Winter Solstice Festival

The Downtown Association of Fairbanks marks the shortest days of the year, and the gradual return of sunlight, with the Winter Solstice Festival downtown. Its finale is a free fireworks show launched from Shoreway Park over the Chena River, presented by Alyeska Pipeline with community sponsors. Recent festivals have also included a holiday bazaar at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, a storefront decorating contest with a passport for local shoppers, a Winter Lights Walk of sponsor-decorated trees along the Chena River Walk, free dog sled rides, an ice skating party and reindeer photos with hot cocoa.

Our take: Save the finale Saturday for the fireworks over the Chena River, then warm up with a bite or a hot drink at a downtown café.