has signs with quick facts about the animals and what the zoo does for conservation.

I picked up a few things about the different species and the zoo’s work to protect them. There’s something cool about learning while you wander through all those lights.

Rating: 4.3 (2401 reviews)
Location: 4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Contact: (907) 346-3242
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025 (TBA)	Evenings (TBA)	4731 O’Malley Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507	TBA	Hotels near Alaska Zoo	http://www.alaskazoo.org/

4) Alaska Pioneer Park – Fairbanks

If you’re in Fairbanks in December, Pioneer Park is a quiet spot for a winter walk. The park is dotted with historic buildings and local art, and once night hits, old cabins and streets light up with strands of Christmas lights.

The snow reflects all that color, and it’s honestly kind of magical. It’s a self-guided experience, so you can go at your own pace.

Paths stay clear even after it snows, so you don’t need to worry about trudging through drifts. There’s no entry fee, so you can pop in for a quick stroll or linger as long as you want.

Locals like to bring their families to see the lights or check out festival events they announce online. Some shops and galleries have shorter winter hours, but the open grounds still offer a lot to see as you wander through Fairbanks’ historic center.

Rating: 4.4 (1870 reviews)
Location: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Contact: (907) 459-1087
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025 (Check updates)	6:00am – Midnight daily	2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK	Free	A Taste of Alaska Lodge	http://www.pioneerpark.us/