The winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year, which has always carried a symbolic power in different cultures. In the year 2025, the travel industry has witnessed a surge among travelers who are constantly looking for breaks in order to connect deeper with nature and spirituality. One such location that has witnessed a surge of travelers wanting to experience the winter solstice is the USA. For those travelers, Visa and Immigration Consultation Services can help to make complex itineraries smoother, especially when they are crossing international borders or flying into remote zones such as Alaska.
Fairbanks is known as the crown jewel of the USA. It is situated at 65 degrees north latitude. The location is famous for the Northern Lights, which is commonly known as the Aurora Borealis. It is the Golden Heart of Alaska. From late August through mid-April, travelers in Fairbanks enjoy long and dark nights when the chances of Aurora sightings are very high.
Apart from witnessing the northern lights, Fairbanks also provides travelers with a soulful experience. You can also go on a hike, float down the Chena River, and enjoy a late-night dessert.
If you feel like Alaska is too far to go on a winter trip, then another alternative where you can enjoy the winter solstice and witness northern lights is Voyageurs National Park, which is located in Minnesota. Although this location witnesses less frequent aurora appearances when compared to Alaska, the park is considered to be one of the best places in the USA for seeing northern lights on clear nights.
If you are going on a trip here, then you can also do other fun activities, such as stargazing, taking a long walk along the lake, and enjoying a cozy winter night under the stars.
We understand that not every winter solstice trip should be to remote or Arctic places. Sometimes, travelers crave warmth, charm, and celebration. For those travelers, Leavenworth, Washington, is an amazing place. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that is transformed into a snowy wonderland every December.
The city has Alpine-style buildings, with restaurants that serve German beer and local cuisine. Leavenworth provides you with a one-of-a-kind hallmark movie winter experience that leaves you awestruck.
If you are looking for thrill and raw wilderness, then Denali National Park, located in Alaska, provides a dramatic winter solstice gateway. The main highlights of this park are its magnificent wildlife, vast tundra, as well as the towering Denali. Denali Mountain is considered to be the highest peak in North America, with a summit elevation of 20,310 feet. There is no light pollution in the National Park, which allows you to easily witness the aurora borealis. You can stay at remote cabins or lodges, instead of getting a room in luxury hotels.
Travel industry analysts have decided 2025 as the year of “intentional travel”, where travelers are building itineraries around the unique seasonal phenomena instead of just plain sightseeing. As per IGES in the USA, more than 119 million Americans traveled at least 50 miles to enjoy a meaningful season and have a great winter experience. Lastly, in places such as Fairbanks, staying just for three nights during the aurora season gives travelers a 90% chance to witness the aurora borealis, as per a report published by the Fodors Travel.
The winter solstice has become more than a date; it has become a symbol and a moment. Travelers are looking for a chance to connect with their spirituality this winter and enjoy sky-wide spectacles such as the Aurora Borealis, and wander snow-covered woods.
