Bright Up the Night Light display returns to the state fairgrounds

The 2023 holiday season kicks off with Bright Up the Night, Alaska’s largest drive-through holiday light display, at the Alaska State Fair starting on Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s Eve, according to a recent press release issued by Alaska State Fair officials.

Tickets are on sale at alaskastatefair.org.

The holiday attraction, presented by ConocoPhillips Alaska, features more than 70 different light displays. Guests drive through winding trails lined with festive light displays spanning the entire length of the fairgrounds while enjoying the holiday music broadcast synced directly to their radio.

Bright Up the Night will be open Thursdays through Sundays from Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 through Dec. 10, and daily from Dec. 14 through New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each hour, and ticket reservations can be made online in advance at alaskastatefair.org. Admission can be purchased online at a discounted rate of $20 for personal vehicles, $35 for vans or limos, and $70 for buses. Tickets purchased at the gate are $25 for personal vehicles, $40 for vans or limos, and $75 for buses.

Guests can further their holiday cheer by taking advantage of the Fair’s partnership with The Christmas Factory, which offers a 10 percent discount to Bright Up the Night ticketholders.

At The Christmas Factory, located on the fairgrounds, visitors can experience the magic of Christmas by touring Santa’s workshop, delivering a personalized letter to Santa’s mailbox, getting a peek into the elf wrapping room, powering up Santa’s sleigh, enjoying a treat in Mrs. Claus’ bakery, and even meeting Santa himself.