Are you and your loved ones looking for an outdoorsy Thanksgiving weekend getaway this November? If so, Alaska is the place for you! In addition to all the great dining, entertainment, and shopping that you can find in a major city like Anchorage, the Last Frontier also offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
In fact, there are so many fun things you can do in Alaska that first or even second-time visitors often find it difficult to decide where they want to go first. It just seems that, whatever you choose, you’ll be missing out on something.
We’re here to help! In order to help you plan the perfect Thanksgiving getaway, we created a list of 5 most interesting things you can do in Alaska during November. Keep reading to learn more!
What’s the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Alaska?
Regardless of which destination you choose, make sure to pack weather-appropriate clothes. The average daily temperatures during November in Alaska usually hover around 25 degrees fahrenheit, and rarely fall under 12 degrees or go above 43 degrees.
Here are 5 great Thanksgiving getaways in Alaska:
1. Relax at the Aleutian Islands
Aleutian Islands are a group of gorgeous volcanic islands located close to the Arctic Circle. Aside from the famous Museum of the Aleutians, visitors to the Aleutian Islands can also enjoy octopus burgers and other exotic foods. As the islands can be accessed only with a helicopter or a boat, they make for a perfect day trip from your vacation rental in Anchorage.
2. Go skiing
Alaska tends to already be covered in snow at this time of the year, making it the perfect destination for winter sport aficionados. Simply rent a room at the Tordrillo Mountain and enjoy a long weekend of heli-skiing and other sports.
Another great option is the Alyeska Resort. It boasts 7 ski lifts and a large number of ski runs for newbies and experts alike. It also has multiple well-marked winter trails that enable you to experience Alaska’s incredible natural beauty up close. Just don’t forget to pack up your winter sports gear before you go!
3. Hop on the train to Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a village located about a 100 miles north from Anchorage. Aside from its kid-friendly nature, homemade meals, and Thanksgiving fireworks displays, Talkeetna is also famous for the beautiful snowy wilderness the train passes through on its way to the village.
4. See the northern lights
Visit the second-biggest city in Alaska, Fairbanks, and go on a northern lights viewing trip with your loved ones. November is an excellent time for this because the nights are longer, which increases your chances of seeing the lights, and the temperatures are still warm enough for you to be comfortable outside.
5. Watch the Great Alaska Shootout
The Great Alaska Shootout is a beloved local tradition at the University of Alaska Anchorage that starts during the Thanksgiving week and draws crowds from all over the state. If you aren’t all that interested in basketball, you can also enjoy the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony that’s normally held on the Friday of the Thanksgiving weekend.
Enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving in the Last Frontier
Is there any better way to celebrate a true family holiday like Thanksgiving than by taking an Alaska trip that you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your lives? Not if you ask us!
Here at White Lilac, we’d like to help you enjoy your holiday even more by introducing you to the top cleaning experts in Anchorage. They will happily use their skills and experience to keep your home spotless while you’re away. Book your cleaning today!