things to do in juneau in december

Wilkins Theatre, Union 7:30 pm $10. This is a great place to watch for bald eagles as well. Theres plenty of small lakes around Juneau that are good for outdoor skating. December 14. Spend a night in early 20th-century Russia with Tevye and his five daughters who wish to marry for love. Up close, flying right by us, in the water - everywhere. by Megan MuessenPublished: November 26, 2019 You can learn about the natural history of Tracy Arm, its glaciers, and wildlife by taking a guided cruise. Reservations recommended. Times vary But theres beauty at the beach even in the winter. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. You can go to Mendenhall Glacier and the visitor center is open (weekdays only I believe) and is free in the winter. Also on Dec. 7 at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts in Toms River at 1 pm ($12/adults, $10/kids). , Your email address will not be published. Mellower thrill-seekers can enjoy snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on Juneaus extensive trail systemwith dozens of miles regularly groomed for both classic and skate. Youll get to experience this winter wonderland more like a local with virtually no crowds and embracing the snow and beauty of the mountains. Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. Meet Father Christmas in the Country Store, get elbow-deep in hands-on crafts, listen to live music and browse holiday treats, drinks, artisan works, books, old-fashioned candy and more. After exploring outside, head to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center to learn more about the landscape, the animals that live here, and how the glacier is changing. After you pass Auke Bay, continue following Glacier Highway soaking in the view of snow-capped peaks and stopping as you wish. The crowning point of the tour is Juneau's natural treasure, the . Great Swamp OEC, Chatham Twp. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. Alaskas capital city, the second-oldest city in the state (one day after Skagway! McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Nature & Wildlife Areas Hiking Trails. Our Lady Queen of Peace, Maywood. For the faint at heart, you can go to the indoor rink at Treadwell Arena. Your trail options include the short Trail of Time or the more difficult 3-mile East Glacier Loop. For tips, see our winter clothing guide. many. After taking a family photo, open presents from the North Pole, head to cookie decorating or make snacks for reindeer (additional cost). 98. There are two National Park Service-approved concessioners offering flights over Glacier Bay: Alaska Seaplanes and Ward Air. The Mountain House at the top also hosts a live eagle display, a collection of tree carvings, and Alaskan art for sale. However, we suggest giving yourself ample time to stop and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. They offer routes throughout the area, including over the Juneau Icefield and some even have glacier landings as an add-on option. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Last and certainly not least Juneau is yet another great destination for fishing charters in Alaska (along with places like Whittier, Homer, Sitka, and many other waterfront communities). However, we were still able to learn more about the Alaska Native Culture, including the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Peoples, and the history of Alaska at the State Museum. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. $39-125. $20/car. Youll see more than 100 Christmas trees float on Lake Meone and light up to music. A few of our favorites from our time in Juneau are: If wed had more time, here are a few more restaurants that come highly recommended: Ever wished you had a cheat sheet for outdoor adventures? Go Whale Watching Whale watching is not to be confused with watching Wales. The Tour with Taste allows you to try eight different city establishments, including must-tries like Tracys Crab Shack and the Alaskan Bar, and newcomers like Deckhand Daves. In addition to the two hiking trails I already mentioned, there are several other trails. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City However, you can still visit, see the glacier, and explore the trails on other days. Mendenhall Glacier. Experience Mendenhall Glacier Mendenhall Glacier There is a truly scenic panorama just 12 miles from downtown Juneau. and has 1620 feet of vertical drop. Which one is right for you? Mendenhall Glacier Vacations. Also on Dec. 28 at noon. 1. Check out this model train show, which boasts more than 300 feet of tracks, three towns, a boardwalk, operating monorail and more. Times vary Stick around for traditional treats. Tracy Arm Fjord Vacations. Roberts Tram. Visit this brightly lit museum space while exploring the rugged nature of Sitka and enjoy additional displays of regional art and indigenous culture. Find things to do including outdoor excursions, wildlife