15 Things to Do in Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska
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In the heart of winter, Fairbanks is a quiet hush of snow-draped forests, and the town twinkles with the soft glimmer of ice crystals in the air. It’s magical!
Living through seven winters in Fairbanks has left me with a trove of unforgettable memories! It was like stepping into a living snow globe each season.
It’s also the darkest time of year so as a local, we had to get creative with ideas for things to do and stay active to survive those long winters!
If you’re looking for the best things to do in winter in Fairbanks you have come to the right place! From the steamy Chena Hot Springs to the best local breweries that’ll warm you right up, I’ve got your back.
I’ll point you to the places where the winter season warmth happens and where the northern lights are almost a nightly show. In this blog post, there are ideas for you on where to chill, sip, and revel in the best of this northern town.
Visiting Fairbanks, Alaska in the Winter
Your experience when enjoying a winter visit to Fairbanks, Alaska will vary widely depending on what month you are there.
The amount of daylight varies dramatically depending on the month – from the short, dusky days of December to the lengthening light of March. This shifting light plays a big role in shaping your experience.
One thing is certain – Fairbanks in the winter is unlike any other place. Considering the mix of local culture, landscape, and the unique character of this northern town, it’s an experience that’s hard to replicate.
Our community of friends always had a way of embracing the cold, turning what could be a challenging season into a time of celebration and adventure.
However, October and November can also experience warm-ups which were not as common in the past. Weather is entirely unpredictable now with climate change.
Plan for the extreme cold and be prepared for anything. Winter weather in Fairbanks can throw a curveball, turning roads and sidewalks into slippery hazards. Good traction footwear and cautious driving are essential.
Looking for a guided day in Fairbanks? Consider booking an Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour with an informative guide. You’ll even get to see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline!
Things to do in Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska
Let’s dive into the outdoor winter activities that make Fairbanks unforgettable. Bundle up and enjoy the magic!
1. Northern Lights Tours
You’re likely visiting in the winter to catch the Northern Lights! It’s one of the most exciting things to see and if luck is on your side, you won’t ever forget seeing them for the first time.
So let’s get you set up with an excellent Northern Lights Tour in Fairbanks so your bucket list experience can be realized. Local tour guides know where to drive for the best chance to see the aurora borealis, away from the light pollution in town. Some will have a warm-up hut or even dinner as a part of the tour.
For an extreme Northern Lights viewing idea check out the Arctic Circle tours from Fairbanks but be sure to set aside one entire long day for this experience.
2. Reindeer Walk
Yes, this is actually a thing! And you can go to Running Reindeer Ranch to do it! It’s not every day you get to walk with reindeer, and doing so in the serene, frosty environment of Fairbanks adds an extra layer of magic to the experience.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to enjoy the outdoors, this reindeer walk is a must-try. If you have kids, this experience is a no-brainer!
3. Snowmobile Tours
Snowmobiling in the wintery landscape is a blast! We used to go to our local bar, Ivory Jacks, for dinner and a drink, from our home on Murphy Dome and it was SO much fun because we were able to avoid roads and explore epic forest trails surrounded by snow.
To be honest, I have not taken a snowmobiling tour, since we always had our own to ride, but they are offered by several outfitters in the area. Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service is a reliable and popular choice. They even outfit you with warm gear and a helmet.
4. Ice Sculpture Fun
Some of my fondest winter memories of downtown Fairbanks in the winter are of the World Ice Art Championships display. It’s an illuminated festive park of ice sculptures carved from huge blocks of ice that is open to the public.
This is such an incredible exhibit to enjoy. It is newly located at The Tanana Valley Fairgrounds for 2024. The event takes place between mid-February and the end of March each year. Tickets are needed for entry.
5. Ice Fishing
Are you a die-hard angler or a family looking for an exciting adventure? Heading out for ice fishing in Fairbanks is the real deal. It’s peaceful, a bit chilly, and totally worth it when someone feels that first bite and reels one in!
Check out some of the ice fishing experience options led by locals in the area. You’ll get a heated cabin and a cookout with your catch! This is your best bet for the coolest experience.
6. Chena Hot Springs Resort
Heading to a natural hot spring to warm up and get a change of scenery is a unique experience! The drive to Chena Hot Springs Resort alone is beautiful and it’s common to see moose.
Once you arrive you can enjoy the outdoor natural pools while ice crystals form on your eyelashes and hair from the extremely cold air around you. Warm up, if needed, in the indoor pool.
There’s a restaurant and the Aurora Ice Museum on the premises too. My husband and I had appletinis served in ice glasses here at the ice bar in the museum – while I am not typically one to order this drink I have to admit, it was pretty special!
Never mind my silver puffy coat in the photo above that makes me look like the “Michelin Man”, I was at least warm at the ice bar.
7. Dog Sledding
If there is one invigorating and authentic winter experience to plan for it’s a dog sledding tour in Fairbanks. This activity is for you if you are an animal lover! Alaskan huskies will warm your heart and make you laugh.
They live for running and pulling and their howls fueled by this excitement will remain imprinted in your mind long after your tour. Get out for a taste of dog mushing in the brisk air!
Not up for riding in the sled yourself? Watch a sprint race! The Open North American Championships takes place downtown in Fairbanks in March and it is the longest continuously run sled dog race in the world. We used to go as observers and support our mushing friends – it’s a very fun cultural experience!
