Seeking Suggestions December Fairbanks Trip

Question

My college age son and I are traveling to Fairbanks early mid-Dec for 4 nights. I have booked the flights but not lodging. We prefer to not rent a car and would like to book tours (aurora, dog sledding, any others). I have read mixed reviews about Borealis Base Camp. We do plan to rent weather appropriate gear. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer

Visiting Fairbanks in December is a fantastic opportunity to experience true Arctic winter adventures and hopefully see the northern lights. Since you prefer not to rent a car, choosing a centrally located lodging with easy access to tours is essential. Downtown Fairbanks has several hotels and lodges that cater to winter tourists and provide shuttle services for excursions.

Regarding lodging:

Consider hotels in central Fairbanks such as the Westmark Fairbanks, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge, or SpringHill Suites. They are convenient for tour pickups and have easy access to restaurants and shops.
If you prefer a more immersive aurora experience, some lodges outside the city, like Chena Hot Springs Resort, offer packages including aurora viewing, but keep in mind this will require a transfer or shuttle if not driving.

For tours and activities in mid-December:

Aurora Viewing: Book a guided northern lights tour. Options include small-group minibus tours, photography-focused tours, or lodge-based aurora experiences. Borealis Basecamp has mixed reviews, mostly regarding the group size and amenities; some visitors prefer smaller, more personalized tours. Alternative aurora tour operators include Northern Alaska Tour Company and Alaska Aurora Adventures.
Dog Sledding: Several companies offer short or full-length dog sled experiences with pickups from downtown Fairbanks. Options include Bear Paw Sled Dog Adventures and Riverboat Discovery’s winter tours.
Winter Activities: Other fun winter experiences include ice fishing tours, snowmobiling day trips, visiting the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, and exploring Pioneer Park for historic buildings and winter charm.
Hot Springs: Chena Hot Springs is about 60 miles from Fairbanks and offers both natural hot spring pools and guided tours. Many aurora-focused packages combine the hot springs experience with northern lights viewing.

Additional tips:

Dress in layers with high-quality winter gear; tour operators often provide insulated boots, jackets, and gloves, but check in advance.
December daylight is limited, roughly 3–4 hours, so plan daytime activities accordingly.
Booking tours in advance is highly recommended for this peak aurora season, especially for dog sledding and photography-focused aurora tours.

In summary, choose a central Fairbanks lodge for convenience, focus on guided aurora tours and dog sledding, and supplement your itinerary with cultural or winter-themed activities. Early bookings and proper winter gear will ensure you and your son have a safe and memorable experience.

Seeking Suggestions December Fairbanks Trip

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