The Best December Events in Anchorage, AK

December is the jolliest of all the months in Anchorage, Alaska. Whether you're attending a holiday event or going to see the night light up with beautiful lights, there's a million things to do in Anchorage. If you're new to the area, these events will all be new to you. If you've lived in Anchorage a long time, check out this compilation of familiar holiday activities.

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights at the Alaska Zoo is back! If you've enjoyed previous years at the Alaska Zoo Lights, you'll love the dazzling display of twinkling lights piercing the darkness and lighting up the animal-themed displays. Visitors to the zoo will enjoy walking through canopies of light, and through the wilderness of fully lit trees throughout the zoo.

The Coffee Shop and Gift Shop will be open for those who want to buy a stuffed animal or a hot chocolate. If you're a zoo member, use your membership card to receive a discount. All tickets are sold online starting on November 1.

• Date: November 24, 2019 - January 28, 2020, Thursdays through Sundays from 5-8PM
• Location: The Alaska Zoo,4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a whimsical, charming, sparkling performance from a critically acclaimed traveling Broadway musical troupe. There's something in it for everyone, from beautiful songs to fantastic and amazing physical stunts. Be a part of the audience to watch and listen with amazement. It's a show for adults and children alike.

• Date: December 27 - 29, 2019, times vary
• Location: Atwood Concert Hall, 621 West 6th Avenue Suite ACH, Anchorage

Annual Christmas Village

The 12th Annual Christmas Village is one of the best and most celebrated holiday shopping events of the season. At this bazaar, pick up a variety of holiday gifts for loved ones, including furs, arts, crafts and hand-made items. Whether you're looking for products made in Alaska or imported goods, the Annual Christmas Village is the place to be.

• Date: Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 10AM-6PM
• Location: Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, 600 W. 7th Avenue, Anchorage

Sing-A-Long Program for Toddlers

Sing-a-long Program for Toddlers is a beloved event where toddlers are encouraged to sing with zoo staff. Songs are usually about animals and instruments are provided for toddler enjoyment. Sometimes the animals come to visit the toddlers. Zoo members enjoy free admission. Children are asked to arrive at the zoo early, to allow for time going through the normal admission process.

• Date: Monday, December 23, 2019 from 10:30AM-11:30AM
• Location: The Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Road, Anchorage

73rd Annual Community Messiah

The 73rd Annual Community Messiah is a chorus made up of 150 volunteer Messiah chorus members, accompanied by the Messiah Orchestra. This event has been held annually since 1947, and is a part of the fabric of the holidays in Anchorage. Everyone is welcome to participate - no auditions or prior experience is required.

• Date: Sunday, December 8 at 2:00PM
• Location: West Anchorage High School, 1700 Hillcrest Dr, Anchorage

No matter what you celebrate or what your family traditions are, you'll have a wonderful time in Anchorage this holiday season. December is a month of fun and amazement for families, couples and individuals. If you're moving to the Anchorage area, get ready to have fun and plan to attend some of these enjoyable holiday events.