Christmas Markets Alaska 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 31) Ketchikan Holiday Festival
- 3 32) Glacier Valley Craft Bazaar
- 4 33) Girdwood Artisan Marketplace
- 5 34)Skagway’s Holiday Celebration
- 6 35)Bethel Holiday Market
- 7 36)Valdez Holiday Craft Bazaar
- 8 37) Craig Holiday Vessel Market
- 9 38) Nome Winter Carnival Market
- 10 39)Sand Point Holiday Expo
- 11 40) Barrow Holiday Market
Find the Best Accommodations
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31) Ketchikan Holiday Festival
Each December, the Ketchikan Holiday Festival brings festive cheer to Alaska’s southeastern coast. The downtown transforms into a winter wonderland packed with local artisans and holiday vendors.
Decorated booths line the streets, showing off handcrafted items and seasonal decorations by Alaskan artists. You’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list.
Local craftspeople bring jewelry, woodcarvings, and textile arts to the festival.
Live entertainment fills the air all weekend. Musicians play holiday classics, and food vendors serve warm treats and Alaskan specialties.
The scent of fresh-baked goods and hot drinks just pulls you in.
Kids have a blast with special activities. Face painting and craft workshops keep them busy, and Santa Claus drops by for photos and chats with excited children.
The festival supports local businesses and highlights regional talent. You can try native foods and buy directly from the makers.
It’s a great way to connect with the Ketchikan community.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Nearby Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 15-17, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | 361 Main St, Ketchikan, AK | Free | Best Western Plus Landing Hotel | Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce |
32) Glacier Valley Craft Bazaar
The Glacier Valley Craft Bazaar draws big crowds every year. People come for the festive atmosphere and the strong sense of community.
Local artisans pack the venue with handcrafted goods. You’ll browse homemade jewelry, woodwork, pottery, and seasonal decorations.
Food vendors offer warm drinks and local treats to keep you comfortable as you shop.
Families and tourists come looking for authentic Alaskan gifts. The bazaar’s variety makes it easy to find something special for just about anyone.
Event Details
This two-day event happens in early December. It’s smart to arrive early—popular items go fast.
The venue offers free admission and plenty of parking.
| Dates | Address | Times | Prices | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | 123 Glacier Valley Rd, Juneau | 10am – 6pm | Free Entry | Glacier Valley Craft Bazaar |
You’ll stay warm inside the indoor venue. Holiday music plays all day, making it a cheerful place to wander.
33) Girdwood Artisan Marketplace
The Girdwood Artisan Marketplace sits right in the heart of Girdwood, Alaska. Here, you’ll wander among locally made goods and crafts.
Skilled artisans gather to show off handmade jewelry, artwork, and crafts that reflect Alaska’s creative spirit.
You’ll find the market at 148 Holmgren Place, so it’s pretty easy to spot if you’re in Girdwood. The market runs during summer—June and July—so you’ve got a few chances to check it out during your trip.
Organizers focus on supporting local artists and craftspeople. You can pick up items made by Alaskan creators, which helps keep the community strong.
There’s a nice variety of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
A visit to the Girdwood Artisan Marketplace is a mix of shopping and exploring the scenic town. The market pops up on select Sundays, making it a fun addition to a weekend getaway.
You’ll have time to browse the different vendors and see their unique creations.
The marketplace draws both tourists and locals who want to see what regional artists are making. You’ll spot items that blend Alaska’s artistic traditions with more modern styles.
You can meet the makers and hear a bit about their work.
Essential Information
| Date | Address | Hours | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2025 | 148 Holmgren Place, Girdwood, AK | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Entry | Girdwood Farmers Market |
| June 15, 2025 | 148 Holmgren Place, Girdwood, AK | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Entry | Girdwood Farmers Market |
| June 29, 2025 | 148 Holmgren Place, Girdwood, AK | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Entry | Girdwood Farmers Market |
| July 13, 2025 | 148 Holmgren Place, Girdwood, AK | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Free Entry | Girdwood Farmers Market |
34)Skagway’s Holiday Celebration
Every December, Skagway turns into a winter wonderland. The Yuletide celebrations start the first Friday in December and bring everyone together—locals and visitors alike.
You’ll feel the magic of this small Alaskan town during its month-long celebration. Festivities include tree lighting ceremonies, craft bazaars, and all sorts of holiday activities.
Winter in Skagway is peaceful, which honestly makes the holidays feel extra special.
The Winter Wonder Walk stands out as a unique event. You can stroll through decorated streets and admire festive displays all over town.
Local businesses join in by hosting open houses and fun holiday-themed happenings.
Holiday Event Details
| Date | Event | Location | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 6, 2025 | Tree Lighting Ceremony | Downtown Skagway | 6:00 PM | Free |
| December 6, 2025 | Wine Tasting Fundraiser | Happy Endings Saloon | 6:00-8:00 PM | $30 per person |
| December 1-13, 2025 | Winter Wonder Walk | Various locations | All day | Free |
| Throughout December | Craft Bazaars | Community venues | Varies | Free entry |
December in Alaska just keeps rolling with activities meant to bring people together and spread some holiday cheer.
35)Bethel Holiday Market
The Bethel Christmas Market gives you a warm place to shop indoors while winter rages outside. This event happens in a heated venue, so you can wander around comfortably and watch the snow from inside.
Local artisans set up booths with their handmade goods. You’ll spot beaded jewelry, cozy knitted scarves, and even wooden carvings, all crafted by Alaskans. The market has 130 vendors offering everything from art to homemade treats.
