Fun Things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska in Winter (2026)

If you’re looking for one of the best places to experience a winter wonderland, look no further than Fairbanks, Alaska. With an extensive list of exciting outdoor activities, Fairbanks, Alaska in Winter is the perfect place to book an adventure-filled vacation. From dog mushing to ice fishing and aurora hunting, there is something for every desired activity level. The greater Fairbanks area boasts pristine wilderness, natural hot springs, and scenic drives. 

I’ve loved every minute I’ve spent in Fairbanks, Alaska in winter even when it was -40 degrees and my eyelashes had a thin layer of frost on them. So if you’re looking to plan your next vacation to Fairbanks, Alaska in winter, this guide is for you. 

I will outline everything you need to know about getting there, what to expect in winter, the best things to do, and how to pack for this winter trip of a lifetime. So if you’re ready to get to planning, let’s get into it!

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13 Winter Activities to do in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is known as the aurora hunting capital of the United States, and for good reason. Located just south of the Arctic Circle, it is the perfect hub for anyone looking to catch a glimpse of this captivating natural phenomenon. 

With just a small handful of daylight hours, planning can get a little tricky, but the magic of Fairbanks really comes out between 12 am and 3 am when light pollution is at a minimum. There are tons of things to do in and around Fairbanks while you wait for the perfect conditions to view the Aurora Borealis, but don’t feel like you need to wake up early! Sleep in so you’re well-rested for a night out under the stars.

There are so many activities to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, in winter that you’ll want to prioritize them based on when they’re best suited and what you’re most interested in. From seeing the northern lights, doing ice mazes, viewing ice sculptures, riding a fat bike, or listening to live music at local breweries, there is SO much to do. 

Keep in mind that if your priority is viewing the Northern Lights, you will likely be out and about until 4 am. This could impact your morning plans.

1. View the Aurora Borealis

Witnessing the aurora borealis is one of the main draws that people have to visit Fairbanks. You can view the Aurora Borealis on your own or on a guided tour. If you’re planning on trying to go aurora hunting without a tour guide, I suggest stopping into the Visitors Center and meeting with the knowledgeable staff from Explore Fairbanks, who can help you pick great viewing spots like Murphy Dome and Chena Lake to get out of range of the city lights.

If you are going to take a Northern Lights Tour out of Fairbanks, I would recommend Arctic Night Tours, especially if you want to capture the Aurora.

Click here for a Northern Lights Viewing Guide

2. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in Fairbanks is extremely popular. You can opt to do it on your own or have a guide take you out to some great spots for Arctic Grayling, arctic char, and rainbow trout. Bring a local guide with you so you have the best chance of catching a fish. I recommend using Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service for your ice fishing trip!

3. Fairbanks Ice Museum

If you’re looking for an hour-long attraction in downtown Fairbanks, the Fairbanks Ice Museum is the perfect stop. You can go at any time during business hours, but at 5 pm there is a special ice-carving movie and live demonstration. Otherwise, you just stop in and view the ice sculptures on your own and go down the ice slides as many times as you want!

4. Museum of the North

If you have time to visit the Museum of the North by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, do it! It was such a fun museum that offered education on the history of the area, wildlife, and cultural practices. At $20 per person for admission, it was a little pricey but entirely worth it. You could spend an hour or three there, depending on how much time you want to spend there. 

For more information about the University of Alaska Museum of the North, click here.

5. Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center

The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center in downtown Fairbanks is a must-see place on your trip to Fairbanks. The center had a small museum that you could walk through, as well as some local experts who could share about the area. If you need help planning your time or finding the northern lights, you’ll definitely want to stop in. If you’re not sure what all you want to do in the city of Fairbanks, this is a great starting point.

You will also learn about the rich Alaska native culture and some of the historic sites in the area.

Check out the gift shop while you’re there!

6. Dog Sledding and Mushing

Paws for Adventure was an excellent dog sledding tour company. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about the dogs, which only added to the exciting outdoor adventure in the boreal forest. After the 30-minute dog sled ride, you can spend as much time with the sled dogs as you want. If you don’t have warm enough clothes, they can provide you with some jackets and boots!

7. Visit some Breweries

Fairbanks, Alaska has some fantastic craft breweries you can drink all year round. My favorites are Lat65 and HooDoo Brewing Company. There are beer styles for everyone at the various breweries around town. 

For more about the breweries of Fairbanks, check out my guide.

