Good morning, Anchorage.

Operation Santa visited displaced families in Anchorage on Dec.

22, providing children impacted by former Typhoon Halong an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift+ a moment of holiday comfort.

Midtown Mall is hosting its fourth annual Alaskan Crafted Holiday Market with 20 local vendors offering handmade gifts, baked treats and cozy knitwear daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market runs through Christmas Eve to give last-minute shoppers extra time for perfect holiday finds.

Local energy experts and utilities question the proposed natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Cook Inlet due to rising costs, lack of long-term contracts, and concerns that it may worsen regional energy shortages while leaving taxpayers exposed to cost overruns.

Today, extreme cold challenges daily life in Anchorage as auto shops report extra vehicle maintenance while a doctor warns of increased cold injuries (residents are urged to check fluids and stay hydrated) and airport staff report no delays.

The Bureau of Land Management approved an updated plan that reopens nearly 82 percent of the 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve to oil and gas leasing and is preparing to hold the first lease sale since 2019 this winter (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) to boost energy production.

An Anchorage resident who traveled out-of-state over the weekend has been diagnosed with mild monkeypox, according to the Alaska Department of Health.

The patient is isolating at home while close contacts are being monitored with no evidence of local spread.

HVAC technicians advise Anchorage residents to keep a constant thermostat setting and turn off energy recovery ventilators during freezing weather.

They also warn against using non-vented gas heaters (which can trap moisture and cause mold) and recommend keeping furniture clear of baseboards for safe airflow.

Club Paris, an Anchorage mainstay since 1957, now serves an acclaimed burger for lunch made from ground filet mignon leftovers.

Visitors can choose between the 8 oz. Paris Special with cheddar and a Bistro Burger topped with havarti and bacon—proving that the perfect burger exists.

Anchorage Community Development Authority seeks proposals for the Fireweed Flats affordable housing project (24 units planned) on a vacant lot on Fireweed Lane in Midtown; building and housing firms may submit bids through Feb.

19 and, if selected, construction will begin in spring 2026 with completion by the end of 2027.

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.