What is there to do in Anchorage at Christmas?

• Cross-Country Skiing.
• Snowmobiling.
• Ice Fishing.
• Ice Climbing.
• Snowshoeing.
• Winter Biking.
• Ice Skating & Hockey.
• Sightseeing Tours & Day Trips.

What is Christmas like in Anchorage?

Anchorage is probably the best coastal city in Alaska for Christmas events and festivals. The Holiday Train on the Alaska Railroad entails a visit from Santa Claus, caroling, door prizes, a magician, and more, typically in late November as well as some dates in December.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Alaska?

If you love deep, dark winter punctuated by the dazzle of holiday activities, December is an exhilarating time to visit Alaska. … Amid the celebrations, it’s a great time to meet locals.

How is Alaska during Christmas?

Christmas in Alaska is a grand affair and its stunning valleys and pristine white snow makes the effects even more beautiful and magical. No matter the town, it will have its special festivals along with the mandatory Christmas tree all decked out like a beautiful night on a moonlit sea.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Anchorage in December?

Yes, you can see the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, from Anchorage – but not in the summer. The aurora actually occurs all year long, but the sky needs to be clear and dark to see it. Views are best from September to April. Winter is the prime viewing time.

Is it dark in Alaska in December?

The days are short in Fairbanks during the winter, with December sunrises happening around 10:00 am and sunsets occurring around 2:45 pm. Extended sunrises and sunsets and generally cool, dark evenings make December one of the best months for appreciating the sky and the natural environment around us.

What clothes to wear in Anchorage in December?

10 Things To Pack For Your Anchorage Winter Trip

• Layers. Layers are essential to help keep your body warm. …
• Snow Clothes. …
• Sunglasses and Snow Goggles. …
• Sunscreen. …
• Moisturizer & Lip Balm. …
• Wool Socks. …
• Winter/ Snow Boots. …
• Accessories: Beanie, Headbands, Gloves, Scarves and Neck Warmer, Swim Wear.

Can you see northern lights in Alaska?

While the northern lights can be seeing anywhere in Alaska, they’re visible most often in the Interior and Arctic regions. … The northern lights can be seen throughout the state, though your chances of seeing them reduce as you travel south.

Is Alaska worth visiting in winter?

However, visiting Alaska in winter can be one of the most rewarding trips you will ever take. Easily comparable to Finland or Norway, Alaska offers Northern Lights tours, snowy landscapes, world-class skiing, and your favorite winter activities.

What should you avoid in Alaska?

20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs

• Farmed seafood. Flickr – Judi Knight. …
• Or buying fish in general. …
• Even feeding your dogs farmed fish. …
• Eating hot dogs. …
• Camping without a view. …
• Snacking on chips from the lower 48. …
• Shopping at big corporate box stores. …
• Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.

Is December a good time to see the northern lights in Alaska?

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between mid-September and early April. … In September and October the weather is not cold yet, and while clear skies are not as reliable as in the Spring, the past few years have had incredibly colorful displays.

Is Anchorage Alaska worth visiting?

IMO Anchorage is well worth a day or two. There are a ton of really great activities: hiking, museums, fishing, dining, arts/crafts, scenery all within the city. AK is huge and if you’re here just for a little while, I wouldn’t suggest any where too far away (like Denali).

Does it snow in Alaska in December?

In December, temperatures in Alaska range from an average of 11F (-12C) to an average high of 24F (-4C). It usually doesn’t snow as much in December as earlier in the winter and you’ll more often find clear starry skies as the winter holidays approach.

Can you see Christmas Star in Alaska?

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska For more than 50 years, the city of Anchorage has had the privilege of gazing upon the Christmas star every cold winter night. … The star has brightened the Anchorage skyline during the holidays since 1958.

How cold is it in Alaska in December?

Temperature

Can you see Mount Denali from Anchorage?

Yes, on a very clear day, you can see Denali, which is Koyukon Athabascan for The Great One, all the way from Anchorage. The distance between Denali and Anchorage is approximately 130 miles by air and approximately 225 miles by car.

What is the best time to visit Alaska?

The Best Time to Visit Alaska

• Peak season is June to August. By mid-June, it’s as warm as it’s going to get. …
• Cruise Season is also May through September. …
• Shoulder Season is May (early season) and September (late season), with 10-25% discounts on some hotels, tours, and cruises.

How far are the Northern Lights from Anchorage Alaska?

During the day, it is known for its view of Denali and at night, you can sometimes see the northern lights. It is wide open to the northern sky and about 4 miles away from the glow of Anchorage.

Does Anchorage have 24 hours darkness?

Alaska Gets Six Months of 24-Hour Sunlight and Darkness Only the furthest north and south points have equal parts daylight and darkness throughout the year, and Alaska isn’t north enough to experience six months of either extreme. The 24-hour daylight and darkness still happen in Alaska, just less so.

How many hours of daylight is there in Alaska in December?

Here’s a brief look at the range of daylight hours in a few famed Alaska spots: Juneau: Alaska’s capital city sees about six hours and 22 minutes of sunlight on December 21. … Business Hours.

Where in Alaska is it dark all day?

The town of Utqiavik, Alaska the northernmost town in the US experiences a polar night every year, beginning in mid-November and ending in mid-January. That means that once the sun sets in November, residents won’t see daylight for two months.

How do Alaskans stay warm?

Many Alaskans will like to wear a down or fleece vest to help warm the body core while leaving arms less encumbered. For extremely frigid days, fleece pants or heavy long underwear bottoms can be handy. Don’t get too hot.

What do Alaskans do in winter?

Alaska is a paradise for all things winter recreation including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fat tire biking, and snowmobiling. In many places in Alaska, winter also means great rates on everything from hotels to rental cars and tours.

What kind of boots do Alaskans wear?

Xtratuf boots, popular amongst Alaskans. Approved and proven by the stars of Discovery Channel’s hit show Deadliest Catch, these neoprene boots are an Alaska staple. Whether you’re on the deck of a fishing vessel or at a downtown Anchorage pub, you’ll see XTRATUF boots everywhere.

What is the most beautiful part of Alaska?

Unspoiled Alaska: The 7 Most Beautiful Places to Visit

1. Denali National Park. …
2. Katmai National Park and Preserve. …
3. Matanuska Glacier. …
4. Kodiak Island. …
5. Tatshenshini-Alsek River. …
6. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. …
7. Wrangell St.

When can you see whales in Anchorage?

The best time to see whales in the waters around Anchorage, Alaska, is between April and October. A few Anchorage tour companies offer whale watching excursions via boat or sea kayaks.

Can you drive to Alaska?

There is only one major road that you can take to drive to Alaska and that is the Alaska Highway. Regardless of where you start in the United States or Canada, you will eventually join the Alaska Highway. … The three roads that make up the highway are British Columbia Highway 97, Yukon Highway 1 and Alaska Route 2.

Is Fairbanks AK worth visiting?

Absolutely Fairbanks it is worth visiting. Local attractions include: Pioneer Park. Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum.

What’s the warmest it gets in Alaska?

Fort Yukon holds the state’s high temperature record: 100 F in June 1915! Fairbanks often has summer temperatures in the 80s and occasionally gets up into the 90s.

What is the best place to visit in December?

Best Places to Visit in December

• Phuket.
• Rio de Janeiro.
• Hawaii – The Big Island.
• Banff.
• Torres del Paine National Park.
• Quebec City.
• Park City.
• Dubai.