Alaska State Fair announces new holiday event

The Alaska State Fair recently announced the creation of a new and upcoming holiday event, the Yuletide Festival.

Fair staff have partnered with The Christmas Factory to introduce this Christmas themed celebration designed for all ages to the community.

“It’s in start up mode and we're really excited to get it for the ground,” Curtis said.

The Yuletide Festival will be a multi-faceted event that features carnival rides, festive activities, food trucks, drinks, live music, and a bonfire. There also will be opportunities to mix and mingle with the jingling elves from The Christmas Factory.

The Christmas Factory is a locally owned and operated event series that offers a unique holiday experience that combines elements of interactive theater, creative set designs, and an abundance of Christmas Spirit.

The Christmas Factory has been an annual tradition that draws local families to the Fairgrounds for several years. Curtis said that The Christmas Factory is a great collaboration and he appreciates their artistic direction with the creation of the new Yuletide Festival. He said the new event complements the other annual festivities.

“It bridges all the Christmas events together in an immersive way,” Curtis said.

There are numerous holiday events scheduled at the Fairgrounds including the Holiday Bazaar, the Mighty Monster BooFest, Bright Up the Night, The Christmas Factory, and the Yuletide Festival.

The Holiday Bazaar will feature free admission with over 100 vendors offering a wide range of goods.

The Mighty Monster BooFest is an annual brewfest that is endorsed by the Brewers Guild of Alaska. It highlights beers and brewers all over Alaska and around the world. It also features a Halloween costume contest, live music, silent auction, and food vendors.

Fair officials indicated that this year’s Bright Up the Night holiday light exhibit will be “bigger and brighter than ever” while featuring new larger displays.

Curtis said that many community members have come to count on their annual holiday events.

“They miss them whenever they're gone and they support them when they're here,” Curtis said.

Curtis said that hosting holiday events and providing space for other community events like the Highland Games keeps the Fairgrounds active throughout the year.

“The goal is to stay connected year round,” Curtis said. “It's really important to us.”

Curtis noted that having additional activities outside the Fair season helps them generate extra revenue.

“Every little bit helps,” Curtis said.

The first weekend of the 2024 Holiday Bazaar was held Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. The final weekend will take place at Raven Hall and the Hoskins Building Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Th2 2024 Mighty Monster BooFest takes place Saturday, October 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a 21 and older event. Admission is $40 for beer drinkers and $10 for designated drivers.

The Yuletide Festival will occur Thursdays through Sundays from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5 to Dec. 8, Dec. 12 to Dec. 15 and Dec. 19 to Dec. 22

Bright Up the Night will be open Thursdays through Sundays from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 28 to Dec. 8 and daily December 13 to Dec. 31. Tickets are $20 per vehicle.

Yuletide Festival admission is $10 per person. Those purchasing Bright Up the Night tickets can add Yuletide Festival tickets for just $5 per person.

For more information about events at the Alaska State Fairgrounds, visit alaskastatefair.org.

For tickets and more information about The Christmas Factory, visit akchristmas.com.