Winter Solstice celebration takes over Cuddy Park

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – On the darkest weekend of the year, Alaskans gathered at Cuddy Park to mark the moments before daylight finally begins its slow return.

To celebrate, the Municipality held its annual winter solstice festival, inviting everyone for an evening of cold-weather fun.

”Some of the highlights, of course, are ice skating at the oval right over there, some holiday music, we have Santa and Mrs. Claus wandering around, we are going to have some reindeer here,” Anchorage Parks and Recs Community Engagement Coordinator, Ellen Devine, said.

In addition to seeing reindeer, folks could take a ride around the park in a horse-drawn carriage or sit down and watch a classic holiday film provided by the Alaska Bookmobile.

Despite the frigid temperature, people made their way down to the park to partake in some festive cheer.

“It is my first time in Anchorage,” attendee Stefan Grigoras said. “It’s beautiful, it is a little bit cold, I’m not going to lie, but I want to take a picture with the reindeer.”

Grigoras, like many, took part in the free hot chocolate and took his photo with St. Nick and Mrs. Claus, who were seen wandering around bringing joy to all.

“[The kids] get so excited and, you know, you have everything from run over and almost knock us down with hugs to not even wanting to come near us, and it’s just a fun combination of all that,” Mrs. Claus said.

Some of those kids were Logan and Keegan, who were out and about with their parents, Samantha and Trevor. The two kids asked for things that every child is sure to want.

“A monster truck,” Logan said.

“Bingo,” Keegan said.

”Like Bluey and Bingo,” Samantha clarified for Keegan.

The young family is originally from Arkansas and is excited to be a part of a thriving community.

“I love Anchorage’s community. There’s so many community events, and especially as a young family, it makes me really excited to get together and get to know people,” Samantha said.

As the festivities continued into the night, a familiar holiday message could be heard.

”Merry Christmas, ho, ho, ho,” the Clauses yelled!

“Merry Christmas,” Logan and Keegan said.

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