Colony Christmas 2026

*****APPLICATION IS OPEN FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS ONLY******

This application is for craft vendors and pre-made food vendors operating under Alaska's Cottage Food Law. Craft vendors include those selling handmade or personally created products such as clothing, jewelry, artwork, home décor, furniture, and other handcrafted consumer goods.

Pre-made food vendors include those selling food products they have personally prepared or processed in accordance with Alaska's Cottage Food Law, such as baked goods, breads, cookies, candies, jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, seasonings, dried herbs, and other eligible packaged food items. Vendors are responsible for complying with all applicable State of Alaska Cottage Food requirements, including labeling and any required documentation.

This application is NOT FOR FOOD TRUCKS, vendors preparing or serving food on-site. Those vendors must complete the appropriate Food Truck Vendor application.

Vendor Types
Applications are accepted for:

• Holiday Artisan & Craft Vendors – Handmade or handcrafted products, including clothing, jewelry, artwork, home décor, furniture, gifts, and other handcrafted consumer goods.
• Food Trucks – Food truck vendors must complete the Food Vendor Application.

Holiday Vendor Requirements
To participate as a Holiday Artisan Vendor:

• Products must include a significant handcrafted component.
• The handcrafted portion must be the primary element of the finished product. Commercially produced items must be substantially transformed into an original, unique product.
• Vendors must maintain current State of Alaska and City of Palmer business licenses.
• Vendors must carry $1 million in general liability insurance and $2 million aggregate coverage, naming the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce as an Additional Insured.

Booth Information

Booth Sizes

Train Depot

• One 9' x 6' booth
• Limited to one booth per vendor

Borough Gym

• 10' x 10' booths
• Maximum of two booths per vendor

Booth assignments are made by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce. Vendors will receive their assigned location and setup instructions at least four weeks before the event. Final assignments will also be available through your Eventeny account.

Booth locations may change if necessary.

Booth Policies

• GPCC members receive priority access beginning July 14.
• Members also receive booth location preference and limited product exclusivity.
• Booth sharing is allowed only with prior GPCC approval. Each vendor must submit a separate application and all required documentation.
• Booth subletting is strictly prohibited.
• Vendors operating without an approved application or required licenses will be required to leave immediately and may be prohibited from participating in future GPCC events.

Vendor Fees & Payment

• Holiday Vendor Booth: $300
• All booth fees must be paid in full by November 1.
• Once your application has been approved, your booth fee will be invoiced or charged to the card on file.
• Booth space is not reserved until payment has been received.
• Vendor fees are non-refundable.
• Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting the City of Palmer 4% sales tax.

Products & Sales
Non-member vendors acknowledge there is no guarantee of product exclusivity and are responsible for ensuring their products remain competitive in price, quality, and selection.

The following items may not be displayed or sold:

• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Air guns or BB guns
• Violent, dangerous, or lethal martial arts weapons
• Lewd, erotic, or pornographic materials
• Any other prohibited or illegal merchandise

Setup & Breakdown
Vendor spaces will be marked and identified by booth number. All displays, merchandise, and equipment must remain completely within the assigned booth space.

Vendors are responsible for:

• Unloading and moving vehicles before completing booth setup.
• Being fully set up by 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12.
• Removing all decorations, tape, and trash at the conclusion of the event.
• Leaving the booth space clean.

Additional information:

• No storage is available outside your assigned booth.
• Children are welcome but must remain within your booth space.
• Food trucks will be provided adequate space for their truck or trailer.
• Vendors may not begin dismantling booths before 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Equipment & Facility Information
The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce does not guarantee electricity, Wi-Fi, or network connectivity.

Please note:

• Limited electrical outlets are available in the Train Depot on a first-request basis.
• One connection per outlet box is permitted to avoid overloading circuits.
• Vendors should test mobile hotspots before the event if internet access is needed.
• No decorations are provided.
• Nails and staples are prohibited.
• Tape and other materials must be removed during teardown.
• Tables and chairs may be available in limited quantities and must be requested at least two weeks before the event. Additional fees may apply.

Vendor restrooms are available in the Depot Manager's Office area. This space is reserved for staff and vendors only and may not be used for storage, gathering or a "hang-out" space for children.

Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are prohibited inside all event buildings

Parking

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is working to secure a designated parking area for vendors during Colony Christmas.

