2023 Colony Christmas this weekend

PALMER — Colony Christmas is returning to downtown Palmer from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10.

This annual holiday festival offers a full weekend of community events and shopping opportunities. The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce hosts this event with multiple participating groups and businesses to create a fun and festive atmosphere for locals to enjoy every year.

Palmer Chamber Executive Director, Ailis Vann said there will be plenty of ways for locals and their friends and family members to enjoy themselves with a full day of festivities around every corner.

“That’s my favorite part, seeing people out and enjoying all of it,” Vann told the Frontiersman.

Colony Christmas visitors will have the opportunity to partake in a wide array of activities such as craft fairs featuring local vendors, hay rides, cookie contests, Smoosh Races, snowman building, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and live performances.

Vann said the holiday spirit is always abundant during this cherished community tradition.

"I feel like the holidays bring out the best in people even though it can be a really stressful time,” Vann said. “It’s such a great place to call your hometown.”

The Parade of Lights is the largest and most popular event during Colony Christmas. The parade starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9. The annual water tower lighting and fireworks display follow immediately afterwards.

Other notable holiday happenings include a food truck rally that takes place all three days, a fundraiser for the Palmer Public Library reconstruction project hosted by Alaska Celtic Pipes and Drums, Caroling Around Palmer by the Mat-Su Community Chorus, and a Christmas concert put on by the Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra.

For a full schedule of events and points of interest with times and locations, visit palmerchamber.org/colonychristmas.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com