Photos: Holiday lights brighten winter darkness on Alaska's Arctic coast

Strings of lights and Christmas decorations adorn many homes and streets in Utqiaġvik, adding a sparkle to the darkest time of year in this Arctic community.

Utqiaġvik is also widely referred to as Barrow, though its name was officially changed earlier this month, following a city vote in October. As the northernmost city in the U.S., daylight hours are few this time of year. Though the sun doesn't reach the horizon in December, twilight brightens the sky for a few hours at midday.

Around town, Christmas lights lend a soft glow, reflecting on the frost-covered houses, boats and yards.