'This is awesome': Wasilla lights up the season with annual tree lighting

People donned mittens, sipped hot cocoa, and brought out ice cleats as the City of Wasilla welcomed the Christmas season on Saturday with the 37th annual Wasilla Community Christmas Celebration. There was plenty to enjoy as guests sipped on cocoa and munched on candy canes courtesy of the Rotary, and the Wasilla High School Band and Choir provided some holiday music, all leading up to the lighting of the Christmas tree.

As the city has grown, so too has the need for a bigger venue to light up the tree, this year holding the tree lighting at Iditapark, highlighting the many lighted displays already in place.

“Every year, it just gets bigger and better,” said Wasilla Mayor Glenda Ledford on moving the tree lighting to Iditapark. “Look at the turnout. I’m so happy with the turnout!” she said, pleased with the turnout, while looking forward to next year’s event. “We just keep adding every year.”

“This is awesome. It’s a great community thing, and the day was gorgeous with no wind and no snow, so I think it was amazing,” said Wasilla Council member Alina Rubeo. “This is what we want-more community things to bring kids and families out and enjoy.”

Among those enjoying the fun and festivities were Marian Aparezuk who brought her son Felix Galindo and daughter Navaeh.

“This is fun. We just heard about it on the radio and decided to bring the kids out to see everything,” she said.

Mayor Ledford says she is hoping for a bigger event next year and would like to include more, including a menorah and the Nativity. “We’re trying to bring Christmas to the park, bring the people out, and really enjoy the season.”

The light display in Iditapark will be available through December 25, 2024. Merry Christmas!