The BEST Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska in the Winter
While most visitors come to Fairbanks, Alaska searching for the Northern Lights, there are plenty of other things to do in Fairbanks while you wait for the night sky to illuminate. You’ll love these winter activities in Fairbanks that will help you fall in love with this Alaskan town.
Fairbanks is located in Alaska’s interior region, less than 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Founded in 1902 as a supply hub for miners during the Alaska Gold Rush, it has grown into Alaska’s second-largest city while retaining its rugged northern charm.
While Anchorage may be Alaska’s biggest city, Fairbanks is undoubtedly its winter capital.
In Fairbanks, you’ll find countless Alaskan winter adventures, including snowmobiling, soaking in hot springs, and witnessing the dazzling Northern Lights displays.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable winter adventure, head to Fairbanks and experience the beauty and excitement of Alaska’s winter wilderness.
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Fairbanks Winter Weather
You can expect winter weather in Fairbanks from mid-October to mid-April, with the snowiest weather in October and November.
Fairbanks is known as the land of the Midnight Sun due to its extended length of daylight in the summer. The city experiences almost 24 hours of daylight in the summer solstice in June.
Its location near the North Pole also results in shorter daylight hours during the winter months. In December, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, with only about three hours of daylight. However, these extended periods of darkness are also what attract visitors to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks.
The best time to visit Fairbanks for winter activities is February and March. The snowfall is limited and you can experience outdoor fun such as dog sledding, catching the Northern Lights, and visiting the ice festivals.
Expect some frigid temperatures, though. Fairbanks is often referred to as America’s coldest city since winter low temperatures range from -15 to -25°F.
Use these resources to book your trip
- Discover the perfect stay in Fairbanks by exploring these incredible hotel offers.
- If your adventure in Fairbanks leaves you craving more, uncover a world of activities on Viator.com.
- Secure the best rental car deals with Discover Cars.
- For air travel, navigate to Skyscanner.com to book the most economical flights.
Top Fairbanks Winter Attractions
While Fairbanks attracts visitors mainly to see the Aurora Borealis, there are plenty of other things to do during the day while waiting for the night to fall.
Check out these top Fairbanks winter attractions and activities.
Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center
There are many inexpensive ways to explore Fairbanks. As you walk through downtown, don’t miss the beautiful Alaska murals and the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center.
At this 9,000 square foot visitor facility, you can speak with knowledgeable staff, interact with exhibits, learn about Alaska Native culture, visit the outdoor excursion planning area, pick up an Aurora Viewing Map & Guide, and take a picture in front of the antler arch.
The Center is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM from October through April. If you catch sight of the Aurora Borealis, make sure to stop by at the end of your visit for a personalized Aurora Certificate to take home.
Chena Hot Springs
The Chena Hot Springs is not just a place to spend the day relaxing, but a day trip all its own.
Take this full day tour to Chena Hot Springs, sixty miles east of Fairbanks, to soak in over 100-year-old springs. In addition to the hot springs, you can go ice fishing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, visit the Aurora Ice Museum, and tour the geothermal energy greenhouse all while keeping an eye out for the Aurora Borealis overhead.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine forests, this natural geothermal oasis offers a serene spot to unwind. Indulge in the therapeutic benefits of the indoor pool house, with temperatures plummeting outside.
This tour includes transportation from Fairbanks and admission to the Ice Museum and Hot Springs.
If you have a rental car, you can drive to Chena Hot Springs on your own. The admission costs vary depending on the time of year and the amenities you wish to access, ranging from $15 to $25 per person for day passes. The pool house operates daily from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, ensuring ample time for visitors to soak in the therapeutic waters.
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
One of the most unique attractions in Fairbanks is the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. This specialized museum has an impressive collection of vintage automobiles, antique music machines, and early Alaska transportation relics.
The museum’s founder, Tim Cerny, opened the museum to share his extensive collection of antique autos, motorcycles, and music machines with the public.
The museum’s collection contains over 100 antique and classic cars. In addition to its impressive collection of vintage cars, the museum also houses antique games, music machines, and clothing used by early settlers. Visitors can view dog sleds, boats, railroad equipment, and other relics that showcase transportation methods during Alaska’s gold rush era and early history.
The Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum is open on Sundays and Wednesdays in the winter, from 12 to 4 PM with extended spring and summer hours. Regular admission is $18.00 for adults, with discounted rates for children. Expect to spend between one to two hours exploring the museum.
Visit the North Pole
About fifteen miles south of Fairbanks is the small town of North Pole, Alaska. This Christmas-themed town is home to the famous Santa Claus House on St Nicholas Drive.
Outside, you’ll find a giant 42-foot Santa statue and reindeer flying overhead. Inside, you’ll find Santa’s workshop, baked goods, and a Christmas shop. You may even have the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Clause.
Kids and kids at heart won’t want to miss the chance to write a letter to Santa and have a postcard officially stamped from the North Pole post office.
