This Iconic Holiday Event in Alaska Is the One Thing You Must Do This Season

Christmas in Alaska is like stepping into a storybook. Here, the season comes alive like nowhere else, with a distinct magic that can only be found in the north. Snow blankets the landscape in a pristine hush, and the long, dark nights are lit by shimmering holiday lights — and sometimes, by the ethereal glow of the aurora borealis.

Fairbanks, Alaska’s “Golden Heart City,” takes these natural winter gifts and adds its own twist with a holiday celebration that doesn't just capture the magic of Christmas, but the winter season itself.  The Winter Solstice Festival, held each year during the shortest days of the year, is a spectacular blending of holiday joy and Arctic wonder — a true "Only in Alaska" festival that's definitely worth adding to your list of Christmas traditions!

While Fairbanks has always been treasured for its extraordinary location as a wilderness gateway, it also serves as one of the best places on Earth to view the Northern Lights and is no stranger to extremes. In winter, this city just shy of the Arctic Circle is graced with sunlight for only a few hours each day and temperatures that barely register on household thermometers. Yet, instead of retreating from the cold and darkness, the community embraces the season, transforming these challenges into something undeniably dazzling.

For travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary — a chance to combine the nostalgic traditions of Christmas with the rugged, unrivaled beauty of the Arctic — Fairbanks is the ultimate holiday destination.

When the week-long Winter Solstice Festival kicks off, downtown Fairbanks becomes the heartbeat of the holiday season. Twinkling lights and festive garlands illuminate snow-covered streets, casting a colorful glow over the city’s lively celebrations. You'll immediately find yourself in the Christmas spirit!

It all starts with the Holiday Bazaar at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, where festival attendees will stay warm and cozy as they peruse the fantastic variety of vendors offering a treasure trove of handcrafted Alaskan goods. Shop for birch-wood ornaments, hand-knit wool scarves, and other unique gifts that reflect Alaska's unique culture. Local food vendors bring their own seasonal flair, serving everything from rich reindeer stew to hot cider infused with wild berries.

Pro tip: you'll definitely want a second helping of that stew for extra warmth as you head outside to enjoy the rest of the festival!

Every evening, take some time to enjoy a beautiful Winter Lights Walk along the downtown portion of the Chena River Walk to admire the beautifully lit trees, which are sponsored and decorated by local businesses for charity. Every business infuses its own personality into its sponsored tree, and it's a stunning sight — especially reflected in the water. And yes, you can vote for your favorite!

Traveling with little ones? Families with kiddos can enjoy scavenger huts throughout downtown and enjoy local freebies as they hunt for "Moose on the Loose."

Take a drive around town to enjoy the many festive residences and neighborhoods, some of which have earned national recognition for their displays. Just be sure to swing back through downtown for Santa sightings, reindeer photos, and complimentary hot cocoa!

But it's not all about Santa here. Fairbanks’ Winter Solstice Festival is steeped in traditions that celebrate both the magic of Christmas and the unique rhythm of life in Alaska. The solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night, has long been a time of joy and reflection in northern cultures. In Fairbanks, this ancient practice blends effortlessly with the merriment of the holiday season, especially on the final day of the festival, which you DO NOT want to miss.

After sunset (which arrives around 2:40 p.m. during solstice), this Alaska holiday festival really shines — literally — when it bursts into glorious ribbons of color with a seriously spectacular fireworks show. Watching the explosions against the inky black Arctic sky is a memory that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home! Hang out afterward and you might even catch the shimmering greens and purples of the Northern Lights, too.

Who needs the sun, anyway? With sights like these, not us!

The Winter Solstice Festival runs all week long in late December, but even hardy locals will want to come prepared to brave the year-end chill. With temperatures often plunging well below zero, insulated clothing, sturdy boots, and thermal accessories are must-haves for enjoying the festival’s outdoor activities.

Can't get enough holiday cheer? Just a few miles away from Fairbanks, North Pole, Alaska boasts its own set of traditional Christmas activities as well! Along the way and everywhere in between, you'll find plenty of merriment to enjoy in this neck of the woods. However, we think Fairbanks’ iconic Winter Solstice Festival is the best place to enjoy the final throes of the holiday season in The Last Frontier, as well as embrace another trip around the sun.