If a vendor parking lot is available, parking instructions and a map will be provided prior to the event. If a designated lot cannot be secured, vendors may park on public streets in accordance with the City of Palmer Municipal Code.

Please note that Alaska Street will close during the late afternoon on Saturday, December 13, in preparation for the Parade of Lights. Vendors should plan accordingly.

Marketing & Promotion
The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce promotes Colony Christmas through radio, print, social media, and other marketing channels. The Holiday Arts & Craft Fair will be featured as part of the overall event promotion.

Vendor listings will be published on the Chamber website at www.palmerchamber.org/colonychristmas at least three months before the event.

Vendors are encouraged to:

• Include a website or social media link in their application.
• Submit promotional photos of their products for marketing use.
• Share Chamber promotional materials on their own social media.

Additional marketing policies:

• GPCC will create the official Colony Christmas Facebook Event.
• Vendors should not create separate Colony Christmas Facebook events.
• The Colony Christmas logo may be used alongside your business logo but may not replace it.
• Marketing updates or listing changes must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 1.

This application is for food trucks, trailers, and vendors using cooking equipment, such as charcoal or propane grills, wood-fired or propane ovens, and deep fryers.

This application is not for craft vendors, pre-made foods, non-profits or other commercial businesses.

Vendor Types
Applications are accepted for:

Holiday Artisan & Craft Vendors – Handmade or handcrafted products, including clothing, jewelry, artwork, home décor, furniture, gifts, and other handcrafted consumer goods.
Food Trucks – Food truck vendors must complete the Food Vendor Application.

Holiday Vendor Requirements
To participate as a Holiday Artisan Vendor:

• Vendors must maintain current State of Alaska and City of Palmer business licenses.
• Vendors must carry $1 million in general liability insurance and $2 million aggregate coverage, naming the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce as an Additional Insured.

Space/Location Information

Food Trucks will be located either at the Train depot or the Borough Gym

Location assignments are made by the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce. Vendors will receive their assigned location and setup instructions at least four weeks before the event. Final assignments will also be available through your Eventeny account.

Booth locations may change if necessary.

Booth Policies

GPCC members receive priority access beginning July 14.
Members also receive booth location preference and limited product exclusivity.
Booth subletting is strictly prohibited.
Vendors operating without an approved application or required licenses will be required to leave immediately and may be prohibited from participating in future GPCC events.

Vendor Fees & Payment

Holiday Vendor Booth: $150 (per day)
All booth fees must be paid in full by November 1.
Once your application has been approved, your booth fee will be invoiced or charged to the card on file.
Booth space is not reserved until payment has been received.
Vendor fees are non-refundable.
Vendors are responsible for collecting and remitting the City of Palmer 4% sales tax.

Products & Sales
Non-member vendors acknowledge there is no guarantee of product exclusivity and are responsible for ensuring their products remain competitive in price, quality, and selection.

The following items may not be displayed or sold:

• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Air guns or BB guns
• Violent, dangerous, or lethal martial arts weapons
• Lewd, erotic, or pornographic materials
• Any other prohibited or illegal merchandise

Parking

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is working to secure a designated parking area for vendors during Colony Christmas.

If a vendor parking lot is available, parking instructions and a map will be provided prior to the event. If a designated lot cannot be secured, vendors may park on public streets in accordance with the City of Palmer Municipal Code.

Please note that Alaska Street will close during the late afternoon on Saturday, December 13, in preparation for the Parade of Lights. Vendors should plan accordingly.

Marketing & Promotion
The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce promotes Colony Christmas through radio, print, social media, and other marketing channels. The Holiday Arts & Craft Fair will be featured as part of the overall event promotion.

Vendor listings will be published on the Chamber website at www.palmerchamber.org/colonychristmas at least three months before the event.

Vendors are encouraged to:

• Include a website or social media link in their application.
• Submit promotional photos of their products for marketing use.
• Share Chamber promotional materials on their own social media.

Additional marketing policies:

• GPCC will create the official Colony Christmas Facebook Event.
• Vendors should not create separate Colony Christmas Facebook events.
• The Colony Christmas logo may be used alongside your business logo but may not replace it.
• Marketing updates or listing changes must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 1.

PLEASE READ BEFORE COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION

NON-PROFIT (CHAMBER MEMBERS ONLY)

Non-Profits that are not members should use the Craft Vendor applicaiton to apply for Colony Chritmas 2026

We’re pleased to partner with Palmer Chamber member non-profit organizations that support and strengthen our community.