You’ll find all sorts of interesting things to check out downtown during the race such as the Alaska Trapper’s Association fur auction. It’s authentic with a class auctioneer on the mic!
Another option is to catch either the start or the finish of the Yukon Quest race (the start and finish locations alternate year to year) in downtown Fairbanks in early February! This is an epic scene with so many sled dogs and one that my husband and I enjoyed several times together.
8. Cross Country Skiing
Fairbanks is home to world-class Nordic skiing opportunities. You can get a ski rental set up from Beaver Sports. Birch Hill Recreation Area (maintained by the Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks), the University of Alaska, and Creamer’s Field all have excellent trails.
Skiing through these stunning landscapes gives you the perfect blend of physical activity and winter wonderland during your visit! Bundle up, it can be VERY cold when the temps drop below 0º F. Wool baselayers and down coats are your friends.
9. Fairbanks Ice Dogs Hockey Games
When I lived in Fairbanks my husband was sure to take me to at least one ice hockey game and it felt like a right of passage. Hockey games in Fairbanks are a whole vibe. These are community events where everyone comes together.
The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are a Tier II junior team, playing at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, drawing fans to this 2,200-seat venue for some top-notch hockey action. I think this is a must-do for sports buffs who want a taste of local Fairbanks spirit.
10. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor’s Center
The Morris Thompson Cultural Center is a wonderful place to explore plus it has an excellent gift shop! I have been many times, especially after my daughter was born because there is so much to see and enjoy.
It’s packed with things to see, including stunning, lifelike dioramas and films that beautifully capture Alaska’s stories, wildlife, and traditions. It’s a great spot for families or anyone interested in local culture.
11. University of Alaska Museum of the North
A visit to Fairbanks isn’t complete without heading to the Museum of the North. One of my favorite places to sit inside is “The Place Where You Go to Listen” – a long-term sound and light installation by John Luther Adams.
The Rose Berry Alaska Art Gallery is also a standout, with Alaskan art, from ancient Eskimo ivory carvings to modern pieces.
The Gallery of Alaska groups exhibits by ecological and cultural regions, featuring Alaska’s largest gold display, extensive Alaska Native art, and even a restored Ice Age steppe bison mummy! There is also a lovely gift shop here to shop at.
12. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a must-see for vintage car and fashion enthusiasts! It shares a fun journey through automotive history with its collection of operable vintage cars and period fashions.
Visitors can check out the evolution of cars from the Victorian era to the Art Deco period. Get ready because you may end up spending hours marveling at these beautifully preserved cars of the past!
13. Santa Claus House
While I admit this is not for everyone, it is an iconic landmark in nearby North Pole, Alaska, just outside of Fairbanks! If you love Christmas, have kids, or dig popular roadside attractions, then head to the Santa Claus House. Who gets to say they have been to “the North Pole”?
This is a place where it’s Christmas every day, and it doesn’t close down seasonally. Santa can be seen year-round and the festive atmosphere doesn’t stop. For twenty years, the Santa Claus House was even the town’s official post office!
14. Local Breweries & Distillery
During the time I lived in Fairbanks Silver Gulch was THE place to go. I still highly recommend it (their beer is outstanding) but now there are several other options for enjoying local spirits.
Silver Gulch is the Northernmost brewery in North America! The accompanying casual American restaurant and pub serves up tasty dishes. It’s a place where you can savor the local flavors in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Hoarfrost Distilling in Fairbanks stands out with its unique vodka cocktails and infusions, like Earl Grey and Alaskan Spruce Tip. Their tasting room offers a cozy spot to enjoy creative drinks, including the popular Alpenglow and Rhubarb Pie.
With a selection of handcrafted vodkas available for purchase, it’s a must-visit for those looking to experience Fairbanks’ local spirits scene.
Here are a few more ideas:
- HooDoo Brewing Company: HooDoo is another local favorite with a great selection of beers, including ales and lagers.
- Black Spruce Brewing Company: The brewery offers a variety of unique and flavorful beers plus they have cider!
- Lat 65 Brewing Co.: Lat 65 is another excellent choice with high-quality brews and ciders.
- Ursa Major Distilling: Fairbanks’ first distillery, Ursa Major, serves crafted cocktails and small-batch spirits in a unique, family-run setting.
15. Chatanika Lodge
The Chatanika Lodge in Fairbanks is a very cool Alaskan restaurant and lodge where the locals also hang out for the atmosphere.
I won’t spoil the surprise of the renowned decor inside – that’s something you’ve got to see for yourself! It’s nestled right next to the Chatanika Gold Dredge, so trying the Dredge Burger is a must.
One memorable year, we rang in the New Year at the lodge. We enjoyed dinner and stayed for the bonfire and fireworks. It was an absolute blast. You can stay at the lodge overnight for the full experience.
So that’s a fun option if you are in the area around the holidays! The lodge is open Thursdays through Sundays in the winter.
Wrapping Up Fairbanks, Alaska Winter
And there you have it – a little peek into what winter days are like up here in Fairbanks. It’s a special kind of place, especially when the snow starts falling and doesn’t melt!
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or just cozying up with a hot drink after a day out in the cold, this town is truly magical. You’re in for a treat, but remember to bundle up for winter conditions and keep an open mind – Fairbanks has a way of surprising you.
I can’t wait to hear about your adventures here! Drop your winter trip experiences or questions in the comments below!
