During late November, Anchorage begins to glow in ways only winter can explain. Strings of lights appear overnight, the air smells faintly of spruce, and suddenly everyone seems to have a reason to be outside again.
I remember my first walk through downtown during Heyi Days, families skating at Westchester Lagoon, steam rising from food carts, and laughter echoing through the cold. It felt less like an event and more like Anchorage itself had come alive.
That’s what you can expect this year, too. From November 28 to December 31, 2025, Heyi Days turns the darkest stretch of Alaska’s calendar into a celebration of light, community, and everything that makes winter worth waiting for.
❄️ What Heyi Days Is All About
The name “Heyi” comes from the Dena’ina Athabascan word for “winter,” honoring the Indigenous heritage of the Anchorage region. Organized by Visit Anchorage, this festival isn’t confined to one park or weekend; it unfolds across the entire city for more than a month.
From Eklutna to Portage, you’ll find small local events stitched together like pieces of the same quilt: artisan markets, outdoor concerts, lantern-lit ski trails, and light displays bright enough to soften the long Alaskan nights.
Heyi Days isn’t about spectacle. It’s about the steady rhythm that keeps Alaskans outdoors, connected, and grateful even when daylight barely reaches five hours.
🌨️ What Will Happen During Heyi Days 2025
Downtown Anchorage Becomes a Winter Village
The Holiday Tree Lighting at Town Square Park kicks off the season, followed by carolers, food vendors, and families skating under the glow of fairy lights. Along 4th Avenue, pop-up stalls serve local favorites, such as fry bread, salmon chowder, and reindeer sausage.
Nearby, the Crafted in Alaska Market at the Anchorage Museum highlights handmade jewelry, carvings, and textiles from across the state. At the same time, Trail Tales storytelling nights bring voices from every corner of Alaska.
Main Heyi Days 2025 Events You Can Experience
| Date | Event | Venue |
| Late Nov – Dec 31 | Heyi Days Festival Period | Across Anchorage |
| Nov 28 | Skinny Raven Turkey Trot | Dena’ina Center |
| Nov 29 | Anchorage Wolverines vs Kenai River Brown Bears | Sullivan Arena |
| Nov 29–Dec 1 | Crafted in the Alaska Market | Anchorage Museum |
| Nov 30 – Dec 1 | Hay Fever (Play) | Cyrano’s Theatre Company |
| Dec 6 – 8 | The Nutcracker with Eugene Ballet | Alaska Center for the Performing Arts |
| Dec 7 | Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony | Town Square Park |
| Dec 8 | Turnagain Ceramics Holiday Sale | Turnagain Ceramics |
| Dec 12 | The Ugly Sweater Holiday Show | Alaska Center for the Performing Arts |
| Dec 13 | Ullr Fest | Alyeska Resort |
| Dec 14 – 15 | Candlelight Concert Series | 49th State Brewing |
| Dec 15 | Christmas with the Alaska Chamber Singers | St. Patrick’s Parish |
| Dec 17 | Winter Solstice Festival | Cuddy Family Midtown Park |
| Dec 20 | Solstice Tree Tour | Kincaid Park |
| Dec 21 | Santa Skis Free Day + Santa Visits Alyeska | Alyeska Resort |
| Dec 22 | Anchorage Concert Chorus: Family Holiday Pops | Atwood Concert Hall |
| Dec 24 | Letters to Santa | Alyeska Resort |
| Dec 28 | Rage City Roller Derby | O’Malley Sports Center |
| Dec 31 | Anchorage New Year’s Eve Celebration | Chinook Lot |
Outdoor Adventures That Don’t Stop for Snow
From the Solstice Tree Tour at Kincaid Park to the Snow Globe Run behind the Peanut Farm, Anchorage proves again that the cold is never an excuse to stay indoors. Parks remain busy with skiers and snowshoers, while Alyeska Resort turns into a holiday village with night skiing and Nordic Noël Market stalls glowing under alpine peaks.
Culture, Art, and Community Warmth
Inside the Anchorage Museum, local creators gather under the Crafted in Alaska banner. Across town, the Trail Tales Storytelling Series and Friday Nightcap Society readings fill cafés and small stages. The result is a city that stays creative even when the temperature dips below freezing.
Evenings of Light
The Candlelight Concert Series at 49th State Brewing pairs live classical music with panoramic views of downtown’s illuminated skyline. In Eagle River, the Winter Wonderland Celebration & Tree Lighting draws families from across the region, proving that Heyi Days isn’t just an Anchorage event, it’s a Southcentral Alaska tradition.
🧭 If You’re Planning to Visit Anchorage to Experience Heyi Days
| Practical Detail | What to Know |
| Dates | November 28 – December 31, 2025 |
| Best daylight hours | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Average temperature | Highs around 25°F (-4°C), lows near 15°F (-9°C) |
| Where to stay | Downtown for easy access to events; Girdwood for mountain scenery |
| Transportation | People Mover buses run limited winter hours; taxis and rideshares are available until late evening |
| Costs | Many outdoor events are free; museum exhibits and guided tours $10–$25 |
Packing tip: Bring insulated boots, wool layers, and reflective gear if you plan to walk after dark. Anchorage’s streets can be dim but beautifully lit by decorations.
💡 Why Heyi Days Matter to Alaskans
- Keeps the community connected: In the long, dark stretch of winter, Heyi Days gives people a reason to gather, talk, and share the season instead of isolating indoors.
- Supports local businesses: Markets, cafés, and small shops see new life as residents and visitors shop local and celebrate local craftsmanship.
- Celebrates Indigenous roots: The Dena’ina meaning of “Heyi” keeps Anchorage connected to its cultural origins and honors the land’s first people.
- Brightens mental well-being: The festival’s lights, music, and outdoor activities help many Alaskans counter seasonal fatigue and stay active through the short days.
- Extends Alaska’s tourism season: By drawing winter travelers, Heyi Days highlights Anchorage as more than a summer stop; it’s a year-round destination.
- Showcases real Alaskan life: Unlike summer events designed for visitors, this one reflects daily Anchorage life, resilient, welcoming, and proud of its winter identity.
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The Lasting Glow
By the time the New Year’s fireworks fade over Cook Inlet, the lights stay up a little longer, as if the city isn’t quite ready to let go. That’s the quiet success of Heyi Days 2025; it doesn’t just brighten Anchorage for a few weeks; it reminds everyone that winter here isn’t darkness at all. It’s light, shared.
FAQs
1. What are Heyi Days in Anchorage?
Heyi Days is Anchorage’s city-wide winter festival, running from late November through December. It celebrates Alaska’s culture, light, and community during winter.
2. When is Heyi Days 2025?
Heyi Days 2025 will take place from November 28 to December 31, 2025, featuring events, markets, concerts, and outdoor activities across Anchorage.
3. Where do Heyi Days events happen?
Events are held throughout the Municipality of Anchorage, from Eklutna to Portage, with major activities in Downtown Anchorage, Kincaid Park, and Alyeska Resort.
4. Is Heyi Days free to attend?
Yes, many Heyi Days events are free, including outdoor activities and community celebrations. Some concerts and markets may require small entry fees ($10–$25).
5. What are the main events during Heyi Days 2025?
Key highlights include the Holiday Tree Lighting, Crafted in Alaska Market, The Nutcracker, Ullr Fest, Solstice Tree Tour, and the Anchorage New Year’s Eve Celebration.