To participate, non-profits must provide:

• A copy of your Tax-Exempt Status Letter
• City of Palmer Business License
• State of Alaska Business License
• Non-profit vendors are required to participate for all THREE DAYS of the event. 

Electricity is not provided. Booth spaces are subject to change.

Arrival and setup information will be sent approximately four weeks prior to the event.

Non-Profit Member:

·         Must be a current GPCC member in good standing (dues paid for the current year)

·         Organization must hold 501 (c)(3) or other nonprofit status.

BOOTH & INVOICING INFORMATION

·         Booth Dimensions: Borough Grym 10' X 10' - limited to one space

·         Members will be notified a minimum of 4 weeks before the event, with their assigned location and set-up time. – Please check your Eventeny account for your final booth space

·         Subletting booth space is not permitted.

·         If a Vendor is found to not have an approved application or proper licenses. Vendor will be asked to remove all personal belongings and vacate the premises immediately. 

VENDOR FEES

·         Nonprofit booth fee: $150 (50% off regular price)

OPERATIONS

·         Booths must remain staffed during all posted event hours (including Sunday)

·         Materials and activities must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages

SET-UP & TEAR DOWN

·         10'W X 10'D in the Borough Gym

·         Member spaces will be marked out with blue painter’s tape and labeled with space number. Vendors must make sure products and displays do not extend into the next space.

·         Members set up will be from 8am-11am. Members are required to fully unload/load vehicle(s) in/out of the booth space and then park the vehicle(s) before returning to setup/breakdown booth space.

·         Members are required to be fully set up by 10:30am, Friday December 11th.

·         You are welcome to bring your children.  However, they must remain in your booth space.

·         No decorations will be provided.

·         Nails and staples are prohibited in all venues. No exceptions. Tape and other trash must be removed by the Member

·         Members are not permitted to begin tearing down their booth before 4pm on Sunday.

·         After dismantling, you are responsible for leaving your booth space clean. Please dispose of all your trash in appropriate trash receptacles.

FACILITY INFORMATION

·         Electricity and network connectivity are not guaranteed. Outlets are available on a limited basis. Outlets are limited to one connection per box to prevent overloading a circuit. Outlets are not guaranteed to work. Venues do not have Wi-Fi and the GPCC recommends Members test mobile hotspots at these venues prior to event set up.

·         No smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping, etc. is not permitted inside the building. Please use designated smoking areas.

PARKING

The Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce is working to secure a designated parking area for vendors during Colony Christmas.

If a vendor parking lot is available, parking instructions and a map will be provided prior to the event. If a designated lot cannot be secured, vendors may park on public streets in accordance with the City of Palmer Municipal Code.

Please note that Alaska Street will close during the late afternoon on Saturday, December 13, in preparation for the Parade of Lights. Vendors should plan accordingly.

ADVERTISING AGREEMENT

·         The GPCC will place advertisements for Colony Christmas with local radio stations, social media, and print media. The Arts & Craft Fair will be highlighted as a featured event. Additionally, full Vendor listings will be made available on the GPCC website at www.palmerchamber.org/colonychristmas at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

·         Vendors may provide a website URL or social media handle in their application so their listing can be linked to the Vendor’s own website/handle. If no website or social media handle is provided, a static listing will be posted.

·        Feel free to send promotional photos of your items for use in our advertising campaigns.

·        GPCC will create a Facebook Event by September 1,2025

·        Please do not create a separate Colony Christmas event.

·        The Colony Christmas logo may be used in addition to, but not in place of, the Vendor’s logo in promotional content.

·         The deadline for Marketing adjustments is November 1 at 5pm.

Join the 3rd Annual Colony Christmas Battle of the Beverages!
Compete with your best drink for bragging rights and community votes. The contest runs December 4th - 13th, 2026, with winners announced December 14, 2026. Register by Nov 20, 2026 to secure your spot!

This year, there are two categories — Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic. That means two winners and two trophies!

Please include a photo of the drink you’ll be entering. Photos will be used on social media, so make sure they’re clear, well-lit, and ready for posting.

Once your application is approved, we’ll begin promoting your drink across all our channels — Palmer Chamber, Colony Christmas facebook/instragram, radio, and television.