6 Things to Do in Fairbanks Alaska (Winter Season)

Fairbanks, Alaska, is THE best place to see the Northern Lights. Not only is it easily accessible (cheaper and more flight options), but it also doesn’t require a passport like if you were going to Iceland or Norway. In this post, I share the top 6 things to do in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Winter while seeing the Northern Lights.

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The Allure of Fairbanks

Fairbanks also has many other adventures that can be done if you get there and don’t get lucky enough to see the lights. I would know because I went to Fairbanks twice. I did get to see the Aurora Borealis both times I went there, but the first time was in March, and the other time was in September.

View from outside the airplane window flying to Fairbanks, AK.

Northern Lights Viewing

It is well known that March is the best month to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska. Not only does that month have the lowest amount of precipitation, but it also has the best chance of catching the strongest Estimated Planetary K Index. In other words, you will have the best odds for the clearest skies and the most Aurora Borealis in the skies during the month of March than in any other month. If seeing the Northern Lights is the top thing you want to accomplish while in Fairbanks, Alaska, click here to read about how to plan your trip using the best data resources. We got to see it but did have to fight the clouds off most of the night.

Stay in a Yurt

There are many places to stay in Fairbanks, Alaska, ranging from hotels to lots of Airbnb’s and VRBO rentals. However, I highly recommend staying in something that makes you feel like you are in Alaska, quintessentially in a yurt. If you don’t know what a yurt is, it is a circular structure with a wooden frame and a thick fabric covering. It typically has an opening in the center of the roof and is known to be very portable and energy efficient. I happened to rent this yurt through VRBO, which was very affordable and perfectly complemented the secluded atmosphere of Alaska. It also kept us plenty warm in the 25 (f) below weather.

Chena Hot Springs

The Chena Hot Springs is a must-do in Fairbanks. It’s a natural geothermal hot spring about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. You can stay on-site at their hotel and make a day trip out of it, but I highly recommend staying in a yurt or elsewhere for more privacy. You will likely be renting a car anyway, and it’s an easy 50-minute drive to get there on the well-maintained road.

This is a popular tourist attraction all year round. We got to visit it in the middle of March. If you want to see what the Chena Hot Springs look like in September, you can read about it in my other post discussing the 6 Things to do in Fairbanks, AK, during the Fall.

World Ice Sculpture Championships

March is the perfect time to visit Fairbanks if you’re interested in seeing some fantastic frozen works of art. The World Ice Art Championships take place in March and although I didn’t get to see the championships while it was happening, they leave them up for viewing afterward. I was able to visit all the incredible sculptures and see the winners too. Some of these ice sculptures are so intricate and stand over 20 feet tall. We even got to play on some of the ice sculpture ping pong tables and slides. We spent a few good hours here.

The North Pole

Yes, the North Pole really does exist..well, sort of! The North Pole is a small city about 15 miles southeast of Fairbanks. It adopted its name because it has a festive Christmas-themed atmosphere everywhere. This theme continues throughout the year.

There’s a Santa Claus House, a giant Santa Claus statue, a gift shop, and more. North Pole, AK, also has a large military presence here because it’s close to Eielson Air Force Base, which is cool.

Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum

Fairbanks is also home to the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum. Whether you drive a Tesla or not, everyone can appreciate the ingenuity of the early automobile industry. You can visit an entire building filled with a large collection of prototypes, antique cars, vintage clothing, and other historical items. Definitely a must-do for the guys!