• Date: Monday, December 21, 2026
• Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
• Location: Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 E 40th Ave
• Price: Free
• Activities: Ice skating, dog sled rides, horse-drawn wagons, bonfires, Santa visits

Alaska's Ultimate Winter Wonderland Celebration

The Anchorage Winter Solstice Festival transforms Cuddy Family Midtown Park into a magical winter celebration marking Alaska's longest night. This free, family-friendly festival embraces the beauty of Alaska winter with traditional activities, warm fires, and holiday spirit that makes the shortest day of the year something special to anticipate.

Classic Winter Activities and Holiday Magic

Families can ice skate around the oval to holiday music while warming up at cozy bonfires with hot chocolate. Horse-drawn wagon rides and authentic dog sled rides around the park provide quintessential Alaska winter experiences, while Santa's reindeer offer magical encounters with potential Santa sightings. Fire juggling performances add excitement to the winter evening, creating entertainment that could only happen in Alaska's winter darkness.

Easy Access and Practical Details

Located at the accessible Cuddy Family Midtown Park on E 40th Avenue, the festival provides ample parking and facilities for families. While all activities are free, popular attractions like horse-drawn wagon rides, dog sled rides, and skating equipment have limited timeslots with reservations made on-site starting at 4:30 PM—first come, first served. Food trucks provide warm treats and drinks for purchase throughout the event.

Embracing Alaska's Winter Beauty

The Winter Solstice Festival celebrates what makes Alaska special during the darkest time of year—community gathering, winter traditions, and finding joy in the season that defines so much of Alaska life. It's a perfect introduction to how Anchorage embraces winter, offering visitors and residents alike a chance to experience authentic Alaska winter culture in the heart of the city.