Good morning, Anchorage.

Victoria Lytle was attacked by a brown bear while hiking on Dome Trail this summer—and Anchorage firefighters rescued her, prompting her to express deep gratitude for the heroic efforts that saved her life.

Anchorage residents will celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Nutcracker as it opens at Atwood Concert Hall this weekend, marking the start of the Christmas season.

The performance features the Eugene Ballet and is coordinated by the Anchorage Concert Association with shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Christian Johnson, a 26-year-old Anchorage musician and surgical technician, has loaned refurbished string instruments to West High students to boost their orchestra and spark their passion for music.

He plans to add a new instrument each year and hopes to form a nonprofit foundation—helping more students access quality sound.

Photographers captured winter scenes in Anchorage as frost covered trees, trails and landmarks—marking nature's change.

Their images showed details from Chester Creek Trail to downtown—casting soft fog over the city this season.

The Anchorage Fire Department is warning residents to be cautious while preparing for holiday meals as Thanksgiving nears, advising that deep-frying a frozen turkey and overloaded cords or nearby live trees can spark fires.

Fire Marshal Brian Dean stressed the importance of measuring oil amounts and checking smoke alarms (steps that can help prevent dangerous incidents).

Anchorage officials launched the Good Neighbor Fund on November 19 at Town Square Park to quickly cover urgent needs—such as replacing IDs or paying for gas—and the fund has raised over $34,500 from local donors.

Outreach workers and strict guidelines ensure that all funds go toward immediate necessities for those facing housing instability.

USDA approved a SNAP hot foods waiver to help shelter residents who cannot store food and lack access to cooking facilities—a move aimed at easing food insecurity.

Alaska State Parks will offer free parking at all park facilities Friday—letting visitors enjoy the outdoors after Thanksgiving.

Decal stickers for 2026, which cost $60, will be sold on Thanksgiving Day at the DNR Public Information Center in the Atwood Building downtown, REI, and the Hoarding Marmot—boat launch passes remain at $150.

Providence Alaska Medical Center is advising people with lung cancer risk factors to get tested every year before any symptoms show—doctors say early detection helps in treating the disease.

Nurses at Alaska Regional Hospital say more than 30 have had headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms since April, and state safety officials opened a second investigation in September to review air quality concerns.

Management says tests show the air is normal—though some nurses worry the hospital’s waste sanitizing system may be causing their health issues.

UAA head volleyball coach Stacie Meisner was named Great Northwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after leading her team to a 23-5 record and a share of the conference title in her third season.

Three players earned All-Conference honors—two outside hitters on the First Team and a libero with an honorable mention—while the Seawolves are ranked No. 24 and seeded No. 4 for the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships.

After Hours Featuring Midnight Son & Kala Jenkins

7-9 p.m. — Momentum Studios — Ticketed event — Experience soulful music and captivating visual art from Anchorage's local talent.

Candlelight: 90s Unplugged

4-5 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — Tickets available — Experience the nostalgic tunes of the 90s played by a string quartet under candlelight.

Python for Scientists Training Class

Dec 8-12 — Frontier Safety And Supply, LLC — $2250 — Enhance your Python skills with hands-on training tailored for scientists.

Holiday Wreath Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Dimond Greenhouse — $45 per wreath — Create your own festive wreath using fresh cut greens for the holiday season.

The Snow Globe Run

11 AM – 1 PM — Peanut Farm — Check for entry fees — Lace up for a festive run, walk, or cheer along at this community winter event.

Winter Solstice Festival

5-8 p.m. — Cuddy Family Midtown Park — Free entry — Celebrate the shortest day of the year with winter activities, warm festivities, and holiday cheer.

West Anchorage High School Basketball Game

6:00 – 7:15 PM — West Anchorage High School — Free entry — Catch an exciting girls basketball matchup at the local high school.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:30-9:30 p.m. — 49th State Brewing - Anchorage — $38 — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in candlelight.