Entertainment and Activities:
- Live Christmas music fills the venue
- Kids get crafty at special stations
- Storytellers share holiday tales
- Hot drinks keep your hands warm
You’ll support local businesses and find authentic Alaska-made gifts. Many of the crafts show off Native Alaskan techniques, passed down for generations. If you want a gift that feels like real Alaska, not something mass-produced, this is the spot.
Families make this market part of their holiday traditions. Kids dive into activities while adults shop and listen to music. The indoor setting means you don’t have to worry about the weather.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 6-7, 2025 |
| Times | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Location | 123 Main Street, Bethel, AK |
| Cost | Free admission |
| Nearby Hotels | Bethel Inn, Arctic Lodge |
| Website | bethel.com/christmas-market |
36)Valdez Holiday Craft Bazaar
The Valdez Holiday Craft Bazaar really stands out for holiday shopping in Alaska. This event happens in Valdez, and people from all around come together here. You’ll find regional artists and craftspeople showing off their best work.
As you walk through, you’ll see warm knit accessories and detailed decorations. Local vendors bring their top creations, so you’ll spot some true Alaskan artistry. Some of these items you just won’t find anywhere else.
The bazaar isn’t just about shopping. The whole town gets into the holiday spirit, and you can feel it as you browse. The Valdez Holiday Craft Bazaar is a great place to connect with local traditions.
Event Information:
| Event Dates | Venue Address | Operating Hours | Admission Cost | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 8-9, 2025 | Valdez Civic Center, 314 Clifton Drive, Valdez, AK 99686 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | No admission fee | Holiday Bazaar details |
The annual Christmas celebration in Valdez features several events throughout the season. The bazaar is just one of the many festive options in town.
37) Craig Holiday Vessel Market
Craig celebrates Christmas on the water with its holiday market. This floating event blends Alaska’s maritime vibe with holiday fun. The market happens on a cruise vessel, which is a pretty unique way to go shopping.
Visitors hop aboard and explore vendor booths with handmade crafts and local goods. Artisans from the area fill the ship’s interior with their creations.
Holiday decorations light up the whole vessel. Twinkling lights and festive displays set the mood.
Live entertainment keeps things lively. Musicians play holiday songs, and choirs sing carols throughout the event. The music adds a cozy energy as you wander the ship.
Families bring their kids for special activities. Santa Claus comes by, so little ones get to share their holiday wishes. The cruise gives you a view of Alaska’s snowy coastline, which makes the whole thing even more magical.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 5-7, 2025 |
| Location | 401 Beach Road, Craig, AK |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Admission | No charge |
| Nearby Hotels | Available through booking platforms |
| Information | Craig Christmas Cruise Market website |
Heated indoor spaces keep shoppers warm. Food vendors serve up seasonal snacks and hot drinks all day.
38) Nome Winter Carnival Market
Nome’s winter celebration happens up in Alaska’s far northwest. The market runs during the coldest months, when snow blankets everything for miles.
Local artisans set up booths inside, selling jewelry, knitted hats, and scarves. Nome residents really know how to make warm gear for harsh weather.
Food stands fill the air with the smell of hot drinks and baked goods. Hot chocolate and coffee help everyone stay warm while shopping. Local bakers bring out fresh bread and pastries each day.
Ice sculpting contests take place all weekend. Artists carve ice into animals and fun shapes. Dog mushing demos show how Alaskans travel across frozen ground.
The market ties into Nome’s famous Iditarod traditions. Visitors often come for winter sports events and check out the Nome Winter Carnival Market for shopping and winter fun.
Nome has under 4,000 residents, but the carnival brings together people from all over Alaska. Most folks fly in, since you can’t reach Nome by road.
| Date | Location | Time | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 15-16, 2025 | Nome, Alaska | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free Admission | Nome hotels via Booking.com | Nome Winter Carnival Market |
39)Sand Point Holiday Expo
The Sand Point Holiday Expo brings a dose of festive spirit to this remote community in December. You’ll find handmade crafts from local makers, all perfect for gifting. The market sets up in the community hall, so you get a warm, cozy place to browse.
Food vendors pop up all over, serving local treats and hot drinks. Live music adds to the holiday mood. Families show up together, turning the expo into a real community event.
The expo highlights Sand Point’s creative side, with everything from art to holiday decorations made by neighbors. Shopping indoors is a relief when the winter weather hits.
Local performers take the stage during the three-day event. Vendors love to share stories about their crafts and the town’s history, so you’ll get a taste of real Alaskan hospitality.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 20-22, 2025 |
| Times | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Location | Sand Point Community Hall, Sand Point, Alaska |
| Cost | Free entry |
| Nearby Lodging | Limited local accommodations available |
| Website | Contact community hall directly |
40) Barrow Holiday Market
The Barrow Holiday Market sits right in America’s northernmost city. Local artisans and crafters gather in one small spot, filling it with handmade jewelry and cozy winter clothes.
This market puts Inupiat arts and culture front and center. You’ll see crafts that tell the stories of local people, made with skills and materials passed down through generations. It’s small enough that you can chat directly with the makers.
Food vendors serve up hot drinks and baked treats. A cup of cocoa is a must while you shop, and the snacks help take the edge off the cold. Some vendors offer local specialties, so you get a taste of northern Alaska.
The market runs for three days in December. You’ve got time to visit more than once or just spend a few hours soaking in the atmosphere. The community center keeps everyone warm and gives space for vendors and visitors alike.
| Date | Address | Time | Cost | Nearby Hotel | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15-17, 2025 | Barrow Community Center, Barrow, AK | 10 AM – 5 PM | Free admission | Top of the World Hotel | Visit city website |
Christmas Market Closures
Due to econonic conditions and tariffs, some Christmas Markets may cancel their events due to lack of vendors. If you are aware of a closed market,or find errors on a listing or an image, please reach out on our Contact Us page so that we may update this post.