Fairbanks: Aurora Cabin Night with Portraits & Hot Drinks

Summary

Hilltop cabin warmth, aurora portraits, endless hot chocolate

You’ll settle into a warm Alaskan cabin near Fairbanks with panoramic views of the Northern Lights—hot drinks in hand and laughter echoing over board games. With free portrait photography and endless snacks, you’ll share quiet moments under the aurora’s glow—and maybe leave with a new favorite memory.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet when we first walked into the Aurora Camp cabin near Murphy Dome. There’s something about seeing all that space outside through those huge windows—six of them, I counted—like you’re inside but still part of the wild. The air smelled faintly like pine and snow (or maybe that’s just my imagination), and our guide, Li, handed me a mug of hot chocolate before I even got my boots off. It was almost too warm to hold, but honestly, I needed it. She said the best aurora viewing spot is right here because there’s no light pollution—just open sky in every direction.

We’d barely settled in when someone put on some old board game (I lost at Scrabble in record time), and Li started explaining how the Northern Lights work—something about solar winds and particles, which I only half-understood but pretended to follow. Outside it was so still you could almost hear your own breath. When the lights finally showed up (not as early as I hoped), everyone just stood there pressed against the glass or running out onto the porch, faces lit up green and purple. Li took portraits for each of us—she made me laugh so hard trying to pose that my cheeks hurt after. That picture is probably my favorite souvenir from Alaska.

Later on, people drifted between snacks (pizza appeared at one point—I still don’t know who brought it) and staring out at the sky. Some tried karaoke; others just sat quietly with their tea or coffee watching for another flicker of color. I kept thinking how weirdly comforting it felt to be surrounded by strangers who were all hoping for the same thing—to see something bigger than us together, even if it didn’t last long. And yeah, sometimes you don’t get a perfect show (Li warned us about that), but even waiting felt special somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aurora viewing at cozy cabin

• Arrive at Aurora Camp cabin
• Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks
• Relax with board games and movies
• View Northern Lights from cabin windows
• Receive free Aurora photography
• Confirm final tour details
• Depart with transfer or self-drive

Top questions

Is pickup from Fairbanks hotels included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available from all Fairbanks and North Pole hotels or Airbnbs if you choose the transfer option.

Can I drive myself to Aurora Camp?

Yes, you can drive your rental car; roads are well-maintained and easy to access.

What if there are no Northern Lights during my tour?

The aurora is not guaranteed; rescheduling is possible based on weather and availability—call ahead to confirm.

Are snacks and drinks included in the tour?

Yes, unlimited hot chocolate, coffee, tea, snacks like chips and popcorn are provided throughout your stay.

Is there an indoor restroom at the cabin?

Yes, there is an indoor restroom available for guests’ comfort.

When does aurora viewing season run?

Aurora Camp accepts bookings from August 21 to April 10 each year.

Is portrait photography really free?

Yes, free professional portraits under the Northern Lights are included for all guests.

Are service animals allowed at Aurora Camp?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this tour.

What’s included

Your night includes hotel pickup if selected (or easy self-drive), entry to a brand-new hilltop cabin with panoramic windows for aurora viewing, unlimited hot chocolate, coffee or tea plus snacks like pizza or popcorn whenever you want them—and free portrait photography so you can take home your own Northern Lights memory before heading back late at night.