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Celebrate the shortest day of the year in Fairbanks
Winter Solstice is an exciting time in Fairbanks, marking the shortest day of the year, and the gradual return of sunlight. Celebrate the season at the Winter Solstice Festival, where the Downtown Association of Fairbanks brings the magic of winter to life. Enjoy free sled dog rides, a beautiful winter lights walk, fireworks and more!
Follow along to get to know the events and start planning your perfect winter solstice experience.
Holiday Bazaar
Shop the Holiday Bazaar inside the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. The bazaar is packed with hand-crafted local artwork, Alaskan treats, and more. This is your perfect chance to buy holiday gifts and souvenirs! While you’re there, be sure to check out the exhibits, gift shop, free travel resources, and more!
When: Dec. 12: 11am-6pm, Dec. 13: 10am-6pm
Where: Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Downtown Storefront Decoration Contest
Kick off the celebrations with some festive local shopping and holiday cheer. Pick up a passport at any of the participating businesses and get it stamped at all ten participating locations for your chance to win prizes. While shopping locally for holiday gifts and souvenirs, admire the beautifully decorated storefronts along the way and vote for your favorite!
When: Dec. 12-20, All day
Where: Downtown Fairbanks
Winter Lights Walk
Each year, local businesses sponsor and decorate trees along the downtown portion of the Chena River Walk. Take a dreamy walk and experience the holiday magic for yourself. Voting takes place at either end of the Winter Lights Walk at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and The Fudge Pot.
When: Dec. 13-20, All day
Where: Griffin Park
Tree Voting: Dec. 20, 4:30-7:30pm at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center and The Fudge Pot
Free Dog Sled Rides
Enjoy FREE dog sled rides in Griffin Park along the Chena River (behind the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center). A suggested donation of $10 helps support Noble Paws. Don’t miss your chance to experience the holiday magic from a sled!
When: Dec. 20, Noon-4pm
Where: Griffin Park by the Antler Arch
Ice Skating Party
Make your way to the Starter Block rink for a festive ice skating party. A winter wonderland skate session is the perfect way to celebrate solstice with your friends and family! This is an unforgettable way to embrace the season and enjoy winter festivities.
For more information, and to view the rink's community rules, click here.
When: Dec 20, 4-7pm
Where: Starter Block, Corner of Lacey Street and 1st Avenue
Free Reindeer and Elf Pics
Meet real reindeer, strike a pose with the elves, and savor the memory with a free, professionally taken photo. All photos will be available for download on the Downtown Association of Fairbanks’ Facebook page. Sip on some delicious (and free) hot cocoa while you wait for your turn!
When: Dec 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Golden Heart Plaza
Free Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a sweet treat and take in the magic of the festival at the Reindeer Photos and Hot Chocolate Station. Nothing beats hot cocoa in a winter wonderland! Make it extra magical by capturing a festive photo with the reindeer and elves.
When: Dec. 20, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Golden Heart Plaza
Solstice Fireworks
Not to be missed, fireworks are the star of the show! For the best viewing options, make your way to the Golden Heart Plaza, on the south side of the Chena River. There are plenty of other parking and viewing options nearby as well. For safety reasons, viewing on the river ice is prohibited and the bridges will be closed to foot traffic during the show.
When: Dec. 20, 8pm
Where: Golden Heart Plaza
Parking information
Events will take place at Griffin Park, the Golden Heart Plaza, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and throughout local businesses in downtown Fairbanks. All locations are within walking distance of one another, so once you secure a parking spot, you are good to go!
Click here to view downtown parking information. For a clear overview of where each event happens, scroll to the bottom of the Winter Solstice Festival homepage to view their event map.
Source: Winter Solstice Festival 2025
