As Alaskans, we know winters can be long and hard. With less sunlight and harsh weather, there are less activities that can be done with loved ones. To combat this, LBA has taken the liberty of putting together a list of winter activities (inside and outside) that are either coming up or that can be done through out these long winter months. Alaskan winters are a beautiful testament to our people’s strength and vitality. Getting through the winter is easier when you stay active and share the time with most important people in our lives. Here’s to the next few months, may they be lively and bring joy.
Coming up soon:
Holiday Event and Food Drive: 12/14/19 11:00a- 1:00p Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Bring five cans per person and gain free admission to check out the beautiful animals at the conservation center.
Christmas Village: 12/14/19 10:00a-6:00p Dena’ina Center
Free Admission
Take in the beautiful works and support local Alaskan artists. This holiday show will have wonderful gifts for everyone on your list, as well as grub that you do not want to miss.
Pet Pictures with Santa: 12/14/19 11:00a-2:00p Alaska Mill and Feed
Free Admission
An event that the furry family members can join in on. Get your pet and family pictures with Santa. The admission is free, but Alaska Mill and Feed is taking canned food donations.
Anchorage Vegan Potluck Holiday Party: 12/14/19 6:00p-8:00p University Baptist Church
$2 admission
Bring a vegan dish of your choice and the recipe, and a white elephant gift if you would like to participate.
Wells Fargo Free Day and Holiday Concert: 12/15/19 1:00p-4:00p Anchorage Museum
Free general admission (12:00p-6:00p)
Enjoy a day at the Anchorage Museum with friends and family for free thanks to Wells Fargo. The Anchorage Concert Chorus, the Alaskan’s Children’s Choir and Anchorage Mandolin Orchestra will preform.
Solstice Tree Tour 2019: 12/15/19 4:00p-8:00p Kincaid Park
Free Admission
Celebrate the winter solstice by skiing or walking/snowshoeing Mize Loop at Kincaid Park. Check out the beautifully decorated trees while enjoying a warm drink and s’mores. If you are 21 and over the Viola Swamp Beer Garden will be open for beer and Gluhwein (spiced wine).
Winter Solstice Festival: 12/21/19 5:30p-8:30p Cuddy Family Midtown Park
Free Admission
The Winter Solstice Festival will feature fat tire bike rides, sleigh rides, food trucks, ice skating and more. This is a children friendly event, so bring the whole family!
Noon Year’s Eve Party: 12/31/19 11:00a-12:00p Loussac Library
Free Admission
A family friendly even with DJ Spencer Lee on the second floor of the library. Enjoy making a craft or dancing with your kids.
New Year’s Eve Celebration: 12/31/19 5:00p-8:00p Easy Park Chinook Lot on 3rd Ave
Free admission
This community event will have a beer garden, local band Those guys AK, dancing from the Underground Dance Company, food vendors and fireworks! Perfect for date night or the whole family.
New Year’s Carnival: 12/31/19 5:00p-8:00p- Town Square Park
Free Admission
Grab your loved ones and enjoy a carnival in Town Square. There will be live music, food trucks, a petting zoo, beer gardens and so much more.
Activities all winter long:
Westchester Lagoon/ Cuddy Family Park Ice Skating:
Grab some skates and head outside. As long as the ice is stable, this is a great activity that gets your body moving and can be done with friends and family. If you don’t have skates, check local second hand stores for an assortment.
Fat Biking/ Cross Country Skiing:
Using the year round maintained trails, like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, or the trails in Kincaid Park to fat bike or cross country ski can be a fun way to get active. There are multiple different retailers that offer rentals, so grab a bike or skis and go for the day. The beauty of these trails doesn’t have to be missed in the winter.
Below is a link to rental options:
https://www.anchorage.net/winter/things-to-do/winter-biking/
Northern Lights Viewing:
You can check the Aurora forecast online super easy, just go to The University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute’s website (linked below) and it will give you the likelihood of the aurora for that day . Once you know if the lights will be out dancing, pick your favorite park (mine is Earthquake Park in Downtown Anchorage) and grab a loved one and chase the lights. Bundle up and bring a warm beverage for the ultimate experience.
https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast
First Friday at the Anchorage Museum:
Free Admission
Every First Friday, 6:00p-9:00p, the Anchorage Museum is free for general admission. This is aa fabulous opportunity to check out the beautifully remodeled building and share an evening in a unique Alaskan way with loved ones.
