Christmas Markets Alaska 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events

Alaska’s Christmas markets in 2025 really bring winter magic and local culture together in a way that feels pretty special. Local artisans fill these markets with handmade goods, from classic Alaska Native art to quirky winter crafts.

You’ll spot everything from carved ivory jewelry to hand-knitted mittens made for those wild Alaska winters. The variety’s honestly impressive.

Holiday festivities don’t stop at shopping. Carriage rides wind through snowy streets, and you’ll stumble into elaborate Christmas village displays. Many markets happen in heated venues like the Dena’ina Center, so you can browse without freezing.

Each market puts its own spin on things: local foods, live music, and family activities all reflect Alaska’s unique blend of frontier spirit and holiday tradition. It’s a vibe you don’t get anywhere else.

1)Anchorage Market & Festival

The Anchorage Market & Festival stands out as downtown Anchorage’s top outdoor marketplace. You can check it out from May through September every year.

Location and Schedule

You’ll find the market on E Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, right in downtown Anchorage. It’s hard to miss if you’re in the city.

They only run on weekends during the season. Saturdays go from 10 AM to 6 PM, while Sundays start at 11 AM and wrap up by 5 PM.

That gives you a couple of options for when to visit.

What You’ll Find

Vendors here sell local artwork, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and Alaska-themed souvenirs. You’ll find everything from locally made jewelry to traditional Alaskan goods.

Many vendors bring stuff you just won’t see anywhere else in the state. The Anchorage Market can have up to 100 vendors at its busiest, and more than 260 have participated throughout a full season.

Visitor Information

You don’t have to pay anything to enter. The venue welcomes families and keeps things safe for all ages.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering around without worrying about admission fees.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Website
May 11 – September 8, 2025	Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM	225 E Street, Anchorage, AK 99501	Free admission	anchoragemarkets.com

2)The Christmas Factory Market

The Christmas Factory Market in Palmer pulls you right into a holiday story. Elf guides lead guests through spaces decked out in twinkling lights and festive displays.

You’ll walk through themed areas that really crank up the Christmas atmosphere. Local vendors set up shop with handmade crafts and holiday food items.

You can browse stalls with Alaska-made products and seasonal treats. There are plenty of photo ops and activities for all ages.

Group Options Available

If you’re coming with a group of six or more, they offer special pricing. You can even book private tours for a more personal vibe.

Big families and friend groups seem to love these options. The venue works as both a market and an interactive Christmas experience.

You get to participate in activities while you shop for unique gifts. It feels more like entertainment than just another shopping trip.

Planning Your Visit

They encourage photography, so bring your camera or at least your phone. There are decorated backdrops and themed areas made for holiday photos.

Since the market’s indoors, you won’t have to worry about Alaska’s wild winter weather. The market teams up with the Alaska State Fair to bring the new Yuletide Festival.

You can easily combine your visit with other holiday events at the fairgrounds.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Website
Nov 22 – Dec 1, 2025	10 AM – 8 PM	Palmer, AK	$28 per person, group discounts available	The Christmas Factory

3) Holiday Market O’Malley

Holiday Market O’Malley is one of Anchorage’s top winter shopping spots. This market draws a crowd with its mix of locally made crafts and seasonal treats.

You’ll find handcrafted goods made by Alaskan artisans. Vendors sell knitted accessories, custom jewelry, and wooden crafts.

Shoppers often come here for gifts they can’t find in regular stores. Food vendors offer warm drinks and baked goods.

You can sample local specialties while you wander the booths. The indoor venue keeps everyone comfortable, even when November gets brutally cold.

Local artists return year after year because the community really supports them. You’ll meet friendly vendors who love sharing stories about their craft.

The relaxed atmosphere makes shopping here way less stressful than at a big box store.

Market Information:

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Nov 22-24, 2025	Fri-Sun: 10am-6pm	O’Malley Center, Anchorage, AK	Free Entry	Hampton Inn Anchorage	Visit venue directly

The market runs during Thanksgiving weekend, so lots of families make it part of their Alaska visit. If you want the best selection of handmade items, show up early on Saturday.

4)Artisan Holiday Market

Local artists and crafters bring their work to this lively holiday event in Anchorage. You’ll wander through multiple rooms filled with handcrafted items made by Alaskan creators.

The market spreads across five separate rooms packed with original artwork and crafts. You’ll spot paintings, pottery, jewelry, quilts, and photography displays.

Each booth has items you won’t find in regular stores. Artists show up and love chatting about their creative process.

You can learn about their techniques and what inspires them while you shop for gifts. This direct connection makes the whole experience feel more personal.

The venue hosts the market for two full days in November. You can take your time exploring each room—no need to rush.

Admission is free, so it’s easy to come back both days if you want.

What you’ll find:

• Original paintings and artwork
• Handmade jewelry pieces
• Pottery and ceramic items
• Quilts and textile crafts
• Photography prints

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Nearby Hotels	Website
Nov 8-9, 2025	10:00 AM – 6:00 PM	ChangePoint, Anchorage	Free	Anchorage Hotels	Craftsman Christmas Fair

The market supports local talent and gives you unique gift options for the season.

5) Anchorage Winter Carnival

The Anchorage Winter Carnival brings together carnival rides, local crafts, and festive entertainment in Alaska’s biggest city. This celebration runs for ten days and packs in activities for all ages.

You’ll find traditional fair rides alongside classic Alaska experiences. You can browse handmade items at craft booths or catch live performances throughout the day.

Food vendors serve up both fair favorites and local specialties. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market features work from Alaska Native artists.

Local crafters sell handmade jewelry, traditional clothing, and carved items. This market operates separately from the main carnival grounds, so you can seek out authentic Alaska art.

