If you ask people to describe winter in Alaska, chances are most people will come up with the same two words: cold and dark. On winter solstice, which is coming up on December 21st, the sun will rise in Seward at 10:01am and set at 3:51pm, for a total of 5 hours and 50 minutes of daylight. However, if you take advantage of those precious daylight hours, you will find that winter in Alaska is a magical time, with beautiful snow-covered mountains, the most incredible sunrises and sunsets, less people, and endless types of winter recreation including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, snowmobiling, ice skating, aurora viewing, dog mushing, and so much more. Once we make it through the darkest days of the year, we will start gaining noticeable daylight every day. The beautiful, quiet days of winter will be over before we know it! Here are several upcoming events that will help you get out and enjoy this special time in Alaska: