Visiting Alaska in December, Written By an Expert (2026)
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If you have ever wondered what the allure of Alaska in December is, I have some fun info for you!
I spent seven years living in Fairbanks, Alaska, where it is very dark and cold in the depths of winter. Experiencing December, there really is like living in a different realm.
When I tell people I lived in the interior of Alaska, they often question me with confusion on their faces: “Isn’t it dark there for half the year?” Well, no, but the month of December is more in line with that statement, and it’s a long month spent in the dark!
So you have to bundle up and get outside midday to take in all the light you can! The sun barely peeks over the horizon in the interior of the state and is basically on sabbatical. But, in its place, you get to see other magic, unique to this time of year.
Visiting Alaska in December
This isn’t your average winter getaway—it’s a leap into another world. If it intrigues you to skip the crowded Florida beaches and flock to a state where a winter reigns, you’re going to have a trip to remember!
There are Northern Lights, frosty landscapes that sparkle, cozy restaurants to warm up in, epic skiing and so much more. It will be a vacation like no other. It’s hard to describe without having experienced it yourself.
There’s a certain Alaskan culture that you may witness as well. People engage more deeply with indoor hobbies—like reading, crafting, and cooking elaborate meals—both out of necessity and tradition.
While the world outside might be cloaked in darkness and snow, community centers, local pubs, and neighbors’ homes become hives of activity. It’s a time when the practice of “checking in” on each other becomes more than courteous; it’s essential.
So if you are an adventurous soul who is a fan of unique travel, December is for you!
Weather and Daylight in Alaska in December
Since Alaska is gigantic I am going to discuss a couple of different areas of the state since weather and daylight vary depending on the location. People typically visit Anchorage and Fairbanks in the winter so I will give details for both.
FAIRBANKS: In Fairbanks, December is characterized by extremely limited daylight hours. On the Winter Solstice around December 21, the city experiences just about 3 to 4 hours of faint daylight. Sunrise can be as late as 11:00 AM, and sunset can occur as early as 2:30 PM.
- The average high temperature in Fairbanks in December hovers around -5°F to 5°F (-21°C to -15°C), while the average low can plunge to between -20°F and -10°F (-29°C to -23°C). These temperatures can vary, and extreme cold snaps are not uncommon. It’s essential to be prepared for sub-zero conditions, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities. The extreme cold can be shocking!
ANCHORAGE: In Anchorage, December days are notably short. The sun rises around 10:00 AM and sets by about 3:30 PM, giving the city roughly 5 to 6 hours of daylight.
- In Anchorage, the average high temperature in December hovers around 25°F (-4°C), while the average low sinks to about 14°F (-10°C). These temperatures can fluctuate, of course, and it’s always wise to check the weather forecast before your trip.
Average Temperatures in December
| Location | Average High (°F) | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°F) | Average Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | 25 | -4 | 14 | -10 |
| Fairbanks | 1 | -17 | -17 | -27 |
| Juneau | 33 | 1 | 24 | -4 |
| Ketchikan | 42 | 6 | 33 | 1 |
| Nome | 13 | -11 | 3 | -16 |
| Barrow | -5 | -21 | -15 | -26 |
How to Dress for Alaska in December
Layers are your friend! If you think your winter gear is up to snuff, Alaska will be the ultimate test. Dressing appropriately for these sub-zero wintry conditions is crucial, not just for comfort but also for safety.
Check out my outfit in the above photo! I have insulated winter boots on, insulated pants, a long down coat with a hood, mittens, and a fleece-lined hat. My daughter is equally layered and my coat actually zips around her.
We were out mid-day in mid-December on a warmer day and paused in the sun to open my jacket for the photo in the sunshine. We were out for about one hour, for perspective. But never skimp on layers because emergencies can happen, and frostbite is a reality.
Here are the essentials:
- Thermal Base Layers: Opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying materials like merino wool or synthetic fabrics. NO cotton!
- Insulating Mid-layers: Fleece or down jackets work really well to trap heat.
- Waterproof Outer Layer: A good quality, wind, and waterproof jacket with a hood is essential to protect against harsh conditions. Wear a thigh-length down puffy coat for the best protection.
- Snow Pants: Insulated and waterproof are the way to go if you will be outdoors for long periods.
- Gloves and Mittens: Insulated, waterproof gloves for daily activities and mittens for extreme cold. Insulated mittens keep you much warmer than gloves.
