Colony Christmas coming to town

It's that time of year again and the 2024 Colony Christmas festival is taking place this weekend from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.

Colony Christmas is an annual community celebration hosted by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce that features a wide variety of events and activities for all ages. It draws a large number of visitors from across the Mat-Su Valley and beyond.

Moosehead Saloon is one of numerous community sponsors that are supporting the Palmer Chamber's efforts to spread the holiday spirit. Bar manager Rachel Rudeen said that the hype is palpable.

“I feel like everybody's really excited because of the parade and fireworks,” Rudeen said.

Rudeen said their bar is one of several walk-in destinations located along the main business strip where the Parade of Lights takes place.

“This is a go to spot. We have beautiful windows with a great view,” Rudeen said. “It is extremely popular. We get extremely jam packed.”

Colony Christmas is one of the largest community gatherings held in downtown Palmer, second only to its summer counterpart Colony Days. Both festivals are designed to celebrate Palmer's historical roots in agriculture while bringing the modern community together for food, fun, and festivities.

Turkey Red owner Alex Papasavas said that the huge influx of Colony Christmas visitors provides a welcome boon to local businesses.

“I support it because it's good for Palmer. It brings good business into town for everyone,” Papasavas said. I think it's good attention for Palmer. Palmer is a great walkable community and Colony Christmas and Colony Days just demonstrates that.”

Papasavas established Turkey Red over 17 years ago and she's seen her fair share of Colony Christmas celebrations. She said that one of her favorite aspects of this annual tradition is seeing the excitement among local families as they partake in fun happenings such as watching the parade or fireworks.

“I think it's great for kids- small and big," Papasavas said.

Colony Christmas festivities are slated to fill up each of the three days. Visitors can engage in free activities such as going on hay rides, attending holiday concerts, decorating ornaments, participating in a cornhole tournament, and eating meals sold by local food vendors. There are also numerous community competitions like the gingerbread house contest and cookie making contest.

According to the Palmer Chamber website, the Alaska State Fair’s seasonal activities such as the annual Bright Up the Night drive through light show and new Yuletide Festival coincide with the Colony Christmas schedule.

Palmer Chamber officials recently posted on social media announcing the return of a popular Colony Christmas activity, Mat-Su Shelter's Adoption Day which takes place Friday, Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Parade of Lights takes place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 and the firework show takes place immediately afterwards.

For a full schedule of events and activities general information about the 2024 Colony Christmas festival, palmerchamber.org/colonychristmas.