Alaska State Fair's new Yuletide Festival wrapping up

PALMER — The new Yuletide Festival hosted by Alaska State Fair is on the last stretch of days of operation and wraps up for the season Dec. 23.

This festive event offers an “old-fashioned Christmas-themed atmosphere” with multiple activities and points of interest designed to help local families have fun while getting in the holiday spirit.

Alaska State Fair CEO Jeff Curtis said they're had a great start to this new annual tradition.

“It's been very successful so far,” Curtis said. “We're feeling good about it.”

The Yuletide Festival visitors can partake in a variety of activities such as outdoor games, indoor activities, listening to live holiday music, drinking festive refreshments, purchasing food from local food trucks, and gathering around a bonfire.

“You are immersed in an atmosphere unique to the experience,” Curtis said. “We really lit up a small section of the Fairgrounds where you can walk around with activities.”

There are also two carnival rides available that are included with admission and have no limit, a carousel and Spin the Apples. The rides are provided by Alaska State Fair's longtime partner, Goldenwheel Amusement. Curtis said they're happy to work with them and they were immediately onboard with the idea.

“It was met with enthusiasm,” Curtis said.

Curtis said one of the biggest goals for the Yuletide Festival is to serve as an optional extension to the annual Bright Up the Night holiday light drive-through display.

“Now you have the chance to get out of your car to get out to have an enchanted Christmas experience," Curtis said.

Curtis said they've a modest but productive inaugural year for the Yuletide Festival. He said they're taking everything in and making notes on how to expand the event in the future. He said it's nice being able to launch a new event on the Fairgrounds.

“It feels great,” Curtis said.

The Christmas Factory, a locally owned operation that offers an interactive Christmas experience, partnered with the Fair to help establish the new Yuletide Festival. Curtis said the Christmas Factory has been a beloved addition to the community that many families look forward to each year, and they appreciate the opportunity to utilize their creativity with the Yuletide Festival. He said the existing holiday events on the Fairgrounds.

“I'm extremely proud to work with them,” Curtis said. “We started something special out here.”

Admission for the Yuletide Festival is $10 and there is a $5 discount for anyone who purchases Bright Up the Night admission.

The Yuletide Festival was scheduled for three time frames: Dec. 5 to Dec. 8, Dec. 12 to Dec. 15, and Dec. 19 to Dec. 23. The hours of operation run from 5 to 10 p.m.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org/site/yuletide-festival