- Winter Boots: Choose boots that are highly insulated, waterproof, and provide good traction. Don’t bother with boots that aren’t rated at -40F/-40/C.
- Wool Socks: Again, merino wool is a good choice here for its moisture-wicking properties.
- Thick Fur or Fleece-Lined Hat and Neck Gaiter: Keep your head and neck covered to prevent heat loss.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: For that extra level of warmth during extended outdoor activities.
- Backpack: To carry extra layers, snacks, a thermos, and other essentials.
Best Things to Do in December in Alaska
While there is actually a huge list of things to do in Alaska in the winter, I have pulled my top suggestions to help you plan activities in the most commonly visited locations in the winter.
1. Dog Sledding Tours
So, dog sledding in December in Alaska is just incredible. If you are at all intrigued just do it, especially if you love animals. Super short days with a hint of daylight make dog sledding feel like you’ve got the whole wilderness to yourself!
With just two to three hours of this soft, low light, everything feels kinda cozy and intimate and you get pure unfiltered Alaska. It’s amazing! It’s a bit chilly, but 100% worth it.
Dog sledding tours can be found all over the state from Fairbanks and Talkeetna to Wasilla and Anchorage so wherever you travel, it is an activity you can enjoy! If you’re after a winter adventure with a twist and don’t mind the cold, this is your ticket.
2. Visit Hot Springs
Every winter Chena Hot Springs located an hour outside of Fairbanks, became my husband’s and my oasis. It is the most accessible hot spring in the state, plus it is a resort so you can choose to stay overnight at Chena Hot Springs if you want to relax further and see the Northern Lights!
Post-soak, the on-site restaurant is a convenient spot to relax and refuel. While the fare is straightforward and basic, it’s decent food and hits the spot after a relaxing dip. Plus they grow and use their own lettuce and tomatoes in their geothermal heated greenhouse year-round!
There is also the Aurora Ice Museum at Chena Hot Springs which is super cool. The artistry of the ice sculpting inside is amazing. Walking among intricate carvings, all glowing ethereally under subtle lighting, adds a touch of magic to the visit.
🤩 Do it all! Check out this Fairbanks: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour!
3. Head to a Reindeer Farm
Yes, this is really something you can and should do! Amazing, right? Let’s be honest, who can resist the charm of a reindeer frolicking in the snow? There’s also something incredibly festive about visiting a reindeer farm in the middle of winter! It’s a wonderful activity to include, especially if you have children.
During my time in Fairbanks, I went to the Running Reindeer Ranch with my daughter a couple of times when she was a toddler and we loved it. You’ll get to go on a reindeer walk followed by homemade cookies and drinks! It’s honestly so special and magical. Keep in mind visits are by appointment only.
If you’re traveling closer to Anchorage, the Reindeer Farm in Palmer is another option if you book an appointment in advance. They offer a guided one-hour experience where you not only learn intriguing facts about reindeer but also get to feed them along with highland cattle and alpacas.
4. Go Flightseeing
OK, if you don’t have a fear of small planes or helicopters, flightseeing in Alaska is an absolute must-do! The bird’s-eye view of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife with local pilots is like nothing else on Earth.
I’ve been on a handful of flightseeing tours in Alaska (McCarthy, Wrangell-St Elias National Park), and each time, my mind was blown.
Here are a few operators to consider:
- Smokey Bay Air in Homer, Alaska
- This outfit offers year-round flightseeing, including volcano tours. You’ll get to see some of Alaska’s most active volcanoes and maybe even catch a glimpse of a spewing ash cloud. It’s a real adventure!
- Alpine Air Alaska – Girdwood Flightseeing
- Picture yourself soaring over glaciers, getting up close and personal with towering ice formations. Alpine Air Alaska specializes in glacier tours, and they even offer glacier landings. I mean, how cool is that? You actually get to walk on a glacier!
- Trail Ridge Air Flightseeing
- Operating out of Anchorage, Trail Ridge Air provides a myriad of tour options, from viewing bears to flying over the awe-inspiring Denali National Park. Each tour is an encapsulated Alaskan adventure that you’ll rave about for years.
Flightseeing is your ticket to accessing some of Alaska’s most remote and beautiful spots. Don’t skip this if you want your trip to be unforgettable!
🤩 I love this flight tour because it flies near the summit of Denali!
