Family is one of the most important gifts that we are given and during this month featuring thankfulness and gratitude it’s one of the gifts we want to appreciate. During this time of year our families have a little extra time to get together and just enjoy each other’s company. Whether you live in Alaska or have family visiting our beautiful state there are many things that you can share with them. Here are a few things you can share in Alaska over Thanksgiving.
Shopping in Juneau
During Thanksgiving weekend, the city of Juneau hosts a public market that is the perfect way to browse for souvenirs or gifts for our loved ones. Juneau also holds a monthlong celebration in the Juneau Holiday Village. This celebration provides holiday-themed exhibits, music, gifts, and of course delicious food. Another bonus? They encourage charitable donations in the spirit of giving.
Train ride to Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a small village full of heart about 100 miles north of Anchorage. This kid-friendly village hosts the Talkeetna Roadhouse. At the Roadhouse you will enjoy family conversations, holiday celebrations, homemade meals, and fireworks. You can find your way to this adorable village by taking the train from Anchorage. This train runs through the snowy wilderness right to the center of Talkeetna!
Appreciate history in Seward
Seward is one of the oldest cities in Alaska and is in an incredible location. Seward is known for its historical architecture right in town. If the weather is nice, you can also take advantage of Seward’s proximity to incredible natural formations such as glaciers. You can even take a boat tour from the local harbor and see a glacier up close. The Kenai Fjords National Park is the place to do some serious sightseeing. If the weather doesn’t cooperate you can see Exit Glacier from the safety and warmth of your car.
Heli-Skiing at Tordrillo Mountain Lodge
This mountain is known as a hotspot for heli-skiing! If you’re up for an adrenaline-packed mountain sport, you can sign up for a lesson or book a schedule with an experienced guide or pilot. The lodge features a breakfast buffet as well as soup, sandwiches and lunch and dinner menus.
Family ski day at Alyeska Resort
Many family memories are made on the ski slopes. If you’re not searching for the adrenaline-packed sport of heli-skiing, this resort is the place for your family. Alyeska Resort is just outside of Juneau and offers over seven ski lifts and numerous runs at various levels for all family members. If you need a break from skiing the Pond Café offers their annual Thanksgiving buffet. You can also explore Alyeska on one of the many well marked winter trails while snowshoeing.
Catch the basketball game in Anchorage
The university of Alaska Anchorage holds a basketball tournament that begins the week of Thanksgiving called the Great Alaska Shootout. Join the crowds and enjoy this tournament! If basketball isn’t your thing, you can enjoy one of the many things that Alaska’s largest city has to offer. There is a Christmas tree lighting on Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, or you can enjoy holiday shopping at the Anchorage Museum’s Crafts Weekend, a public market for handmade goods.
Show your family the northern lights in Fairbanks
Seeing the northern lights is on many people’s bucket lists. For a truly unique Thanksgiving experience, bring your family to the second-largest city in Alaska. You can book a viewing trip with a local company for your best chance of spotting this natural phenomenon. In Fairbanks you can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many restaurants. There is also a Yuletide Lights Festival in Creamer’s Field over the long weekend.
These are just a few of the many things you can enjoy with your family in Alaska over this Thanksgiving weekend. Take time to be grateful for our beautiful last Frontier and for our family and friends. We are grateful for you!