Fireworks explode over the City of Kenai during Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Fireworks explode over the City of Kenai during Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Parade, bonfire and fireworks ring in the Christmas season

Christmas comes to Kenai

The annual Christmas Comes to Kenai event brought hundreds to a parade of lights, bonfire and firework show on Friday, despite below freezing temperatures. On a night of festivities, kids met Santa, free cookies and cocoa were distributed, and the community huddled around the fire for warmth. Following the firework finale, a cacophony of cheers, applause, and honking horns rang in the start of the Christmas season.

Santa Claus rides Kenai Fire Department’s Tower 1 in the parade during Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus rides Kenai Fire Department’s Tower 1 in the parade during Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the Electric Light Parade, part of Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus waves to the crowd during the Electric Light Parade, part of Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus is seen with a child at Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Santa Claus is seen with a child at Christmas Comes to Kenai festivities at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center in Kenai, Alaska on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

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