Welcome to your ultimate guide for holiday fun in Fairbanks! Discover all the best festive events and attractions. Whether you're a local or exploring Fairbanks for the first time, our guide ensures you enjoy the festive season.
Popular Events: One highlight of the winter calendar is the World Ice Art Championships, where talented artists create stunning ice sculptures that reflect the beauty of the Alaskan winter. The Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration features various activities celebrating the return of the sun, including live music and local crafts. And the ONAC Sled Dog Race is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the thrilling tradition of dog mushing in a competitive atmosphere. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Fairbanks
- World Ice Art Championships
- ONAC Sled Dog Race
- Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration
- International Ice Art Classic
- Denali Winterfest (Denali National Park)
- Fairbanks International Bonspiel
- Holiday Marketplace
- Fairbanks Fiber Festival
- City Sampler: A Taste of Fairbanks
- Creamer’s Field Holiday Crafts & Luminary Trail
See these and even more events listed below!
Fairbanks Holiday Markets and Shopping
Holiday Marketplace
What to Expect:
Wide variety of local and statewide vendors offering unique gift ideas.
Description:
The Holiday Marketplace is a one-stop holiday shopping extravaganza in Fairbanks and outlying areas, featuring hand-made soap, beaded earrings, and one-of-a-kind artwork. With over 175 vendors, it offers thousands of gift ideas in a warm location. Admission is $5 at the door, and children 12 and under are free.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Holiday Marketplace
Thankful for Her Market
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and seasonal treats from local artisans.
Description:
Thankful for Her Market is a vibrant holiday event featuring local artisans, unique gifts, and seasonal treats. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and find special items for loved ones.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Thankful for Her Market
Fairbanks Other Holiday Activities
Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration
What to Expect:
Community event with fireworks and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration features live music, reindeer, Santa photos, and a spectacular fireworks display at Golden Heart Plaza, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere during the darkest days of winter.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Fairbanks Winter Solstice Celebration
World Ice Art Championships
What to Expect:
World-class ice sculpting competitions using massive ice blocks.
Description:
The World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska, feature intricate ice sculptures created by world-class artists using crystal clear ice blocks known as the "Arctic Diamond." The event includes various competitions like the Multi-Block Classic, Double Block Classic, and Single Block Classic, showcasing artistic skill and endurance.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: World Ice Art Championships
International Ice Art Classic
What to Expect:
World-class ice sculpting competitions using natural Alaskan ice.
Description:
The International Ice Art Classic in Fairbanks, Alaska, features intricate ice sculptures created by world-class artists using crystal clear ice blocks known as the "Arctic Diamond." The event includes various competitions like the Multi-Block Classic, Double Block Classic, and Single Block Classic, showcasing artistic skill and endurance.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: International Ice Art Classic
Denali Winterfest
What to Expect:
Community-driven winter activities with park entrance fees waived.
Description:
Denali Winterfest is a community-wide event featuring a variety of winter activities, including guided snowshoe walks, snow block sculpture competitions, and youth cross-country ski races. The event is organized by the National Park Service, Denali Borough, Denali Borough School District, Denali Education Center, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, Alaska Geographic, and additional community organizations.
Where: Denali National Park | More Info: Denali Winterfest
ONAC Sled Dog Race
What to Expect:
Longest continuously-run sled dog race in the world.
Description:
The Open North American Championships (ONAC) is the world's premier sprint sled dog race, hosted by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association. This three-day event in Fairbanks features teams racing over 68 miles, showcasing the skill and endurance of both mushers and their canine companions.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: ONAC Sled Dog Race
Fairbanks International Bonspiel
What to Expect:
International curling competition with teams from around the world.
Description:
The Fairbanks International Bonspiel is a premier curling event that brings together teams from around the world to compete on the ice. This highly anticipated event showcases the skill and strategy of curling, offering a unique and thrilling experience for spectators.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Fairbanks International Bonspiel
Fairbanks Fiber Festival
What to Expect:
Unique blend of local fiber artists and vendors showcasing Alaskan-grown fibers.
Description:
The Fairbanks Fiber Festival is a celebration of Alaskan fiber art featuring workshops, vendor marketplaces, hands-on demos, and more.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Fairbanks Fiber Festival
City Sampler: A Taste of Fairbanks
What to Expect:
Celebrating local cuisine and supporting community causes.
Description:
The 18th Annual City Sampler: A Taste of Fairbanks is a delightful evening featuring an array of Fairbanks' finest food from local restaurants and caterers, accompanied by live music and wonderful door prizes. Proceeds support the Fairbanks Resource Agency's mission to support Alaskans with disabilities, including our growing senior population with Alzheimer's disease and age-related dementias.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: City Sampler: A Taste of Fairbanks
Creamer’s Field Holiday Crafts & Luminary Trail
What to Expect:
Candle-lit winter trail walk with family-friendly activities.
Description:
Join a family-friendly winter stroll along a candle-lit trail around the historic barn complex at Creamer's Field. Enjoy hot beverages and treats at the Farmhouse Visitor Center.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Creamer’s Field Holiday Crafts & Luminary Trail
Native Artist Showcase
What to Expect:
Celebrating Native art and music in Fairbanks.
Description:
Join the Native Artist Showcase at the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall on October 9, 2024, for an evening of art and music featuring local Native artists.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Native Artist Showcase
Halloween Open Gym
What to Expect:
Spooky games and activities for kids.
Description:
Join us for a fun-filled Halloween Open Gym where kids can burn off energy and have a blast with spooky games and activities.
Where: Fairbanks | More Info: Halloween Open Gym
Colony Christmas
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with festive activities and local crafts.
Description:
Colony Christmas in Palmer, Alaska, features hayrides, a gingerbread contest, cornhole tournament, cookie contests, a parade of lights, fireworks, and multiple craft fairs.