5. Enjoy Winter Sports
December in Alaska is an adrenaline-charged playground for those with a passion for winter sports— it’s a hub for countless winter adventures.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, pictured above, is definitely a notable highlight, boasting over 1,600 acres primed for skiing! With an impressive average snowfall of 650 inches gracing the mountain’s peak, skiers are in for an unparalleled experience.
For those who prefer cross-country, the groomed trails in Anchorage, including the renowned Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, promise a captivating ride. Birch Hill Recreation Area in Fairbanks is also one of the premier cross-country skiing destinations in the country. My husband and I skied there weekly throughout the winter and snowy spring.
SnowMOBILING
Referred to as ‘snowmachining’ by Alaskans, this is a really fun way to experience Alaska’s expansive wilderness and take a tour. The trail networks spanning regions like the Mat-Su Valley and the Interior beckon riders for a journey through snowy forests, vast tundras, and crystalline frozen lakes.
One of my favorite winter memories from living in Alaska was going to Ivory Jack’s (a local restaurant and bar in Fairbanks) on snowmachines from our home on Murphy Dome with our friends! We headed down a trail in the woods that was like a tunnel of snow because the small black spruce trees were draped so low from the snow on them. It was SO fun!
🤩 Check out this Guided Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour!
Fat Biking
Fat biking is HUGE in Alaska! Fat bikes are equipped with wider tires making it possible to ride on snowy and icy trails.
It’s now a growing trend in Alaska, with places like Anchorage and Valdez offering numerous trails adapted for these robust bikes. It’s an excellent way for both novices and experienced cyclists to experience Alaska’s winter landscape from a new perspective.
Ice Climbing
The frozen waterfalls and glacier crevasses of areas like Valdez and the Matanuska Glacier beckon as prime climbing spots. It’s essential, though, to come equipped with the right gear and consider hiring a guide, especially if you’re new to the sport.
6. Ride the Aurora Winter Train
If you’re in Alaska in the winter, taking a ride on the Aurora Winter Train is perfect for you if you’d like to explore Talkeetna or Fairbanks from Anchorage! You can even fly back to Anchorage, if desired, from Fairbanks as part of a rail-fly package they offer.
Operated by the Alaska Railroad, this train offers weekend service between Anchorage and Fairbanks but it stops at several locations along the 12-hour trip. Riding it is an incredibly cool way for you to have the chance to see the Alaska backcountry from the comfort of a warm train!
7. View the Northern Lights
It’s pretty likely you are coming to Alaska in December because you want to see the Northern Lights! Yay! You will have a blast and honestly, if you get to see them for the first time it’s going to blow your mind. It seems other-worldly.
If you want to have your best chances at seeing the Northern Lights take a tour. Or, as I had mentioned above, take the Aurora Winter Train. Its namesake gives it away, but seeing the lights when they are out is a huge perk of the train ride.
🤩 Fairbanks has a handful of highly-rated Northern Lights Tours to check out!
8. Go Fishing!
If you’re curious about ice fishing you can try it out by booking a trip with Alaska Lakes Guide Service. They offer experiences for those who have never fished before and also for families with children. For trips for experienced fishermen, they will take you over to Big Lake, just north of Anchorage.
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service offers a top-notch ice fishing experience in the Fairbanks/North Pole area, providing all the gear you’ll need to hook some Arctic char, rainbow trout, or even landlocked salmon.
If you want an open-water experience, O’Fish’ial Charters in Homer offers winter king salmon fishing trips through December. All levels of fishermen are welcome, and they’ll equip you with the gear and knowledge you need.
9. Visit North Pole’s Santa Claus House
Imagine a place where Christmas thrives all year round, and you’ll find yourself thinking of the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska. If that sounds like your jam, you should definitely plan to visit!
On my first trip to North Pole, Alaska from Fairbanks, I chuckled because even the lamp posts are festively painted like candy canes year round! It’s kitschy for sure.
When you walk inside the building a towering Santa Claus statue greets visitors and it’s a festive wonderland – shelves brimming with unique ornaments, toys, and gifts. And yes, you can meet the man of the hour, Santa himself!
10. Holiday Markets
Experience the magic of the holiday season by checking out Alaska’s Holiday Markets! You’ll find an uplifting festive atmosphere and an array of unique vendors at markets. They offer the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
From handmade crafts to delicious treats, there’s bound to be that perfect present for someone special. Shopping at a holiday market is a fix to get anyone in the holiday spirit!
