Ice sculpture from the International Ice Sculpting Competition in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks Alaska is above the artic circle so in the winter it’s cold and dark. What to do? Have the International Ice Sculpting Competition, of course, and invite all the world’s best ice sculptors to compete for first prize. The sculptures are beautiful, particularly at night (which is basically all day in winter) when they’re lit up by colored lamps.

Is Fairbanks too cold for you in the winter? No problem! Fairbanks is also home of the Ice Museum, where you can go see ice sculpting and sculptures even in the summer! Although the room housing the 25 or so ice sculptures is kept at a chilly 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the viewing area is kept warm and you can view the ice sculptures in complete comfort.