Fairbanks Aurora, Hot Springs & Arctic Circle
Based in Fairbanks for the winter, soak in Chena Hot Springs to view the aurora, and cross the Arctic Circle.
The mainstream winter short route in Alaska, starting from Fairbanks. Leave multiple nights to wait for the aurora, stay at Chena Hot Springs in the middle of the trip, and spend a day on a guided tour along the Dalton Highway to the Arctic Circle. Self-driving long distances in winter is not recommended; rely mainly on transfers and guided tours. The itinerary alternates between indoors and outdoors in extreme cold, making it suitable for couples, friends, and seniors who want to see the aurora.
Temperatures can drop to -40°F/°C. The World Ice Art Championships sculptures are mainly on display from February to March.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Fairbanks
Fairbanks（Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center、Golden Heart Plaza）
Take a taxi or airport shuttle to downtown (approx. 15m). The Aurora Winter Train is also available on specific dates.
Ask your hotel for an aurora wake-up call, and adapt to the low temperatures first.
Stay: Downtown Fairbanks
Day 2 · Museum and Midnight Aurora Tour
Fairbanks（University of Alaska Museum of the North、Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships、Murphy Dome）
Take a taxi in the city during the day, and join an aurora viewing tour with transfers at night (approx. 45-minute drive to the outskirts).
Wear enough warm layers, and keep spare camera batteries close to your body.
Stay: Downtown Fairbanks
Day 3 · Chena Hot Springs and Aurora Ice Museum
Fairbanks（Chena Hot Springs Resort、Aurora Ice Museum）
Take the resort shuttle or hire a car (approx. 1.5h). You can take a snowcoach up the mountain to view the aurora at night.
The outdoor hot springs lake is restricted to ages 18 and older; bring your swimsuit.
Stay: Chena Hot Springs
Day 4 · Return to City for Arctic Circle Tour
Fairbanks（Arctic Circle (Dalton Highway)）
Return to Fairbanks in the morning (approx. 1.5h), and join a tour along the Dalton Highway (approx. 15h round trip).
Winter road conditions are unpredictable; choose an experienced local operator and do not self-drive.
Stay: Downtown Fairbanks
Day 5 · Santa Claus House in North Pole
Fairbanks（Santa Claus House (North Pole)）
Take a taxi or hire a car to North Pole (approx. 25m), and return to the airport (approx. 30m).