Christmas Markets Alaska 2025: Complete Guide to Holiday Shopping and Festive Events
Table of Contents
- 1 Find the Best Accommodations
- 2 51) Metlakatla Holiday Festival
- 3 52) Haines Holiday Market
- 4 53)Nenana Holiday Festival 2025
- 5 54) Cordova Winter Market
- 6 55)Chevak Holiday Bazaar
- 7 56)Kasilof Christmas Market
- 8 57) Fort Yukon Holiday Market
- 9 58) Kake Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
- 10 59) Saxman Community Winter Market
- 11 60) Holiday Celebrations at Chena Hot Springs
Find the Best Accommodations
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51) Metlakatla Holiday Festival
Metlakatla rolls out the welcome mat each December for one of Alaska’s friendliest Christmas celebrations. The island town fills with visitors who come for three days of holiday shopping and entertainment.
Local makers and artists fill the space with their creations. You’ll see handmade soaps, beadwork, and wooden crafts that highlight Native Alaskan heritage.
There’s more than just shopping. Live music fills the air throughout the festival. Food vendors serve up traditional dishes and sweet treats. The whole thing feels easygoing and genuinely friendly.
Kids get their own activities, too. Face painting and craft stations keep families busy. The Metlakatla Christmas Expo brings everyone together—locals and tourists alike.
Prices are reasonable, so you won’t break the bank. Many crafts cost less than what you’d pay in bigger cities. Plus, admission is free, so you can just wander in and take it all in.
Since Metlakatla sits on an island, you’ll need a ferry from Ketchikan. It’s best to plan travel early, especially during the holidays. Lots of folks combine this festival with other Southeast Alaska events.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Nearby Lodging | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14-16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Metlakatla Community Center, Metlakatla, AK | Free Entry | Ketchikan Hotels via Booking.com | Visit Metlakatla Tourism Office |
52) Haines Holiday Market
Haines, Alaska, turns into a cozy winter destination for this holiday market. The event creates a warm, inviting vibe, even in the cold. Local vendors line the venue with their handmade goods.
You’ll find artisans selling custom jewelry and seasonal decorations. Many offer one-of-a-kind gifts you just won’t find elsewhere. Local art sits alongside classic holiday items.
Food vendors keep you fueled with hot meals and drinks. Food trucks offer a mix of options, and hot beverages help you stay toasty during the outdoor portions.
Santa visits make this market a hit with families. Kids love snapping photos with Santa. Adults get a bit of nostalgia from the whole thing.
Admission is free, so it’s easy on your budget. Families and travelers alike appreciate being able to just come in and enjoy.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Nearby Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 29-30, 2025 | 10am-4pm | Haines, AK | Free | Search Haines hotels on Booking.com | Visit Haines Holly Jolly Market |
With two days to choose from, you can pick whichever fits your schedule—or just come both days if you feel like it.
53)Nenana Holiday Festival 2025
Nenana goes all out for the holidays in December. This small town transforms into a festive spot that draws folks from all over the region.
Chevak High School Gym hosts the event for three days. Local artisans show off jewelry, woodwork, and traditional crafts. Food vendors bring homemade treats and seasonal snacks.
Live entertainment keeps things lively every day. Musicians play holiday tunes and dance groups perform for the crowd.
Families always find plenty to do. Kids can get their faces painted or visit with Santa. The community-focused vibe makes everyone feel right at home.
Nenana is known for its annual Ice Classic, but in winter, you’ll get a real taste of small-town Alaska.
| Date | Location | Hours | Admission | Nearby Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 14-16, 2025 | Chevak High School Gym, Nenana | 10 AM – 4 PM | Free | Check local accommodations |
You’ll find Christmas events and activities in Nenana if you want even more holiday fun during your stay.
54) Cordova Winter Market
The Cordova Winter Market brings together artists and craftspeople in this small fishing town. You’ll get to browse handcrafted ornaments, cozy winter clothes, and homemade treats when you visit. The Cordova Chamber of Commerce organizes the event each December.
Artisans set up indoor stalls with wooden decorations, knitted scarves, and baked goods. The market feels friendly and laid-back.
Hot drinks are always on hand to keep you warm. Holiday music drifts through the space as you wander from booth to booth.
The community center offers a heated spot for the market. Still, you’ll want to dress warmly for the walk from your car. Parking gets tight during busy hours, so plan ahead.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 1-3, 2025 |
| Times | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Location | Cordova Community Center |
| Cost | Free entry |
| Nearby Stay | Cordova hotels on booking.com |
| Website | cordovachamber.com |
The market only runs for three days. Getting to Cordova takes some effort—a flight or ferry—so plan your trip with that in mind.
55)Chevak Holiday Bazaar
The Chevak Holiday Bazaar brings a burst of community spirit to Alaska’s winter. Locals gather in the high school gym, where artisans display their seasonal creations.
You’ll see tables full of knitted hats, wooden crafts, and festive decorations. Local bakers show up with cookies, breads, and classic holiday treats.
Holiday music fills the gym, and families stroll the aisles searching for gifts while kids play nearby. The whole thing feels relaxed, not rushed.
Local artisans put a lot of care into unique items you won’t spot anywhere else. Prices tend to stay reasonable since the vendors are your neighbors. Buying here means you’re supporting local families directly.