viewing, arts, shopping, eateries, breweries, Alaska Native culture, and so much more. How many hours of daylight does Juneau get in winter? The primary catches will be halibut and salmon, with the type of salmon being seasonal depending on the run. Amid the celebrations, its a great time to meet locals. The New Jersey Festival Orchestra and dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem will be at Westfield High School with guest Broadway soloists and songs from the Great White Way. If youre on the nice list (or not), dig into a hot breakfast buffet and hop into Santas sleigh for a family photo worthy of the fridge. Your family can build a Hanukkah lamp, then sketch your own after finding inspiration in the world gallery. This is your travel guide to the best, most unique and quintessential experiences of a city, state or event. All rights reserved. This page may include affiliate links. While it might seem like this fall is glacially fed, it actually runs year-round due to snowmelt from the Juneau icefield that sits in the valleys above Junaeu. Sometimes you can even spot frozen jellyfish washed up from the tide, which is an interesting sight. $4/ages 3 and up. This 5.4-mile out-and-back trail gains about 3,100 feet in elevation to reach the summit of Mount Jumbo, also called Mount Bradley. Travel and adventuring are two of my favorite things! There are no facilities, so youll want to plan accordingly for food, water, and restrooms. Address: 2697 Channel Drive, Juneau, Alaska. 1:30-4 pm 11 am-3 pm We also use cookies for analyzing our traffic, interaction with social networks, reporting, and more. From the tourist-heavy areas near the cruise terminal to the quiet streets lined with historic homes, Juneau has a small but walkable downtown area with a nice grid pattern so its pretty hard to get lost. But most importantly: no crowds. A typical season at Eaglecrest runs from December through April, and come summertime, the area is a great hiking and downhill mountain biking destination. 1. Alaskans embrace this season with high spirits; restaurants, shops, theaters, and malls grow crowded and sometimes raucous. By roxannea872. For many, this may be the closest you will ever be able to get to the face of a glacier. The Alaska State Museums umbrella also includes the Sheldon Jackson Museum in the rugged and welcoming city and borough of Sitka. I have an entire list of places I recommend for where to stay in Juneau if you want even more options. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. At 6.8 miles in length, this out-and-back hike has 3,415 feet in elevation change to reach the peak of Mount Juneau. Roberts Tramway. Throughout December you can climb aboard the Polar Express in Whippany with your family. Big ship or small ship? This is a 1.4-mile point-to-point trail that connects two different parts of the downtown area. Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit 80 Stangl Road, Flemington Upon arrival in Juneau, the first thing you will probably notice is the whir of seaplanes taking off and landing in the port waters. . Clear nights will turbocharge viewing of the northern lights. Therell be live music and treats available at the Snowflake Cafe. If youre up for afull-on winter experience, Alaska in January and February can be otherworldly. 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Alaska, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Anchorage, Alaska, 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Juneau, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Whitehorse, Nahanni National Park Reserve: 6 Top Highlights, 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in British Columbia, 13 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in British Columbia, 2023, 12 Top-Rated Hot Springs in British Columbia, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Northwest Territories, Alaska in Pictures: 20 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 10 Top-Rated Hiking Trails on Vancouver Island, BC, 13 Best Places to Hit the Beaches in Pula, 11 Top Tourist Attractions In Christchurch, NZ, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, June Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Dogsledding, To reach remote Alaskan landscapes few other people ever visit, the 2.5-hour, Few other activities epitomize Alaska better than dogsledding, and to get a first-hand experience of the mushing lifestyle, try the. There is one main road (Highway 7 also called Glacier Highway north of Mendenhall Loop Road and Egan Drive to the south). Gold Rush and mining memorabilia represent American history throughout the region, and various tools, weapons, and documents shed light on the Russian colonial era of Alaska. Whatever you do, these holiday attractions are sure to make lasting memories with your family. 