While I envisioned charming shops, candy stores, and a festive atmosphere, a visit here is a bit underwhelming. The Santa Clause House is literally all by itself, and there aren’t any shops around it. The gigantic Santa Claus statue leaves you wanting more.
It’s fun to say you visited the North Pole, but if you had to miss one of the things to do in Fairbanks on this list, this may be it.
Experience Fairbanks Ice Art
One of the highlights of a winter trip to Fairbanks is the two annual Fairbanks Ice Festivals, held from mid-February through mid-March. The World Ice Art Championships and the International Ice Art Classic celebrate art, winter, and the far north through larger-than-life ice sculptures and fun competitions.
Ice carvers from around the world sculpt enormous ice blocks into beautiful works of art along the frozen Chena River. Sculptures can be more than 10 feet tall! Some of the coolest sculptures are illuminated at night.
In addition to the jaw-dropping ice sculptures, the festival features ice carving contests, a kids’ ice park, food vendors, live music, dog sled rides, and more wintery fun. It’s a lively atmosphere with hundreds of spectators admiring the icy creations.
The intricate ice sculptures are the main attraction, with new designs crafted each year. Visitors can watch the artists at work during the day and return at night when the sculptures are illuminated to see them in a whole new magical light.
Fairbanks Ice Museum
If you miss the Fairbanks Ice Festivals, you can still get a glimpse of some pretty cool ice sculptures by visiting the Fairbanks Ice Museum in the Historic Lacey Street Theater in Downtown Fairbanks. The year-round ice museum contains hand-carved ice sculptures for visitors to explore.
In addition to the ice sculptures, the museum has an Aurora Ice Theater that hosts northern lights shows throughout the day. The pastel colors shimmering and dancing across the walls and ceiling mimic the real Aurora Borealis.
The museum is open daily in the winter from noon to 4 PM. Admission is $15 for adults, with discounts for children and groups.
Visit the Arctic Circle From Fairbanks
One popular winter activity is taking an Arctic Circle tour from Fairbanks. Tours are highly encouraged because of the harsh conditions.
Several companies offer Arctic Circle tours leaving from Fairbanks. These day trips take you 195 miles north of the city up Dalton Highway to reach the invisible line marking 66° north latitude. Crossing this geographic line means you’ve entered the Arctic region known for its cold temperatures and winter darkness.
Most Arctic Circle tours stop at the small gift shop situated right on the line. Inside, you can take a picture in front of the red line painted across the floor and get your passport stamped verifying you crossed into the Arctic.
Arctic Circle tours range from basic shuttles to upgraded experiences with meals included. Bus tours take about 10-12 hours roundtrip, allowing several hours to explore once you reach the line.
Upgraded tours in small vans take 14-16 hours and make more stops. Dress warmly in winter gear and prepare for a long day.
Visiting the Arctic Circle makes for an unforgettable day trip from Fairbanks.
Arctic Circle Tours from Fairbanks
- Arctic Circle and Northern Lights Tour – This 14-hour tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, food, drinks, and a guide to the Arctic Circle.
- Original Arctic Circle Drive – This small group, 16-hour tour includes transportation and a professional guide to the Arctic Circle Monument Sign.
Running Reindeer Ranch
Running Reindeer Ranch is a Fairbanks attraction that allows visitors to get up close and personal with reindeer in their natural setting.
Located just twenty minutes from downtown Fairbanks, Running Reindeer Ranch is a reindeer farm owned and operated by a local Alaska family. The ranch has operated since 2007 and is home to around 40 reindeer. Visitors can meet and interact with the reindeer herd and learn about the animals’ biology and behavior from ranch owner Jane.
At Running Reindeer Ranch visitors can take a guided two-hour walking tour to observe and photograph the reindeer herd. Tours are available daily, and you can choose your preferred time.
During the tour, you can hand-feed the reindeer with lichens and reindeer pellets, their favorite food. The reindeer are incredibly friendly and used to human interaction, so you can also pet and interact with them.
After the tour, you can warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, while you take advantage of the many photo ops.
Reservations are required when visiting Running Reindeer Ranch, so make sure to plan ahead. The tour provides an educational and fun winter experience for most, but it may be too long and too cold for younger children.
Top Fairbanks, Alaska Winter Activities
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
Winter in Fairbanks has no shortage of fun and adventurous outdoor activities. Visit Trax Outdoor Center to rent everything you need to spend the day in the snow.
Full-day rentals for both snow shoes and cross-country skis are quite affordable, and you can even book a lesson at Birch Hill if this is your first time.
Chase the Northern Lights
Viewing the Northern Lights is one of the most popular winter activities, as Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval provides frequent northern lights displays.
The best spots to see the auroras include several Aurora Viewing Points around the city as well as these guided Fairbanks Aurora Borealis tours.
