There is simply no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a visit to Colony Christmas in downtown Palmer. The entire community comes together to make it one of the most memorable weekends on the calendar.

From a parade of lights and fireworks to outdoor events and Santa Claus, Colony Christmas is a family-friendly holiday celebration that has something for everyone. A majority of the events take place within walking distance of downtown. Even Scrooge would have a hard time not being festive in Palmer this weekend with all the holiday cheer. You'll find festive lights, decorated trees, gingerbread house displays, and even Santa Claus himself. Around every corner in Palmer, there's a holiday event taking place during the Colony Christmas weekend.

An arts and crafts fair takes place all three days in the Palmer Depot, and on Saturday and Sunday in the Mat-Su Borough gym and Mat-Su Senior Services. Bad Girls of the North also has a boutique craft show at Hamilton Farm on Inner Springer Loop to cover all your shopping needs. Kid's games, live reindeer, and even a "Running of the Beers" 5K are on the schedule. 

The biggest event, however, starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, as the Parade of Lights makes its way through town, with floats appropriately decorated with holiday lights. Right at 5 p.m., the lighting of the Palmer Water Tower takes place as well. Grab a hot cocoa or a coffee and get there early to get a great seat - but don't leave when the last float passes, because 15 minutes after the end of the parade, an amazing fireworks display lights up the sky.

Events continue on Sunday. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce's web site HERE.

Make sure you come on down to Palmer December 8-10. Check out some of the fun from the past: