9 Things Everyone MUST DO In Alaska In 2016

The new year is approaching quickly and there are a handful of upcoming events around Alaska you absolutely MUST participate in. From Fur Rondy to the Ice Art Championships, Alaska hosts a whole range of exciting and popular events for both its locals and its tourists, but there are plenty of lesser known events around the state that you really shouldn't miss during the first couple months of the new year. Make time in your schedule early on in 2016 to hit up some of these great events around the state. If you know of any other must-do events in the first few months of the new year, leave a note in the comments so everyone gets a chance to enjoy.

1) 14th Annual Wrangell Polar Bear Swim

January 1st is the annual Polar Bear Swim, welcome in the new year by taking an icy dip into the water with hundreds of others.

2) Crystal Gallery of Ice

The Crystal Gallery of Ice is held in Downtown Anchorage Town Square. Stop by to enjoy some awesome ice sculptures. The ice competition starts at 9 am on Friday, January 3rd with the carvers working throughout the weekend to complete their sculptures by 5 pm on Sunday, January 5th. It's incredible!

3) 31st Annual Polar Bear Jump

The first Seward Polar Bear Jump was held in 1986. People dress up in costumes and jump into Resurrection Bay to gather sponsors for the Alaska Division of the American Cancer Society. Now it's transformed from an icy dip to an entire weekend of fundraising fun. Come do what Alaskan's do and take the plunge.

4) Peninsula Winter Games, Soldotna

Visit the Kenai Peninsula for the Winter Games on January 30th. The Games offer local kids a place to go to enjoy sports, games & kid-friendly events during the winter season. Take the whole family this year and have some fun!

5) Cordova Iceworm Festival

On February 1st through the 7th visit Cordova for a three day, action packed festival. The event started as a way to end the winter blues and entertain out-of-towners.

6) Ketchikan Wearable Art Show

Artists from all around Alaska compete to create the most original wearable wonders out of duct tape, foam, sequins, trash bags, wood, milk jugs, and more for your entertainment. Trust me, it's a must do for 2016.

7) Homer Winter Carnival

Visit Homer the 2nd weekend in February for a weekend of fun and a parade on Saturday.

8) Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race

Yukon Quest is a 1,000 mile long sled dog race from Fairbanks to Whitehorse in the Yukon. Join the celebration on February 6th in Fairbanks to kick off the race.

9) Slam'n Salm'n Derby

This derby is an annual fundraiser for the Downtown Soup Kitchen in Anchorage. Have some fun fishing down at Ship Creek right outside Downtown Anchorage to raise funds for the homeless and those in need.

Have you done any of these things before? What was your experience like? Is there anything else you would add to this list?