Locals know that winter in Anchorage is a season of beauty and adventure, filled with crisp air, snowy landscapes, dancing northern lights, and the magic of long nights. It’s a time to embrace everything that makes the city special. This year from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31, the community celebrates it in style with the first Heyi Days.
The heart of Anchorage shines as the community comes together to connect and to celebrate what makes this a wonderful place.
Special Events
Even on the shortest days, Anchorage gets six hours of daylight. Resourceful Alaskans make some of the longest nights the brightest, and it starts with the tree lighting in Town Square the day after Thanksgiving.
Celebrate winter solstice – and the gains in daylight it brings – as the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage puts on Solstice Tree Tour in Kincaid Park on Dec. 15, and Cuddy Family Park hosts Winter Solstice Festival on Dec. 21. Special light displays bring both the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Botanical Garden into a warm glow.
Not all bright lights are outside. The best local musicians join the first Dark Daze Music Fest, Broadway talent sparks during Mean Girls, and holiday-themed concerts pull back the curtain at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Shop Local
With the holidays approaching, opportunities abound to meet artisans, artists, and crafters, and find locally made goods.
The 49th State market imports European Christmas market vibes (alongside llamas and local lagers). Crafted in Alaska is an annual tradition at the Anchorage Museum, as is the Alaska Native art at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and CIRI. Special markets also come to Alyeska Resort, the Sullivan Arena, and many more venues for 2024.
Adventure wear outfitters, gift shops, and boutiques are filled with Alaska-made goods that make perfect gifts, and small business Saturday is just one day that highlights all things local.
Revel in Winter Activities
Anchorage is a winter playground, and the start of Heyi Days is timed with many first rides, runs, and races of winter.
Enjoy local slopes as early as Nov. 30 as Alyeska Resort opens the mountain in Girdwood. Hilltop Ski Area is getting things ready for an early December open. Depending on conditions, Arctic Valley aims to open for tubing in early December as well.
Ice awaits at outdoor skating rinks. The ice at Delaney Park is maintained by Parks and Rec, and it won’t be long before Westchester Lagoon, the skating oval at Cuddy Park, and many of the rinks at community schools are ready.
Delaney Park also has one more trick this year; there’s a groomed cross-country ski loop steps from downtown. Of course, there are even more ski trails at Kincaid Park or along the Hillside.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a year-round favorite, also invites guests to explore this season via kicksled, fat bike, or skis.
For an extra thrill, dog sledding and snowmobiling adventures capture are a perfect way to see stunning landscapes and make a few unforgettable memories along the way.
Fuel for More Fun
Local restaurants and food trucks serve up everything from steaming chowder flights and hearty reindeer chili bowls to warm cinnamon rolls and filling poutine. They taste even better after a snowy adventure.
Heyi Days is about more than activities and events, it’s about enjoying our place with friends and family, and making new connections in a community that embraces winter.
