Posted in Alaska November 22, 2020 by

8 Reasons Christmas In Alaska Is The Absolute Best

I’d have to argue that Christmas is the best time of year… especially in the wonderful state of Alaska. Our children get to hop off the bus for Christmas break and run home surrounded by hills of snow. Our nights are nice and long so we get to thoroughly enjoy the town’s Christmas lights, and even our zoos light up for the holidays. Here are eight great reasons that Christmas in Alaska is the best in the country!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1) You're guaranteed a white Christmas.
Terri (I.hope.you.dance) | Flickr
You'll never have to wake up hoping there is a blanket of snow outside when you had to shovel your way from your car to your front door when you got home the day before Christmas. You can check your expected snow forecast for the seasons on the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
2) Our downtowns look really awesome this time of year.
Visit Anchorage PR | Flickr
There is nothing better than taking a walk through the lights on a snowy Christmas eve. In fact, we have a list of the best 9 places to see Christmas displays in Alaska!
3) We have the North Pole, enough said.
Jason Rossiter | Flickr
Alaska - 1, the rest of the world - 0. It’s the ultimate of all the Christmas towns in Alaska. Their city website even has a countdown to Christmas!
4) We have the best natural Christmas lights.
Visit Finland | Flickr
Well played, Aurora, well played. Winter in Alaska is never boring in a state that has such wondrous and magical features! Check out the Aurora Borealis Forecast at the Geophysical Institute to find out if you should go northern lights seeing tonight!
5) Our capital REALLY gets into the spirit.
Laurent Dick | Wild Alaska Travel
The official "Santa House" in Juneau! This wonderful Christmas house makes its mark on the Juneau Lights Tour, and many people wander through this beautiful city to see all the impressive holiday lights.
6) Some of our best resorts get really decked out for the holidays.
rbbaird | Flickr
Visit Chena Hot Springs Resort for a relaxing holiday vacation. They even have an ice bar you can visit for a delicious cocktail! Head to their website for a list of fabulous winter things you can do when you visit them this season.
7) We tend to put on some really great Christmas plays.
USAG- Humphreys | Flickr
Who doesn't love A Christmas Carol? Make sure to stay up to date with each season’s winter offerings at the Alaska Performing Arts Center.
8) Every day of the month is delightful in our state because Alaskans love spending time with their families.
Jamie McCaffrey | Flickr
Because there is nothing better about Christmas than spending it with those you love in the place you call home! In fact, Alaska.org has a fun filled list of things you need to do with your family during our darkest month of the year, the beautiful December.

What would you add to this list? What makes you think about Christmas in Alaska? Did we miss anything? Let me know in the comments below!

If you want to see Alaska’s natural Christmas lights in person, Head To These 17 Incredible Places In Alaska To View The Northern Lights.

Address: Alaska, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Christmas In Alaska

November 27, 2020
Megan McDonald

What is the darkest day of the year in Alaska?

The darkest day of the year in our beautiful northern state is on winter solstice. The actual day varies each year, by a couple of hours, or even a day or two, but it’s most commonly celebrated on December 21st. We get the least amount of daylight on this day, and it’s usually celebrated by Alaskans with some sort of homage to lights, or a practice of staying warm and snuggly. The next day marks the onward march to spring and the return of our long daylight hours.

What is the best time of year to see the northern lights?

In the summer time we have too much daylight to see the northern lights, even though they are still happening up in the sky. Once the dark nights return to our state you will begin to see them pop up again. The best months to view are September through March, in the very early hours. Look for a cold, clear night sky, and make sure to check the Aurora Forecast on the Geophysical Institute’s website to stay up to date on the likelihood of spotting this natural phenomena.

Address: Alaska, USA