Contributed by Melissa Keefe
Bright Up the Night, Alaska’s largest drive-through holiday light display, returns to the Alaska State Fair for a 29-night run, beginning on Thanksgiving, November 25, through January 1. Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org.
The light display, presented by AT&T, features more than 70 different light displays spanning the entire length of the fairgrounds, from the Purple Gate through the Green Gate. From the warmth and comfort of their vehicles, guests drive through almost a mile of festive light displays while enjoying the holiday music broadcast synced directly to their radio.
Bright Up the Night is open Thursdays through Sundays from November 25 through December 12, and daily from December 16 through January 1. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets to the event go on sale Friday, November 12 at alaskastatefair.org. A limited number of vehicles will be allowed in each hour, and ticket reservations must be made online in advance. Admission purchased by November 24 is $20 for personal vehicles, $35 for vans or limos, and $70 for buses. Tickets purchased after November 24 are $25 for personal vehicles, $40 for vans or limos, and $75 for buses.
New this year, the fairgrounds will host another family-friendly, wintertime attraction: The Ice Maze. Guests to the maze will navigate through a labyrinth of winding pathways, surrounded by solid ice formations created by artist Cory Livingood. At night, the ice will glow from within by lights frozen inside, illuminating the way. Additional details on this attraction will be available soon atalaskastatefair.org.
Guests can continue their holiday cheer by taking advantage of the Fair’s partnership with The Christmas Factory or The Ice Maze which offers a 10 percent discount to anyone who buys tickets to either event.
At The Christmas Factory, located on the fairgrounds, visitors 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.
For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, at mk@alaskastatefair.org.