The Joys of Being in Homer for the Holidays
As the holiday season settles over our beloved Hamlet by the Bay, there’s a special magic in Homer that makes this time of year unforgettable. Whether it’s the beauty of snow-covered trails or the warmth of family traditions, the holidays here are a time to celebrate togetherness, community, and the joys of home.
The Comfort of Home and Cherished Traditions
For many, the holidays are about the simple joys that happen at home. It’s baking cookies in a warm kitchen, the smell of fresh spruce from a handpicked tree, and curling up with a good book or listening to a favorite holiday album.
Local author Rich Chiappone’s newest book, Uncommon Weather: Alaska Stories, is available at the Homer Bookstore and perfect for evening fireside reading. Of course, our very own Chris Story has a couple of exciting and suspenseful Mann novels that will bring a thrill to any quiet evening by the light of the Christmas tree. And what could be more festive than Jewel’s Joy: A Holiday Collection, filling your home with music that celebrates the season?
Winter Adventures in Homer
Of course, the magic of Homer’s holidays isn’t confined indoors. Get up on the hillside and hit the snow-covered trails, offering endless opportunities for adventure.
Take your cross-country skis or snowshoes to the trails lovingly maintained by the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club (you’ll want to become a member).
For a fun afternoon, head up to Ohlson Mountain for sledding or downhill skiing on the rope tow.
Or enjoy the timeless charm of ice skating on Beluga Lake, complete with a thermos of hot cocoa to keep you warm.
These outdoor moments remind us how lucky we are to live in a place where winter’s beauty surrounds us.
Celebrating Together as a Community
Homer’s holiday spirit shines brightest in its community traditions. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Homer Chamber of Commerce brings families together to kick off the season with lights, hot cocoa and community gathering. There is always a special appearance from Santa and Mrs Clause as well as the Homer Volunteer Fire Department with a decked out fire truck for the kids to view up close and in person with one or two of our fire fighters.
Another cherished tradition is the Share the Spirit program, which touches the lives of so many. Whether it’s volunteering at the annual spaghetti feed fundraiser or picking an ornament from a gift tree in local shops, these moments teach us the true meaning of giving. Over the years, I’ve loved taking my children—and now my grandchildren—to choose an ornament, shop for the gift, and place it under the tree to bring joy to a family in need.
And what holiday season would be complete without a showing of the Nutcracker Ballet? Homer is known for putting on a phenomenal Nutcracker experience, to rival any metropolitan show. This year will be their 36th year performing for the Homer community!
Creating New Traditions
The holidays are also a time to create traditions that feel uniquely yours. In Homer, the possibilities are endless:
Host a beach bonfire to celebrate the winter solstice with family and friends.
Go Christmas caroling around the neighborhood or deliver handmade ornaments crafted from local driftwood, shells, and beach rocks.
Spread kindness by baking cookies to share with elderly neighbors or shoveling their walkways after a fresh snowfall.
These simple acts of love and creativity make the holidays even more meaningful.
Our Family’s Favorite Traditions
For my family, the holidays are a time to reconnect and enjoy the beauty of this season together. Some of our most favorite traditions are the simplest:
Evening drives through Homer’s neighborhoods to admire the festive lights while sipping hot cocoa from a favorite thermal cup.
Dining out at a fun local restaurant for a special holiday meal.
Baking sourdough bread to give as gifts to friends and neighbors with my favorite holiday music playing in the background.
Chris crafting special pottery gifts with our grand-girl that they love to gift to family and friends.
Snowshoeing together on a quiet, snowy afternoon.
Christmas cookie baking with my adult daughters, for fun-filled girl time with a holiday drink or two ;).
Decorating sugar cookies with the kids, typically combined with the following…..
Hosting a holiday movie night where we gather to watch a fun classic like Elf or The Grinch (or my personal favorite, Miracle on 34th St.) the kids on pillows on the floor around the Christmas tree.
These simple moments remind us why the holidays are such a special time.
Embracing the Joys of Homer for the Holidays
As the season unfolds, take a moment to embrace all the unique joys that Homer has to offer. Whether it’s ice skating on Beluga Lake, a stroll through the Garden of Lights at the Bear Creek Winery, or simply cherishing quiet moments at home, the holidays in Homer are truly magical.
What are your favorite holiday traditions in Homer? We’d love to hear how you and your loved ones celebrate this special time of year.
From our family to yours, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and the joy of home.
~ Tiffanie Story