8. Running Reindeer Ranch

Go on a winter hike with Alaska’s cutest animal, the reindeer. At Running Reindeer Ranch, you can take a guided winter hike with the reindeer. Just a short drive from downtown Fairbanks, you will absolutely adore a winter visit to the ranch and the friendly staff who work there.

9. Chena Hot Springs

The Chena Hot Springs are about 40 miles outside of Fairbanks, but they are spectacular. If you stay at the Chena Hot Springs Resort, you get free access to the 109 Degree natural hot springs, otherwise, they have a $ entrance fee. An hour’s drive outside of Fairbanks makes it the perfect way to witness the captivating light of the aurora borealis, too. The Chena Hot Springs Resort offers hot spring visits, dog mushing, the Aurora Ice Museum, and northern lights tours.

If you’re not interested in staying overnight at the resort, you can also opt to book a tour of the area from Fairbanks. The tour includes time at the Ice Museum, dinner, a soak in the hot springs, and an opportunity to see the Aurora Borealis.

10. World Ice Championship

The World Ice Championship is held in Fairbanks every year. With a variety of different competitions during the championship, it is likely that when visiting Fairbanks, Alaska in winter you can attend the awards night for one of the competitions. It is so much fun to see artists transform huge blocks of ice into masterpieces. From single block to youth classic competitions, you’re bound to be impressed with what you see! For more information about the World Ice Championship, you can visit their website here.

11. Visit Santa in North Pole, AK

Photo by @weeden_wanders

15-minutes outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, is North Pole, where you can meet Mr. and Ms. Claus at the Santa Claus House. Santa’s workshop has thousands of ornaments, a coffee shop, and a place to write a letter to Santa. Keep your eye out, and you may even see your name on the Nice List! The Santa Claus House is open year-round, so you could even say “hi” during midnight sun season.

12. Cross Country Skiing

Fairbanks, Alaska in winter is known for having world-class cross-country ski trails. The Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks has a huge network of trails in the Birch Hill Recreation Area. The 40 km of trails are an excellent way to spend some time outdoors.

13. Visit the Arctic Circle

Fairbanks is about as close to the Arctic Circle as you can get, so if you’re looking for a real adventure to add to your winter itinerary for Fairbanks, you might want to consider it. Located about 150 miles north of Fairbanks along the Dalton Highway, you will find the Gateway to the Arctic.

The Arctic Circle is positioned well within the aurora oval, so you’re almost always guaranteed a glimpse of the northern lights on a clear day. If you don’t want to make the drive out there on your own, you can book a full-day tour. On the tour, you’ll learn all about the remote areas of interior Alaska and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.

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What to Pack for Winter in Alaska

To prepare for your winter trip to Fairbanks, Alaska, you will want to make sure you pack appropriately for the winter conditions. While you may be in a comfortable ice hut while viewing the northern lights, it will still be extremely cold during your winter visit. 

A good place to start when it comes to packing is to make sure you have all of the key layers for doing winter activities. 

• Base Layer – Usually wool, wicks moisture from the body to keep you warm. My favorite base layer is the Smartwool Thermal Merino Crew.
• Mid Layer – Insulating layer. Usually, a down jacket or fleece pullover. I brought the STIO Pinion Jacket and a Parka.
• Outer Layer – Protects you from the elements and should be windproof and waterproof. I brought my ski jacket for this.

For a complete packing list for visiting Fairbanks, Alaska in winter read my guide. 

This packing list covers every single article of clothing and piece of gear I brought to Fairbanks, Alaska in Winter. 

Don’t forget your swimsuit if you’re planning on visiting the natural hot spring at Chena Hot Springs Resort!

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Pack It Up

Fairbanks, Alaska in winter is known for the World Ice Art Championships, Northern Lights, cross-country skiing, and so much else. It is a great place to visit in the winter months if you’re looking for adventure. While you might not be enjoying an ice cream in the heat of the sun like you would on a typical vacation, you will be taking in the best that Alaska has to offer. 

There are so many fantastic activities to do throughout the day, from the exhilarating sport of dog mushing, northern lights viewing, or downhill skiing, you’re bound to have a great time. 

Make sure to plan your trip in advance if you plan on doing any tours, as some tours do tend to fill up quickly. 

Whether this is your first trip to the dazzling land of ice or your seventh, you’ll always be blown away by the plenty of ways to enjoy the winter days in Alaska.