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)

Previous
Next act for Palin unclear after Alaska House losses
Next
Man arrested in Juneau killing pleads not guilty

More in News

Soldotna City Manager Janette Bower, right, speaks to Soldotna Vice Mayor Lisa Parker during a meeting of the Soldotna City Council in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna tweaks bed tax legislation ahead of Jan. 1 enactment

The council in 2023 adopted a 4% lodging tax for short-term rentals

Member Tom Tougas 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 Industry Working Group holds 1st meeting

The group organized and began to unpack questions about tourism revenue and identity

The Nikiski Pool is photographed at the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area in Nikiski, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion file)
Nikiski man arrested for threats to Nikiski Pool

Similar threats, directed at the pool, were made in voicemails received by the borough mayor’s office, trooper say

A sign welcomes visitors on July 7, 2021, in Seward, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward council delays decision on chamber funding until January work session

The chamber provides destination marketing services for the city and visitor center services and economic development support

A table used by parties to a case sits empty in Courtroom 4 of the Kenai Courthouse in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Crane sentenced again to 30 years in prison after failed appeal to 3-judge panel

That sentence resembles the previous sentence announced by the State Department of Law in July

Kenai City Manager Paul Ostrander sits inside Kenai City Hall on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion file)
Ostrander named to Rasmuson board

The former Kenai city manager is filling a seat vacated by former Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre

Joe Gilman is named Person of the Year during the 65th Annual Soldotna Chamber Awards Celebration at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Wednesday. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Gilman, PCHS take top honors at 65th Soldotna Chamber Awards

A dozen awards were presented during the ceremony in the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex conference rooms

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Troopers respond to car partially submerged in Kenai River

Troopers were called to report a man walking on the Sterling Highway and “wandering into traffic”

Seward City Hall is seen under cloudy skies in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Seward council approves 2025 and 2026 budget

The move comes after a series of public hearings

Most Read