Download Release

Girdwood, Alaska (November 10, 2026): Alyeska Resort welcomes the holiday season with the return of Merry Alyeska, a festive celebration running from December 13-31. The programming brings together family-friendly activities and après-ski celebrations, this year introducing two new events: The Grinch Stole GREATLAND, an evening of holiday mischief at the resort’s GREATLAND Bar & Lounge, and Drink & Be Merry, a Christmas-themed pop-up bar. Merry Alyeska offers guests plenty of ways to celebrate the season, from the Nordic Noël Market and visits with Santa to dog mushing adventures and a New Year's Eve torchlight parade, bringing holiday traditions to life in the Chugach Mountains.

New This Year: The Grinch Stole GREATLAND and Drink & Be Merry

On December 19, the Grinch makes his way to GREATLAND Bar & Lounge for The Grinch Stole GREATLAND, an adults-only holiday gathering with a mischievous twist. Guests can expect Grinch-inspired cocktails, themed bites and special appearances from the Grinch himself with a hilariously bad gift exchange. Those interested in joining the exchange are invited to bring a gift valued at $10 or less. The evening is designed for guests ready to trade traditional holiday cheer for a little Christmas mischief. 

Making its debut this year, Drink & Be Merry transforms the resort into a Christmas wonderland with an over-the-top holiday pop-up bar. Taking place December 18-20 and December 24-27, the experience features festive décor, from floor to ceiling, twinkling lights and a menu of holiday-inspired cocktails. Guests can settle in, soak up the festive atmosphere, and raise a glass to the most wonderful time of the year.

A Season of Holiday Traditions

Merry Alyeska kicks off on December 13 with the Nordic Noël Market, bringing the charm of traditional European holiday markets to the Columbia Ballroom. Guests can browse locally made gifts and artisan goods, enjoy seasonal drinks and festive music and take part in family-friendly crafts. With sled dog puppies and a plethora of activities for younger guests, the market offers a festive start to the holiday season. 

Throughout the following weeks, guests can enjoy a lineup of holiday traditions and activities across the resort and throughout Girdwood. 

Highlights of Merry Alyeska Include:

• Santa Skis Free Day (Dec. 16): Skiers and riders dressed in full Santa attire or another festive holiday character receive a complimentary lift ticket when they bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

• Santa Visits Alyeska (Dec. 18): Santa and Mrs. Claus make a special arrival by snowcat at Jingle Bell Junction, where families can enjoy photos, crafts and cookie decorating.

• Skate with Santa (Dec. 20): Celebrate the season with complimentary ice skating, hot cocoa and holiday carols at the resort pond, weather permitting.

• Santa Fire Truck Parade in Girdwood (Dec. 23): A Girdwood holiday tradition, Santa makes his annual tour through town aboard a fire truck. Families can track his route live while he makes his way throughout the town.

• Elf Tales & Frosty’s Film Fest (Dec. 23–25): Evening storybook sessions and cozy holiday movies for kids and families.

• Christmas Pageant (Dec. 24): A beloved tradition hosted with the Girdwood Chapel.

• Christmas Day Buffet (Dec. 25): Gather with friends and family in Kahiltna Court for a festive Christmas Day meal featuring holiday favorites at the resort.

• Dog Mushing Adventures (Dec. 26–31): Meet Iditarod mushers and their sled dogs for an authentic Alaska winter experience.

• New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks (Dec. 31): Ring in the new year with Alyeska's annual torchlight parade, as skiers illuminate the mountain in a festive evening procession, followed by a fireworks display.

• New Year's Eve Live at the Sitz (December 31): Continue the celebrations at the Sitzmark with live music from Dizgo and a festive countdown to the New Year.

​

Additional programming includes daily letters to Santa at the concierge desk, live music at the Sitzmark (Dec. 18, 19 and Dec. 26), and other seasonal activities throughout the resort. Event details and schedules are available at https://www.alyeskaresort.com/merry-alyeska/. 

A Holiday Stay at Alyeska

​

For guests looking to make the most of the season, Alyeska Resort offers a collection of holiday accommodations and winter stay packages. Returning this year, Santa’s Stay Experience transforms select rooms and suites into a festive holiday experience, complete with twinkling lights, nostalgic Christmas décor, a decorated tree and views of the surrounding valley, Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Guests will also find a special milk and cookies amenity prepared by Santa’s Alyeska culinary elves. Available November 26, 2026 through January 3, 2027, the package brings a little extra Christmas magic to a winter stay at the resort. 

​

Guests can also take advantage of Alyeska’s Stay & Play package, which includes overnight accommodations in a Signature room or higher, lift tickets for two adults each night of their stay, a $250 food and beverage credit per stay and nightly valet parking for one vehicle. The package is available for stays beginning December 5, 2026, through the end of the 2026/27 ski season. 

​

Winter in the Chugach Mountains

​

The holiday celebrations are just one part of the winter experience at Alyeska, where days on the slopes give way to fireside dining and time to unwind at the Nordic Spa. Guests are on the doorstep of 1,610 skiable acres and 76 trails, including North America's longest double black diamond run. The mountain is also home to a 40-passenger aerial scenic tram with panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains. 

​

Guests can enjoy Alaska’s first-ever Nordic Spa, a beloved après-ski experience. The 50,000 sq. ft. spa features a series of outdoor hot and cold Hydrotherapy pools, massage treatments and wellness offerings. The traditions of Nordic spas provide great health benefits, including soothing sore muscles, creating a stronger immune system, reducing inflammation and releasing endorphins. The experience includes cold water plunges and waterfalls, aromatherapy-infused steam rooms, a Halotherapy Signature sauna, a Finnish sauna, and an exfoliation cabin featuring Alaskan sea salt, all connected by a heated pathway. The resort is also home to eight dining venues, including Seven Glaciers, its AAA Four Diamond Award restaurant, where guests can enjoy elevated dining with views overlooking seven hanging glaciers.

​

For an elevated stay, the exclusive Black Diamond Club offers premium accommodations and a private lounge with views of the surrounding glaciers and mountains. Black Diamond Club guests also have a VIP Ski Valet in the winter and a private host to assist with curating their stay who can arrange daily activities on and off the property. 

​​

Winter rates at Alyeska Resort start at $199 per night, while accommodations in the Black Diamond Club start at $449 per night. For more information on Merry Alyeska, holiday accommodations and winter experiences, visit www.alyeskaresort.com.