Good morning, Anchorage.

Anchorage will kick off the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting in Town Square Park on Saturday at 6:15 p.m.—families can enjoy live music, free hot chocolate, crafts and a visit from Santa.

The illuminated tree will remain lit throughout the season.

Anchorage continues its 30-year tradition as The Nutcracker starts today at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts, where dancers and the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra bring holiday magic to families until November 30th — tickets for all ages are required.

Urban Alaska utilities are moving ahead with two LNG import projects on the Kenai Peninsula that could lead to higher consumer bills — one led by Harvest will repurpose a dormant export plant for a launch as early as 2026 while Enstar’s greenfield project with Glenfarne may later bill ratepayers for study costs if it is not built. Regulatory observers warn that pursuing both projects will double the financial burden on consumers.

A light earthquake struck Southcentral on Thanksgiving morning—shaking buildings and prompting residents to check their surroundings.

No injuries or damage were reported, and officials are monitoring the situation.

An early-morning earthquake hit Southcentral on Thanksgiving and jostled local residents — details on damage remain limited.

USDA approved a hot food waiver at the request of Alaska's Division of Public Assistance (to help families affected by Typhoon Halong) that lets SNAP recipients buy hot, pre-cooked meals (available until December 20) as they address limited access to cooking facilities.

Gardening expert Jeff Lowenfels answered reader questions by showing how to tell holiday cacti apart and advising how to protect indoor plants from pests and improper watering—he noted that using compost instead of fertilizer and ensuring good drainage can keep plants like poinsettias healthy during winter.

Anchorage’s Gus Schumacher, who became the first American in 40 years to win a World Cup distance race, is building his training for a strong Olympic push as he and young teammate Kendall Kramer enter a competitive season on the World Cup circuit + the season opens today in Ruka, Finland with a 10K interval classic race at 12:30 a.m. AKST.

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.