- FAIRBANKS: Winter Solstice Holiday Bazaar, mid-December. It’s part of the incredibly fun Winter Solstice Festival downtown. You can even get your photo taken with a reindeer!
- PALMER: Colony Christmas, Early December. This is a super festive event with fireworks, horsedrawn carriage rides, multiple craft fairs, and so much more!
Alaska Events in December
- Let it Glow in Homer (All Month) – A month-long event featuring Christmas lights and decorations.
- Zoo Lights at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage (Nov to Jan) – The zoo gets dressed up in hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights.
- Anchorage International Film Festival (Dec 1-9) – A showcase of independent films from around the world. It’s one of the “25 coolest film festivals in the world”!
- Talkeetna Bachelor Auction & Wilderness Woman Competition (Early Dec) – A quirky, fun event where bachelors are auctioned for charity.
- Skagway Yuletide Ball (Dec 9) – A festive gathering featuring music, food, and dance.
- Creamer’s Field Holiday Crafts & Luminary Trail (Dec 7-8 & 12-13) – Craft fair and illuminated walking trail.
- Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration (Dec 21) – Activities and events to celebrate the shortest day of the year.
- New Year’s Eve in Anchorage (Dec 31) – Ring in the New Year with fireworks, music, and more.
- Girdwood Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) – Skiers and snowboarders descend the mountain with torches, followed by fireworks.
FAQs: December in Alaska
How much snow does Alaska get in December?
The amount of snow Alaska gets in December varies significantly by region due to the large size of the state. For example, Fairbanks typically sees around 10-12 inches, while Anchorage might get about 16 inches on average. Coastal areas like Juneau could receive their first snowfall of the season in December. In general, though, expect a winter wonderland!
Is it too cold to visit Alaska in December?
It’s not too cold to visit Alaska in December if you tolerate freezing winter weather! It’s all about preparation and the right gear. With proper layering and warm boots, you can comfortably explore. Remember, Alaskans live and thrive in these conditions, so with a little planning, there’s no reason you can’t too!
Can I drive to Alaska in December?
Yes, you can drive to Alaska in December, but it comes with challenges and I only recommend it if you are a confident winter driver. The Alaska Highway remains open, but expect icy conditions, heavy snow, and potentially very reduced visibility. Make sure your vehicle is winter-ready with snow tires and an emergency kit.
We actually made the opposite trip and drove away from Fairbanks, Alaska at the end of December when we moved to Vermont. Also, be prepared for fewer open services along the way. It’s doable, but caution is key.
December in Alaska Isn’t for You If…
- You’re not a fan of the cold: Let’s be real, December in Alaska is MORE than just chilly. Your nostril hairs and eyelashes will grow frost upon them! If bundling up in multiple layers and feeling shock to your face when you walk outdoors sounds nightmarish, this might not be your month.
- Short days bother you: With the sun making very brief appearances, the days are notably short. If you thrive on long sunny days, December could feel a bit limiting and claustrophobic.
- You’re not into adventures in the dark: Whether it’s catching the Northern Lights or a late-afternoon dog sled ride, many activities occur in low light or no light at all.
- You expect all tourist spots to be open: Some park roads’ have limited access and some businesses have limited hours during the winter months. If you have a specific itinerary in mind, be sure to check ahead.
- You dislike quiet and serenity: Many areas, especially outside the cities, can feel incredibly serene in December. If you’re looking for bustling tourist spots, this might not be the ideal time.
However, if you’re the kind who sees these not as challenges but as unique quirks that make for an unforgettable trip, then pack those bags! Alaska in December might just be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
The Bottom Line: Visiting Alaska in December
For those of you with bags nearly packed or even just toying with the idea of an Alaskan December escape, let me tell you—you’re in for an experience that’ll carve memories in your heart forever.
Visiting in December isn’t just about freezing temps and snowy landscapes; this is about embracing the enigma that is Alaska during one of its most extreme seasons.
You’ll be embracing Alaska’s wild side during one of its most unique months.
Dive deep, explore your options, and let Alaska’s untamed beauty call out to your adventurous spirit. Safe travels and see you under the Northern Lights!
Do you have any other questions about traveling to Alaska in December? Let me know in the comments and I’ll help you with your plans!