The carnival also holds a raffle, with winners drawn on Facebook Live. Raffle tickets go for $20 each, or you can buy six for $100.

The drawing happens on the last day of the event. Alaska weather can be unpredictable, so dress for the cold.

Indoor venues give you a break from the elements, and the carnival goes on—no matter how snowy or chilly it gets.

Event Details	Information
Dates	February 22 – March 3, 2025
Location	Anchorage, Alaska
Hours	10 AM – 9 PM
Native Arts Market	Dimond Center, 800 E. Dimond Blvd, 10 AM – 6 PM
Entry Cost	Varies by activity
Raffle Tickets	$20 each, 6 for $100
Nearby Hotels	Search Anchorage accommodations on Booking.com
Website	Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

6) Fairbanks Holiday Bazaar

The Fairbanks holiday market brings together dozens of vendors under one roof during Alaska’s coldest months. You can wander through handcrafted items made by local artisans without having to brave the freezing cold outside.

This indoor shopping event happens at the Carlson Center. The venue keeps things toasty, so you can take your time exploring the booths.

Local makers show off everything from homemade soaps to jewelry crafted with beads. You’ll spot items that really reflect Alaska’s culture and craftsmanship.

Many vendors use materials found right here in the state. The Fairbanks Holiday Bazaar gives you a shot at gifts you just won’t see in the big box stores.

Both residents and visitors love to support local businesses. You can stroll through rows of booths, all while staying warm inside.

Event Information:

Date	Location	Hours	Admission	Nearby Hotels	Website
December 2025	Carlson Center, Fairbanks	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Free	Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks	Visit event page for updates

The bazaar only runs for one day during the holiday season. Check the official event listing for the exact date in 2025.

7) Talkeetna Holiday Market

The Talkeetna Holiday Market is an outdoor celebration that highlights local Alaskan creativity and craftsmanship. This weekend event brings together sixteen skilled artisans who showcase their handmade items in an outdoor courtyard.

You can browse all sorts of handcrafted goods—fine artwork, creative crafts, and specialty fiber arts. The market runs rain or shine, so you can visit no matter the weather.

The Denali Arts Council organizes the courtyard where vendors set up. Public restrooms are on-site, which is always a plus.

Market Schedule and Hours:

• Open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday each weekend
• 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
• Weather won’t stop the market

You’ll find more than just shopping here. Live music, theater shows, and art displays add to the experience.

You can pay with cash, checks, or credit cards, so buying gifts is a breeze.

The Talkeetna Holiday Market ranks among Alaska’s top Christmas markets for its authentic local vibe and quality craftsmanship.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Website
Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays	10:00 AM – 6:30 PM	Talkeetna, AK	Free Entry	Contact local tourism office

8)Palmer Colony Christmas

Palmer turns into a festive destination every December with its annual holiday celebration. The town center fills up with visitors who want that small-town Alaska Christmas feeling.

You can hop on hayrides that wind through decorated neighborhoods. The event features contests for gingerbread creations and cookies, so you can really get into the holiday spirit.

The Parade of Lights draws a crowd to Palmer’s main streets. Local floats light up the night as they roll through downtown.

Fireworks paint the sky at night, capping off the festivities. Several craft fairs pop up during the three-day event.

Local artists sell handmade jewelry, pottery, and holiday decorations. You’ll spot unique gifts that show off Alaskan creativity.

The Colony House Museum hosts special exhibits, and kids can visit Santa at the Palmer Visitor Center for photos.

Dates	Times	Location	Cost	Accommodation	Website
December 13-15, 2025	10:00 AM – 5:00 PM	Downtown Palmer, Alaska	Free	Pioneer Lodge on Booking.com	palmerchamber.org

9) Wasilla Holiday Market

The Wasilla Holiday Market stands out as one of Alaska’s favorite seasonal spots. You can swing by Wonderland Park throughout the summer months for this community-focused market.

Local vendors and artisans gather every Wednesday to showcase their work. You’ll find fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and unique handcrafted pieces.

The market is perfect for finding special gifts and supporting local businesses. There’s a friendly, family-focused vibe here.

You can chat directly with local creators, enjoy the park’s amenities, and stop in every week if you want.

The market runs from early June through early September. You could easily spend hours browsing the stalls and talking with vendors.

Wonderland Park’s location makes it extra fun for families, especially those with kids. This Alaska Christmas market brings the community together in a relaxed way.

Details	Information
Dates	June 12 – September 4, 2025
Times	Every Wednesday
Location	Wonderland Park, Wasilla, AK
Cost	Free Entry
Nearby Stay	Best Western Lake Lucille Inn

10) Little Midnight Sun Market

The Little Midnight Sun Market in Fairbanks pops up under Alaska’s dark winter sky during the holidays. You can check out vendor booths packed with handcrafted items, local food, and festive decorations.

The market keeps things small and cozy, so you get that Christmas feeling without the crowds. Local artisans bring their best to sell—handmade jewelry, artisanal foods, and crafted goods by Alaska residents.

You can buy gifts and support small businesses at the same time. Food vendors set up stands throughout the space.

You’ll find warm drinks and snacks that help you stay comfortable in the cold. The food includes both sweet and savory treats made by local cooks.

The market creates a sense of community. You can chat with vendors and other visitors as you wander.

Alaska residents are friendly, and many vendors are happy to explain their products or share stories about their crafts. The atmosphere stays lively but never feels overwhelming.

Take your time exploring each booth and talking with the folks selling their goods.

Date	Address	Time	Cost	Website
December 15-17, 2025	Downtown Fairbanks, Alaska	12:00 PM – 9:00 PM	Free	Official website