6. Juneau Shore Excursions: Helicopter Dogsledding Experience and Additional Glacier Landing. from. If we've written a Bucket List, we recommend you go. Its warm and everything youve been dreaming about foryour, May is one of Alaskas driest months, its not as crowded, and you can find good deals. Kayaking and rafting tours also venture out on the very cold lake. Although Juneau, Alaska, may be more popular during the summer months, visiting in winter is a unique experience that we think is not to be missed. Find untouched powder and countless faceshots on a heli-skiing adventure in the southern Chilkats, Coast Range, or the mountains surrounding the Juneau Icefield. Were talking spruce and cedar forest encrusted in ice rime; long, slow sunsets painting the ridgeline pink, purple and orange with alpenglow; evening skies full of stars and, if youre lucky, the Northern Lights. I was there in November a couple of years ago. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Free admission. By the middle of June summer is in full swing. Required fields are marked *. Lets do this! The thickness of the ice on Mendenhall Lake is not monitored by the Forest Service and can be unpredictable. Juneau sightseeing tours & attractions. Liberty Hall Museum, Union Ages 5 and up. Although we prefer to spend as much time adventuring as possible when we travel, we also enjoy learning about the history and culture of the places we visit. Get to know winter in Juneau, a destination thats always in season. A string of small islands buffers it from the sea. Snowshoe hares have gone bright white, and its not uncommon to see the tracks of their nemesis, the lynx, printed in fresh snow. The Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Company operated on this site from 1912 until 1944, and the location truly looks like an old mine with uneven ground, rusting buildings, and old equipment decaying quietly in the trees. Look past the strange cruise company shops and youll see buildings that date back to Juneaus origins as a turn-of-the-century town born around the Klondike Gold Rush. Insider's guide to the Mount Roberts Tram, Our favorite time in Juneau is the summer. You'll climb 1,500 feet vertically in mere minutes. Cost includes materials. Times vary Flightseeing is a fantastic activity to splurge on in Alaska; it gives you a real sense of scale for just how big this state is. They recently acquired several more snow guns, so even when its not snowing much you can still get out on the mountain. Another popular activity at Mendenhall especially if youre booking a cruise excursion in Juneau is to get on the water of Mendenhall Lake by canoe or kayak, or to raft from the lake down Mendenhall River toward the Gastineau Channel. This 3,000-year-old glacier is the most popular spot to visit in Juneau, Alaska. The 36 runs and four chairlifts cater to beginners and seasoned skiers alike, and 10 miles of Nordic trails appeal to cross-country skiers in the area. Kids will make decorative inedible gingerbread houses, then listen to gingery stories. Diverse terrain, abundant snowfall and breathtaking scenery make Alaska's Capital City the best-kept secret in snow sports. Even though winter is not the best time for whale watching (though you might get lucky in late winter), you can still check out a life-size whale sculpture made of bronze named Tahku. McKinley) 10 Must-Do Hikes in Alaska for First-Time Visitors This tour is also offered for cruise passengers as a shore excursion, but you can book it directly to ensure that Midgi and her team receive the full payment for their work. ! Therell also be ice carving demos, caroling, train rides and holiday music. Start your research by checking out Alaska Heli-Mush, True Alaskan Tours (operated by the same parent company as Alaskan Dream Cruises! The Hatchery is open seven days a week between May and September, and by appointment only throughout the rest of the year. Angelina Ballerina and her friends are performing in a holiday pageant and must use their creativity when plans go awry. 98 reviews Recommended by 90% of travelers Optimize your time on land in Juneau on this combo shore excursion, with a helicopter tour and guided walk on Herbert Glacier included. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Purchase your favorite calendar in local Juneau stores or at markkelley.com. Dont forget Juneau Food Tours (#7 above) if you love trying lots of different types of food in quick succession. Mendenhall Glacier | Glacier views, trails, waterfall, visitor center, rafting/kayaking Jutting out of the massive Juneau Icefield, the Mendenhall Glacier is one of the city's biggest attractions. Have you always dreamed of skiing or snowboarding in Alaska? The Theatre at RVCC, Branchburg per adult. 5. Whether youre a beginner or advanced rider, youll find exactly what you need at Eaglecrest. Discover the people and places that make Juneau extraordinary every day. This annual Christmas fair is the place to be for jewelry, holiday decor, stocking stuffers and goodies like chocolate and baked treats. December is the time to visit this indoor exhibit of decorated trees by various community groups. 