Fairbanks, Alaska – a place that feels like stepping into a winter postcard, but with a quirky charm you don’t expect. It’s this cool little city where icy winds nip at your face, yet locals somehow greet you with the warmest smiles. Imagine streets dusted in snow, cozy cabins glowing with golden lights, and if you’re lucky, the northern lights dancing across the sky like nature’s own light show. Fairbanks has this rugged, untamed vibe, yet still manages to feel inviting — perfect for anyone craving adventure but also loves curling up with a hot drink afterward.
Food
Seafood is big here because it can be locally caught. However, you can find all types of food including steak, burgers, and even, Asian food! Although I didn’t try any Asian restaurants, we did go to Turtle Club and had steak, lobster, and baked potatoes– an American classic. I’ll admit that I don’t really remember the food (because I accidentally got drunk) BUT what I do remember is the warmth and friendliness of the staff. They were super kind and greeted customers like relatives. Although I don’t really recall the food, my husband and friends said everything was great and would definitely recommend this place!
Activities
The real reason people visit Fairbanks is for these particular reasons:
- Chena Hot Springs
Chena Hot Springs in Fairbanks, Alaska, is such a magical little escape, especially if you’re craving some warmth in the middle of all that Arctic chill. One of the coolest things (literally) is their incredible ice sculpture museum and ice hotel — you can actually take a tour inside and admire the intricate frozen art, which somehow manages to feel both elegant and whimsical. The staff there are super friendly too, making the whole experience feel relaxed and welcoming. The hot springs themselves are surprisingly spacious, with different sections offering varying temperatures, so you can find the perfect spot to soak and unwind. Whether you’re floating in the indoor pool or stepping outside to steam beneath the open sky, the views are just stunning — snow-dusted trees, crisp mountain air, and sometimes even the northern lights putting on a show overhead. It’s honestly the best vibe.
- Dog Sledding
Dog sledding in Fairbanks is such a thrilling experience, but oh boy, you’ve got to be prepared for the cold! Most places will hook you up with some solid outerwear like warm boots and gloves, which definitely helps, but trust me — layer up as much as you can. I didn’t, and I regretted it so badly. If you have a balaclava, bring it — your face will thank you. The ride itself lasts about an hour, and while it’s an amazing adventure gliding through snowy trails with those energetic pups leading the way, you really have to hang on tight. One of my friends actually fell off during the ride, so yeah… it’s no joke! Afterward, when you’re frozen to the core, the place we went to had this cozy warm room where they handed out hot cocoa — absolute lifesaver. It’s a wild experience, but totally worth it (just don’t skip those layers!).
- Aurora Borealis
Catching the aurora borealis in Fairbanks is absolutely magical, but it’s definitely not as simple as just showing up and looking up. The weather has to be just right, so it can take a few nights of waiting and hoping. For us, it took at least three nights before we finally saw those mesmerizing green lights dance across the sky. Each night, we camped out in our car for over three hours, just staring out into the freezing darkness. If you’re planning to chase the northern lights, bring food! We packed a thermos of hot water and some cup ramen, and let me tell you — eating that warm, savory goodness out in the cold was such a comfort. Not only did it taste amazing in that moment, but it was the perfect way to warm up our shivering bodies while we waited. When the lights finally appeared, it felt like pure magic — totally worth the wait.
Scenery
Fairbanks in December feels like stepping into a frozen world — beautiful but brutal. When we visited, it was -20°F, and the cold hit differently — so sharp it almost stung. It was so freezing that my eyelashes literally froze, which was both hilarious and kind of terrifying. The city itself had this eerie calmness to it — quiet streets, barely anyone outside, and a stillness that felt almost surreal. Everything was blanketed in snow, and with the soft glow of streetlights reflecting off the icy ground, it felt like we were walking through a snow globe — peaceful yet so, so cold.
Lifestyle
Life in Fairbanks feels slow-paced and laid-back, especially in the winter when hardly anyone’s outside. The streets were often empty, and it sometimes felt like we had the whole city to ourselves. But whenever we did see people — whether at a cozy restaurant or soaking in the hot springs — they were incredibly friendly and chill. Everyone seemed so relaxed, like they’d mastered the art of embracing the cold and taking life as it comes. There’s this quiet resilience about the locals, yet they’re so warm and welcoming, making Fairbanks feel surprisingly inviting despite its frosty vibe.