Annual “Christmas in the Park” returns with a dazzle

Annual “Christmas in the Park” returns with a dazzle

(This article has been updated to correct details about the sponsorship of this event).

Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend in Soldotna.

The annual “Christmas in the Park” tradition is returning for another year, and with an improved twist.

The event begins Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Soldotna Creek Park, and according to events and programs director Andrew Heuiser, the official lighting of the Christmas tree near the end of the evening will see a new, live spruce come to life.

Put on by the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce, the former metallic structure that served as the official community Christmas tree was used for years and sponsored by Conoco Phillips, but Heuiser said after Conoco gifted the use of the artificial tree over to the chamber, the laborious task of moving the structure into the downtown Soldotna park from Conoco’s plant in north Kenai forced the city to change things up.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“It’s a huge metal tree and it takes a lot to move it,” Heuiser said. “It needs a special permit, it needs a special vehicle to escort it down. It was pretty hard and dangerous to move it. It was kind of the perfect time to bring in (the new tree).”

Conoco Phillips will continue to be a diamond-level sponsor of the ceremony as part of the chamber’s community partner’s program.

Taking the place of the longtime artificial tree is a fresh, live spruce that Heuiser said should liven up the atmosphere. The new tree, according to assistant parks and recreation director Joel Todd, is a 20-foot tall spruce tree that was hauled in from the land around the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex, where it had been growing.

All that’s left to do is for jolly old Saint Nicholas to flip the switch and turn on the lights, which were provided by Alaskan Seamless Gutters. Heuiser said families will be able to have their photo taken with Santa afterward.

The evening will begin with Christmas caroling by both the Kenai Central High School choir and the Soldotna High swing choir. Later, Santa Claus will make his entrance riding a fire truck provided by Central Emergency Services.

Hot cocoa, provided by Kaladi Bros, and cookies provided by Safeway will be supplied throughout the evening.

Heuiser said with years of experience of staging Christmas in the Park, the event is expected to be the top of the line in entertainment. Depending on weather and other local entertainment, Heuiser said he has seen between 100 and 600 people in attendance in past years.

“It’ll be a pretty short evening but a really fun evening,” Heuiser said.

A new, live spruce tree awaits Saturday’s tree-lighting ceremony at the “Christmas in the Park” event at Soldotna Creek Park. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

A new, live spruce tree awaits Saturday’s tree-lighting ceremony at the “Christmas in the Park” event at Soldotna Creek Park. (Photo by Joey Klecka/Peninsula Clarion)

More in News

Member Tom Tougas, far right, speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Tourism Industry Working Group in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Tourism working group rejects bed tax, recommends seasonal sales tax adjustment

The document includes a section that says the borough could alternatively leave its tax structure exactly as it is.

The rescued sea otter pup looks at the camera in this undated picture, provided by the Alaska SeaLife Center. (Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center)
Stranded otter pup rescued from Homer beach

She is estimated to be around 2 months old and was found alone by concerned beach walkers.

Kenai Peninsula College Director Cheryl Siemers speaks to graduates during the 55th commencement ceremony at Kachemak Bay Campus on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Kenai Peninsula College leadership sees temporary transitions

KPC Director Cheryl Siemers is serving as interim UAA chancellor, while former KBC director Reid Brewer fills in her role.

Ash-Lee Waddell (center) of Homer is one of six recipients of the 2025 First Lady’s Volunteer Award at the Governor’s Residence in Juneau, Alaska, on May 13, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor
First lady honors Alaska volunteers

Volunteers from Homer and Nikiski were recognized.

The front of the Kenai Police Department as seen on Dec. 10, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Update: Middle schooler reported missing found after 24-hour search

The student was seen leaving Kenai Middle School at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The Oceania Riviera stands out against a bluebird sky at the Homer Harbor on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Over 1200 passengers from aboard the boat explored Homer throughout the beautiful day. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Homer tourism season kicks off with arrival of cruise ships

The first cruise ship of the season arrived April 28 with 930 passengers.

tease
‘Tomorrow — remember you are still a learner’

Kachemak Bay Campus graduated 49 students during its 55th annual commencement hosted on May 7.

Mt. Redoubt rises above Cook Inlet and the Anchor River drainage as fireweed is in bloom, as seen from Diamond Ridge Road on Friday, July 22, 2022, near Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Native plants provide lifeline for local songbirds

Shorebird Festival talk highlights importance of native plants.

Sterling Elementary School students collect trash from the banks of the Kenai River near Bing’s Landing in Sterling, Alaska, during the 10th Annual Kenai River Spring Cleanup on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Cleaning up the mess that’s left behind

Students from six local schools combed for litter during the 10th Annual Kenai River Spring Cleanup.

Most Read