Visit Denali National Park and Preserve
While in Fairbanks, plan a day trip to visit Denali, the tallest mountain in North America at Denali National Park and Preserve. Some may think it closes in the winter, but you can actually visit to ski, bike, and snowshoe.
Getting to Denali will take around two hours by car. You can also book a shuttle service to pick you up from your hotel and take you to the park if you don’t have a rental car.
If you visit in February, make plans to visit Denali Winterfest a free and fun event with winter games, indoor picnics, and guided snowshoe walks.
Dog Sledding
A dog sled trip through the snowy wilderness surrounding Fairbanks is a thrilling way to experience winter in Alaska. Several outfitters in the area offer dog sled adventures, taking you back in time to an era when dog teams transported essential supplies across frozen tundra.
Dog Sledding Tours
- Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service is the tour company we used and had an excellent experience.
- Chena Hot Springs Resort offers dog sled rides. Expert mushers guide teams of eager huskies along groomed trails. During the exhilarating ride, you can pet and interact with the friendly dogs and take in scenic winter views. They offer tours for beginners and experienced sledders.
- The Last Frontier Mushing Co-op offers a private guided Chena River Mush Dream Vacation. This company is a co-op made up of the actual owners of the dogs, who are also the mushers. They take pride in educating you about the experience. They even provide you with the warm clothing needed.
With the right outfitter, you can experience the challenge and excitement of dog mushing like the pros. When bundled in warm layers, the cold crisp air and scenic views make for an incredible Northern adventure by dog sled.
Snowmobile Tours in Fairbanks
One of the most thrilling winter activities in Fairbanks is snowmobiling. The expansive terrain and frequent snowfall make it an ideal location for snowmobiling adventures. Some of the most popular snowmobiling areas near Fairbanks include Chena Hot Springs Road, the Angel Rocks Trail System, Summit Lake, and Isberg Trails.
We used Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service for our snowmobiling tour. They provide both snowmobiling and dog sledding. Their professional guides help each rider feel comfortable on their practice track before heading on the trails. This guide service also offers winter gear, including a jacket and gloves.
Snowmobiling is a thrilling way to explore the striking Alaskan wilderness in winter. With miles of trails and picturesque scenery, the Fairbanks area offers prime snowmobiling opportunities and was one of our favorite winter activities. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the extreme cold!
What to Pack for a Fairbanks Winter Trip
Packing appropriately for a winter trip to Fairbanks is essential to staying warm and comfortable, especially with sub-zero temps.
Focus on bringing winter clothing essentials like high-quality parkas, snow boots, thick gloves, and wool socks. Base layers made from wool or synthetic fabrics that wick moisture are key for layering in freezing temperatures.
You can also rent winter gear from Alaska Element. This family-run business will provide all the gear you need to stay warm in Fairbanks.
Getting Around Fairbanks in Winter
You will want a rental car to travel around Fairbanks since many places are located outside of town.
However, driving in the winter requires some special considerations. Be sure your rental car has winter or all-season tires, and keep an emergency kit with food, water, and supplies in your vehicle in case you get stranded.
Although Fairbanks does a great job keeping roads maintained and drivable in the winter, be extra cautious, especially keeping an eye out for wildlife.
You can also use Rideshares, taxis, and shuttles if you don’t want to drive yourself. Keep in mind, these are quite pricey, so make sure to budget accordingly.
Top Fairbanks Tours
Fairbanks is a beautiful Alaskan city with many exciting things to see and do. To help you make the most of your time here, check out this list of the top tours available.
Whether you want to see the Northern Lights, explore the wilderness, or learn about the city’s rich history, these tours allow you to experience the best of Fairbanks.
- Alaskan Heritage and Sightseeing Tour in Fairbanks
- Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks
- Guided Fairbanks Snowmobile Tour
Best Places to Stay in Fairbanks
When planning a trip to Fairbanks, find the perfect place to stay for an unforgettable experience.
The Pike’s Waterfront Lodge offers cozy accommodations with many amenities, including a free airport shuttle, free breakfast, and Northern Lights viewing stations.
Sophie Station Suites is a lovely hotel in a perfect location with large room, mini kitchenettes, and a free airport shuttle.
Finally, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Fairbanks is a clean and comfortable hotel close to many attractions. The hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet and is only six miles from the airport.
In Conclusion
With so many fun things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska it may be difficult to choose what to do.
Fairbanks is truly a winter wonderland, with endless options to fill your winter itinerary. From witnessing the magical Northern Lights dance across the night sky to racing through snowy forests on a dog sled, these winter activities in Fairbanks offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Don’t miss top attractions like touring the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum’s collection of vintage cars, and watching ice carvers create frozen masterpieces at the World Ice Art Championships.
With several days’ worth of exciting activities, events, and sights, Fairbanks is the perfect winter vacation destination. Bundle up, prepare your camera, and start planning your Alaska getaway today.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore other Alaskan towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Sitka? Each of these towns offer another opportunity to experience the allure of Alaska.