The event lasts three days, giving you plenty of chances to drop by. Weekend hours work well for families. With free admission, you can come back as often as you like.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 14-16, 2025 |
| Location | Chevak High School Gymnasium |
| Hours | 10AM-4PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Nearby Lodging | Limited local options |
56)Kasilof Christmas Market
This holiday market pops up at Mile 111 1/2 Sterling Highway and North Cohoe Loop. It’s a cozy spot where families and friends gather for holiday fun.
Local craftspeople fill their booths with handmade goods, artisan crafts, and tasty food. Vendors chat with shoppers and take real pride in their work.
Market Features:
- Handcrafted holiday ornaments
- Local artisan goods
- Homemade baked items
- Hot cocoa and other warm drinks
- Live holiday music
The smell of fresh baked goods and cocoa fills the air. Holiday music plays as you wander between stalls. The whole event feels more like a friendly get-together than a big commercial market.
You’ll find gifts you can’t buy in regular stores. Most are made by local folks using Alaskan materials. Shopping here is a great way to support small businesses.
| Dates | Times | Location | Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To Be Announced (2025) | To Be Announced | Corner of Mile 111 1/2 Sterling Highway and North Cohoe Loop, Kasilof, AK | Free Entry | Check local events |
57) Fort Yukon Holiday Market
The Fort Yukon Holiday Market opens every November. Local vendors gather to sell handmade crafts and fresh food.
You’ll spot hand-knitted scarves, homemade preserves, and other crafts by area residents. The market is outdoors, so you’ll want to bundle up—November in Fort Yukon gets seriously cold.
Families love this market because kids have activities to keep them busy. Local musicians sometimes perform, adding to the festive mood. Community artists often show off their latest work.
The market feels like a neighborhood get-together. Locals and visitors mingle, shop, and catch up.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 22-24, 2025 |
| Times | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Location | Main Street, Fort Yukon |
| Cost | Free entry; items for purchase |
| Where to Stay | Limited accommodations available through booking.com |
| Website | Contact local visitor center |
The Fort Yukon Holiday Market gives you a real taste of small-town Alaska at the holidays. Vendors bring items that reflect the local culture and traditions of this remote spot.
58) Kake Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
Kake, Alaska, a small town with a big heart, hosts this cozy winter celebration that draws together local artists and craftspeople. You’ll find a surprising variety of handmade items crafted by talented folks from the area.
The festival happens right in the center of this close-knit community. Visitors get a taste of genuine Alaskan hospitality—something you really can’t fake.
Local artisans set up their best work all around the venue. You can wander among displays of hand-woven textiles, carved wooden sculptures, and Native Alaskan art. Many vendors focus on pieces inspired by the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Food vendors serve up regional specialties and steaming drinks. You’ll spot traditional Alaskan fare alongside classic comfort foods. Grabbing a hot drink and a snack is a great way to warm up as you check out the craft booths.
Families seem to love the hands-on activity area just for kids. Local craft experts help young visitors make their own holiday decorations. This interactive space makes the festival fun for everyone, not just adults.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Kake Community Hall, Kake, AK | Free admission | Booking.com Kake accommodations | Visit official Kake tourism site |
59) Saxman Community Winter Market
The Saxman Community Winter Market gives you a shopping experience that blends holiday spirit with Alaska Native culture. Each year, vendors come together with authentic regional crafts and art. You’ll spot items that celebrate the rich traditions of Southeast Alaska.
Vendor stalls show off locally-made jewelry, carved totem poles, and traditional clothing. Artisans use native materials like cedar, salmon leather, and local stones. You can talk with the artists about how they make their work and why it matters in their culture.
The market also features entertainment rooted in the community’s heritage. You might catch a traditional dance or a storytelling session if you time it right. These moments add something special to your visit.
Food vendors serve both Native Alaskan classics and modern favorites. Smoked salmon, fry bread, and other regional dishes are on the menu. Hot drinks are a must—especially if you’re exploring the outdoor booths.
| Date | Time | Location | Cost | Where to Stay | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 7-8, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saxman Community Center, Saxman, AK | Free admission | Booking.com Saxman area lodging | Saxman community events page |
60) Holiday Celebrations at Chena Hot Springs
If you want to experience Alaska’s winter magic, Chena Hot Springs Resort is the place to go during the holidays. This geothermal spot sits about 66 miles northeast of Fairbanks, tucked along a snowy road.
The resort runs year-round on natural hot spring energy. You’ll soak in outdoor pools heated to 100-104°F, even as snow piles up around you. That hot-cold contrast? It’s something you won’t forget.
Holiday Activities Include:
- Soaking in natural hot springs
- Touring the famous ice museum
- Aurora viewing opportunities
- Exploring snow-covered trails
Staff generate all the power on-site using geothermal energy. The resort stays self-sufficient, no matter how harsh the winter gets. You can even take a peek at the power plant to see how it all works.
December brings extra holiday fun. The resort serves up Christmas Day buffets and offers winter activities. Many folks stay in Fairbanks and drive out for the day.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | December 1-31, 2025 |
| Address | 56.5 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Cost | Check resort website for current rates |
| Nearby Lodging | Chena Hot Springs Resort on-site accommodations |
| Website | chenahotsprings.com |
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.