Good morning, Anchorage.

Today, Operation Santa Claus (a long-standing tradition) delivered gifts and support to Western Alaska families displaced by Typhoon Halong at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where volunteers wrapped presents and prepared stockings to bring holiday cheer.

Anchorage is set for the annual Shop with a Cop event — scheduled for Friday, Dec.

19. Locals can join officers as they offer help with holiday shopping around the city.

Alyeska Resort held its annual Santa Skies Free Day on Wed., Dec.

17, with nearly 1,000 participants dressing as Santa, Mrs-Claus, elves and reindeer to bring unwrapped gifts to children in need - the event featured a Christmas Run and will continue with a holiday night ski on Friday.

Anchorage’s Fourth Avenue now shines with 40 LED snowflakes from EasyPark’s Park It Forward program, which uses parking revenue for community art projects.

City officials are inviting local businesses to apply for fee waivers on new sidewalk string light installations to further brighten the area.

Anchorage School Board passed a resolution initiated by local Girl Scouts that bans plastic glitter in schools to reduce microplastic pollution.

The student-led effort, inspired by Sylvie Wailand, aims to switch to eco-friendly glitter alternatives and incorporate lessons on environmental impact.

NOAA released its annual Arctic Report Card on Tuesday, showing that the Arctic warmed, sea ice declined, and rusting rivers have appeared with thawing permafrost.

The report warns that these changes will lead to more extreme weather, melting glaciers and shifting marine life that affect Alaska communities.

The Regulatory Commission is reviewing ENSTAR’s plan to raise gas cost adjustment rates amid concerns over potential cross-subsidization with Homer Electric Association; a public hearing is underway in Anchorage until Dec.

19 + final orders are expected by Feb. 9.

The Alaska DOT will host public meetings to gather input on planned safety improvements along the Seward Highway from Bird Flats to Rabbit Creek.

Meetings will be held in Girdwood (Jan. 13, 5–7:30 p.m.), Anchorage on Jan. 14, and Indian on Jan. 15.

Anchorage’s community development authority announced the Fireweed Flats project, which will add 24 workforce housing units on Fireweed Lane in Midtown (for residents earning 80 to 120% of area median income).

Construction is expected to begin next year.

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.

Alaska Winter Survival Day Camp

10 AM – 3 PM — Anchorage Museum — Check website for pricing — Engage in fun S.T.E.A.M activities exploring survival in Alaskan winters.

New Year's Eve in Anchorage 2025-2026

7-9 p.m. — Chinook — Free entry — Celebrate the New Year with fireworks and live music in Anchorage's downtown area.

Anchorage Symphony - Silent Film Night

7:30 p.m. — Anchorage Symphony Orchestra — Ticketed event — Enjoy a unique pairing of live symphonic music with classic silent films.

Jason Russell at Koot's

8-11:59 p.m. — Chilkoot Charlie's — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a high-energy, family-friendly comedy show from the dynamic Jason Russell.