Holiday events bring festive cheer to UAF campus

Holiday events bring festive cheer to UAF campus

The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host a variety of holiday events throughout November and December, offering chances to shop locally, enjoy student and community art and take in the sights and sounds of the season.

Here is a compilation of activities and events open to the public.

LARS and Friends Holiday Market

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Margaret Murie Building lobby

The R.G. White Large Animal Research Station will bring its gift shop to campus for holiday shopping, featuring reindeer- and muskox-themed gifts, LARS merchandise and qiviut yarn and handknits. Additional local vendors include All Trades Co., DUO Goods, Far North Dry Goods, Georgeson Botanical Garden, Morel Pottery, Robin Farmer Art and Toolik Field Station. With each purchase, shoppers will receive one free spin on the LARS prize wheel for a chance to win stickers, hoodies and muskox kiss prints. Call 907-474-5724 for more information.

UA Museum Store Sunday

Sunday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., University of Alaska Museum of the North

The museum store's holiday sale will celebrate Alaska artists and find unique, locally made gifts, jewelry and art. Shoppers who spend $50 or more will receive a free tote bag, while supplies last.

UA Museum Holiday Tree

December 2025, museum lobby

The museum's distinctive holiday tree will be decorated with polar bear ornaments donated by the estate of Grace Berg Schaible. Entry to the museum lobby, store and café is free; regular admission applies to the galleries.

Coventry Carolers

Tuesday, Dec. 2, noon to 1 p.m., museum lobby

In a free lunchtime performance, the Coventry Carolers will sing traditional carols and holiday songs in three-part harmony. The museum's polar bear tree will also be on display. Entry to the lobby, store and café is free; regular admission applies to galleries.

Annual Student Art Sale

Friday, Dec. 5, noon to 6 p.m., Art Wing, Fine Arts Complex

The annual sale features ceramics, prints, sculptures and metalwork created by UAF art students. The sale is co-hosted by the Student Ceramics Art Guild, the Student Art Alliance of the North, the Student Learning Arts Guild and the Alaska Metal Arts Guild. Proceeds benefit the student artists and their organizations. Call 907-474-5972 for more information.

West Ridge Art Open House

Friday, Dec. 5, 3 to 6 p.m., Akasofu Building lobby

UAF science faculty, researchers, staff and students will share their creative talents in art, writing, flower arranging, live music and more. For more information, contact Tohru Saito at [email protected].

OneTree Alaska First Friday

Friday, Dec. 5, 4 to 7 p.m., Lola Tilly Commons

OneTree Alaska, with support from KUAC and the UAF School of Education, will host a First Friday event showcasing the artwork and greeting cards of artist Kes Woodward. Proceeds benefit KUAC and the public presentation of "The Last Class," a documentary about Robert Reich, on Feb. 1, 2026. More information is available on the OneTree website.

Choir of the North Holiday Concert

Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Davis Concert Hall

The Choir of the North will perform holiday anthems by Derric Johnson and lead an audience sing-along of classic carols after intermission. Admission is free for UAF students and children 12 and under; $5 for non-UAF students, seniors and military; and $10 general admission. A holiday bake sale will also be available. Reservations are available online.

Arctic Lights at Georgeson Botanical Garden

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 5 to 9 p.m., Dec. 18, 2025 - Jan. 17, 2026

Colorful lights will illuminate the garden's winter paths in December and January. A special lighting display will take place on New Year's Eve in conjunction with the UAF fireworks display. Call 907-474-6921 for more information.

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