Christmas in Juneau Alaska: Festive Events and Activities
Families, do you want to spend your Christmas a little differently this time? If yes, then don’t waste time browsing through different options and settle for Juneau, Alaska.
Though this city does not offer any particular Christmas-themed event, you will find several winter activities where you can immerse yourself to rejuvenate your festive experience.
Visitors who want to soak in breezy and freezing cold weather where the temperatures drop to 20 to 27°F do not look beyond spending Christmas in Juneau Alaska. When you are in Juneau, you will find lots of things that would spike your interest levels, and surprisingly, they suit people of all ages.
Hence, it is unlikely for them not to get motivated by the activities, events, experiences, and attractions that are confined to Juneau.
Events you can count on While Staying in Juneau, Alaska
1. Dog Sledding Adventure
Perhaps you have only heard of dog sledding, but you can see it for real when you visit Juneau. This will turn into an exciting and exclusive experience for you that only some places across the globe offer to visitors.
Dog sledding events turn out to be adventurous for every visitor who visits this city because they come across lots of powerful and cute sled dogs. In the process, they also take a sneak peek at the surrounding snow-covered glaciers and mountains while gliding through them.
2. Take a Tour of the Alaska State Museum
Tossing with the idea of choosing an institution that can display the natural beauty, culture, and history of Alaska? The problem was sorted with the Alaska State Museum. This museum lets everyone attend special events and displays that highlight the exceptional customs and traditions that Alaskan winter offers to all visitors who spend time there.
A few notable among them are exhibits on winter practices, the effect of the winter season on the wildlife of the state, and certainly, holiday celebrations. This way, you can gain lots of information about the local history and culture of Alaska, even when you prefer to keep yourself warm indoors.
3. Watching Santa Claus and the Torch Parade
Who wants to miss meeting Santa Claus? Juneau will give you this opportunity on Christmas Eve. Hundreds and thousands of people from different corners of the globe gather to witness the torchlight parade. It works to light up the track so that Santa, as well as his sleds, can walk without botheration.
4. Take a Light Flight on a Helicopter
If you are fortunate, then you can book Light Flights too. They are helicopter tours where pilots take people to the Mendenhall Glacier from the airport terminal. This allows them to see the beautiful city of Juneau.
The flight is rightly named Light Flight because whoever takes it can see the Christmas decorations from above. This flight is called a noble one because the proceeds from this event contribute to projects like the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
5. Pay a Visit to the Mendenhall Ice Caves
You will lose count of the attractions that Juneau will offer you, especially during Christmas. Among them, seeing the Mendenhall Glacier is one. Though the Mendenhall Glacier continues to attract tourists all year, it becomes special during December as the ice caves look spectacular during this period.
Visitors take guided tours that take them deep into the core of the glacier. There, they can see lots of landscapes and superb formations of ice. Anyone who sees it finds it overwhelming and awe-inspiring, as it gives them a reason to appreciate the beauty and power the Mother Nature.
6 . Explore Ice Fishing
If you spend Christmas in Juneau Alaska, don’t miss ice fishing. This is a prevalent pastime of this city that every visitor makes a point to explore. The frozen lakes surrounding Juneau offer magnificent views where you can try out some traditional winter activities.
Regardless of your skills, you can drill holes in the ice where you can drop your line. This will give you a golden chance to absorb the tranquil surroundings. Visitors never forget to opt for ice fishing because they find it to be a beautiful way to experience nature and connect to the winter of Alaska.
7. Christmas Caroling
To watch Christmas caroling, you must visit Juneau one week before. Here, local churches carry out a thematic play that intrigues everyone. Christmas carolers stroll around and spread cheer on the eve of Christmas. To discover carolers, it would be feasible to take a walk through town, and you will never be disappointed.
8. Pay a Visit to the Mansion of the Alaska Governor
Every year, the Alaska governor’s mansion doors open to allow visitors to see the decorations. Nonetheless, never forget to taste the fudge, cookies, and different kinds of candies that are kept for the visitors. Residents find it to be a nice occasion to meet the governor as well as see the breathtakingly beautiful mansion.
It’s okay even if you aren’t a resident but a visitor, as you will equally get a chance to see the decorations and be a part of the festive surroundings that surround the huge mansion. Some features that make this mansion special are that it has twenty-six rooms and ten fireplaces that are ideal for hanging stockings.
9. Watch Shows at Perseverance Theatre
If you have a knack for festive shows, Juneau will not let your expectations down, as Perseverance Theatre habitually showcases a festive show where visitors can see a live performance along with a festive holiday theme.
As this is the peak season, you must book your tickets beforehand. These performances seem remarkable, as they offer both entertainment and fun for the families who stay in Juneau.
10. Shopping at Local Shops
Don’t call it quits unless you do some shopping from the local shops while celebrating Christmas in Juneau Alaska. The local shops of Juneau, including Trove, stock unique treasures that blow the minds of the visitors who browse them. Some items you can buy are exclusive pieces of jewelry, accessories, and clothes.
Another shop that deserves to be mentioned is Midnight Sun Gifts, which offers unique gift ideas to everyone. Pay a visit to the Juneau Trading Company, too, as it features reminders and souvenirs of your adventures in Juneau.
11. Stay in Juneau, Keeping Botheration at Bay
There is no shortage of room options in Juneau, as this city turns into an ideal host during Christmas by offering many suites. Visitors who love solitude opt to stay in these suites, as they can enjoy a kitchen and a lovely living space.
According to their convenience and preferences, they can enjoy holiday favorites and bake cookies in the kitchen. Some visitors decorate cookies in the kitchen only so that their homes do not become messy.
Why Choose Juneau to Spend Your Christmas?
Juneau welcomes all its visitors with its mind-blowing winter scenery, including snow-covered landscapes and glaciers. They also find the local neighborhoods of this city to be beckoning them with their splendid displays. Hence, visitors find no dearth of reasons to spend their Christmas in Juneau Alaska.
This city knows how to entertain visitors so that they can spend the best festive season there. If you are like thousands of others who choose this city, don’t miss seeing the Christmas Eve parade. Don’t miss the helicopter ride to see the decorations and lights of the city from above. Among other things, Christmas caroling is another event that you must not miss in any case.