2023 Juneau Tours and Excursions - Juneau, AK. Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson $20/adults,$15/kids. (Or buy a bundle of city guides and save!). The mine operated from 1881 to 1922 and extracted over 3 million ounces of gold, though production declined over the decades and structural instability rendered parts of the mine lost or useless before they were fully spent. If you liked the sound of glacier flightseeing but want to get a bit more familiar with these incredible rivers of ice plus get to meet some of Alaskas cutest residents, look into doing glacier dogsledding during your time in Juneau. One such tour, the Whale Watching & Mendenhall Glacier expedition includes a ride to the glacier and a two-hour cruise along the coast. Ages 2-8 can learn about steam engines and dino diets, excavate fossils, cook a meal over a campfire and chill in a dino nest. Barnegat Light House State Park. per adult. Plan for at least two hours for a visit. Give your Nemo-loving kid a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium. Times vary Best of all, this museum is reasonably sized so its definitely something you can explore in its entirety in a 2-4 hour visit. Though many destinations have resumed normal operations, some may continue to have closures and requirements for entry. Jill Ramiel & Ken Alper bought it in 1997 and started the Silverbow Bakery. Whether you are abeginner looking to play inthe What should I pack for a winter trip to Juneau? You can get your fill of fresh, locally-caught seafood from famed crab legs to Alaska halibut and salmon at the Hangar on the Wharf, or sample a little of everything on a Juneau Food Tour. Our rooms even had adjustable beds! Have any other questions about the best things to do in Juneau and planning a trip to the Alaskan capital? However, all opinions remain our own. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy, Head to Historic Smithville for its annual Holiday Light Show. The impressive twin Sawyer Glaciers are at the head of the fjord, and their radiant blue ice is considered especially enchanting. I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. The most common whales youll spot in the waterways near Juneau are Humpbacks and Orcas, two iconic species commonly seen during the summer months. Our favorite time in Juneau is the summer. from. Juneau Shore Excursion: Helicopter Tour and Guided Icefield Walk. When you say youre having a beach day, rocks and snow isnt normally what comes to mind. Suggested donation of $5. Day trips and flightseeing excursions are available from Juneau, as well as longer overnight cruise adventures. Sunset Cove Beach is located near the north end of The Road, but it deserves its own place on the list. Free admission. Eaglecrest is open Wednesday-Sunday during the season. Times vary Address: 7600 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska. For a more challenging hike on Douglas Island, the Mount Jumbo/Bradley trail is much like its counterparts on the mainland. One of the most challenging hikes near downtown Juneau, Mount Juneau is perfect for those who love a good hike. Snap a photo with Kris Kringle in the historic Wisner House, then dig into cookies and hot cocoa. Mendenhall Glacier. Other wildlife-watching opportunities include sighting moose, bears, wolves, and mountain goats, as well as sea birds. Included with admission. There are several walking and hiking trails in the area. Please bring a blanket and a cooler with your food. Congregation Bnai Israel, Emerson 1. If so, youre not the only one! Let us know in the comments below. But Juneau in the winter is an underrated gem, as well. Today, you can find Alaskan Brewing Company beers nationwide and they have a huge range of beers to choose from. Also on Nov. 30. For instance, Juneau experiences only a little over 6 hours of daylight on the winter solstice. Members only from 10-11 am, non-members from 11:30 am-2 pm. Youll find a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes at the downhill ski areas. $6. $10. Head to Historic Smithville for its annual Holiday Light Show Thursdays through Sundays in Dec. Youll see more than 100 Christmas trees float on Lake Meone and light up to music. Located right in the middle of the village and in walking distance from the ship, this is a must-do if you have any spare time during your stop in Juneau. State Theatre, New Brunswick It is located on Douglas Island, just a short drive from the downtown area. Times vary Choo choo! your own after finding inspiration in the world gallery. Aside from the elevation gain you need to reach (or walk back from) the two trailheads, this is a completely flat trail as it follows the Gold Creek Flume that was once used to provide power to the city. You can also rent bikes in downtown Juneau and ride across the Douglas Bridge from Juneau to Douglas Island to explore the area on your own. Highlights plus less visited destinations.

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