Christmas Factory brings holiday cheer

The AK Christmas Factory is a locally owned live interactive theatrical experience, one of many across the United States, which immerses people in a tour of Santa’s local and magical workshop — Outpost 907 — located on the Alaska State Fairgrounds.

Local artists, actors, and Christmas enthusiasts come together to create a magical experience for children and adults of all ages from Nov. 23 through Christmas Eve. People can interact with the magic filled experience of Santa’s workshop and interact with the elves, talk with Mrs. Claus and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate in her bakery, or even meet with Santa Claus himself.

“One of the highlights during my time there was when a little boy came up to me and asked me if the factory was really real. He thought he was in a Christmas dream.” Skyler Bowers, who works as one of the guide elves said.

The Palmer Christmas Factory is in its first year of operation in Alaska, but there are several Christmas Factory productions across the nation.

A typical Christmas Factory cheer-filled tour starts by singing Christmas songs. A look around of the workshop floor comes next complete with a chance to sit in Santa’s sleigh. Cookies and a warm drink with Mrs. Claus and talking to the man himself, Santa Claus, completes the magical tour. Steven Sutcliffe, a tour guide and toy maker, describes his experience as being filled with joy.

“I’d have to say just interacting with the kids and seeing the wonder on their faces is the best thing,” Steven said.

Steven recounted his favorite experience which happened outside of the factory.

“I was eating lunch in my costume at a Dairy Queen and this kid starts freaking out, in a good way mind you, and she came up to me and told me what she wanted for Christmas and asked me to tell Santa that,” Steven said.

Along with bringing happiness through the workshop itself, AK Christmas Factory gives back to the community all year long. The Factory plans on donating to local schools and being involved with the Mrs. Alaska 2018“Build Them Up Project”.

“It’s one of the best feelings knowing you made a child happy especially when they’re having a bad day,” Rebecca Nichols an elf in Santa’s factory said.

According to Rebecca, the AK Christmas Factory is well enjoyed by every generation.

“I very much think that the majority of people who come there enjoy it. We get so many good reviews online. So many people say they loved it, their children loved it and even their teenagers loved it. It is such a great experience and I hope everyone gets a chance to see it,” Rebecca said.

“We even had one customer compare it to Disneyland,” Steven said.

The magical and joy-filled Outpost 907, located on the Alaska State Fair grounds, is open until Christmas Eve. To get more information about the AK Christmas Factory and how you can visit their local location before the end of this Holiday season, you can visit their website at https://akchristmas.com.

“I typically lead about four tours per night, and let me tell you each and everyone is always amazing!” Skyler said.

Hannah Reinhardt is a sophomore and Journalism II student at Mat Su Central.