Hotel Captain Cook Transforms Anchorage, Alaska Into A Sparkling Holiday Wonderland For Tourists: All You Need To Know

Published on December 2, 2025

When winter has Anchorage, US in its quiet spell, the Hotel Captain Cook becomes a stop for travellers and locals again, the downtown landmark is once more transforming into a merry holiday wonderland. The hotel is completely indulging itself with the season starting from the lobby which is decorated with an extensive display of twinkling lights and a big nutcracker standing at the entrance, thus allowing the visitors to taste a truly magical Christmas in Alaska.

A gingerbread village reborn: tradition meets new creativity

One of the most beloved annual traditions at Hotel Captain Cook is the gingerbread village, a spectacular edible display that has drawn families, holiday-seekers, and photographers for decades.

Though its original creator, famed pastry chef Joe Hickel, retired after 45 years of building the village, the tradition has not vanished. This year, students and staff from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) culinary programme, in collaboration with the hotel’s pastry team, have taken up the mantle.

Titled Christmas Town for 2025, the new display is reportedly twice the size of recent editions, featuring imaginative scenes: Santa’s house, his workshop, a toy shop, and more, all crafted for the holidays.

The makeover not only honours the decades-long legacy of the village but also brings fresh energy, reflecting a blend of professional pastry skill and youthful creativity.

More than sweets, an immersive holiday experience

But the festive allure at Hotel Captain Cook goes beyond gingerbread: the lobby and common areas are bedecked with sparkling Christmas trees, wrapped presents, garlands and lights, creating a warm, inviting holiday ambience. According to the hotel’s official information, the property offers 557 rooms and suites, many with views of the Cook Inlet or the distant Chugach Mountains, a perfect winter stay for visitors wanting both comfort and festive spirit.

The hotel’s seasonal offerings go hand in hand with its regular amenities: five distinct dining venues, athletic clubs, and a central location in downtown Anchorage, walking distance from shopping and cultural hubs.

This makes Hotel Captain Cook a unique choice for travellers seeking a holiday getaway that combines festive cheer with the convenience of a full-service hotel in the heart of the city.

Why this year’s holiday display feels special

• A legacy revived with fresh energy: After the retirement of the longtime pastry chef behind the gingerbread village, many feared the tradition might end. That hasn’t happened, instead, it’s been reborn under new hands. The involvement of UAA students adds a sense of community and mentorship to the festivities.
• Expanded scale and creativity: The Christmas Town theme, with carefully detailed houses and hidden surprises, offers a renewed sense of wonder, ideal for families, photographers and holiday-spirit seekers.
• Accessibility: The display is open to the public in the hotel lobby; visitors don’t need to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the decoration and ambience.
• A perfect winter base: For travellers keen on exploring Anchorage’s natural beauty, cultural sites and winter activities, while returning to holiday warmth and comfort, the hotel delivers both.

For travellers: What to expect and why it matters

If you’re planning a winter trip to Anchorage, the Hotel Captain Cook’s festive transformation is more than décor, it’s a seasonal destination in its own right. Arriving at the hotel feels like stepping into a holiday storybook: the scent of pine or cinnamon-hued polish, soft lighting reflecting off Christmas ornaments, and the whimsical sugar-and-icing village just beyond the lobby entrance.

For families, the gingerbread village offers a mesmerising delight, children’s eyes widening at candy-covered rooftops and miniature toy shops; for solo travellers, it’s a warm contrast to the icy Alaska outdoors; for couples or friends, a cosy base to begin winter adventures in Anchorage.

The hotel’s central location also means that you can pair your stay with nearby excursions, whether it’s a stroll along downtown streets, local shopping or simply enjoying Anchorage’s winter charm by day and returning to festive comfort by night.

A festive tradition worth experiencing

At the end of the day, what makes this holiday push at Hotel Captain Cook truly special is the sense of continuity, of a beloved tradition evolving rather than ending. The gingerbread village, once the realm of one dedicated pastry chef, now blossoms under new hands, infused with youthful creativity and collaborative spirit. The lobby’s lights, the gentle hum of guests enjoying cocoa or conversation, the warm wood interiors, all combine to make the hotel more than just a place to stay: for a few weeks each year, it becomes a festive sanctuary.

If you’re a traveler looking for winter enchantment, luxury, and a glimpse into the local holiday culture of Anchorage, the transformation of Hotel Captain Cook in 2025 is the answer, a holiday full of surprises, coziness, and a great deal of festive spirit in the air.

Image Credit: Hotel Captain Cook