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44 alaska parent winter 2025/26 AlaskaParent.comDec. 19Winter Solstice FestivalCelebrate the shortest day of the year by enjoying all that winter offers. This free event offers activities for everyone, including ice skating to holiday music, horse-drawn wagon rides, dog sled rides, pictures with Santa%u2019s reindeer, and more. 5-8 pm, Cuddy Family Midtown Park, Anchorage. For info, call 343-4492.Dec. 19-20On Stage: The Nutcracker by Anchorage Ballet Join the Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy for their re-imagined production of The Nutcracker. This local production is a family-friendly one cast by Anchorage Ballet%u2019s very own aspiring dancers. Anchorage Center for the Performing Arts. For info, visit anchorageballet.org/thenutcracker.Dec. 20Winter Solstice Festival Finale DayThis community festival features free family-friendly outdoor events including dog sled rides, scavenger hunt, reindeer photos and a fireworks show. For the event schedule, visit wintersolsticefestivalfairbanks.com.Dec. 25Christmas Friendship DinnerThe Christmas Friendship Dinner is a long-standing free event held on Christmas day. Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner, with music and entertainment open to the public. Over 3,500 free meals are served by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Menard Sports Center, Wasilla. 11 am-3 pm. For information, visit christmasfriendshipdinner.org.Feb. 14-March 31World Ice Art Competitions and PlaygroundCome and watch the big blocks of ice come alive! Four people over six days use 10 ice blocks to create mind-blowing masterpieces. Competition: Feb. 14-March 1. While at the event, check out the family fun Ice Art Park, featuring slides, mazes, houses and playgrounds all made from crystal clear ice. Playground open: Feb. 14-March 31. Tanana Valley State Fair, Fairbanks. For hours and ticket info, visit icealaska.com.Dec. 31Anchorage%u2019s New Year%u2019s Eve CelebrationThis free event will include the annual fireworks display and an outdoor party featuring live music in the Chinook Parking Lot on E St & 3rd, Anchorage. 7-9 pm. Fireworks start at 8 pm. For info, visit anchoragedowntown.org.Dec. 31New Year%u2019s Eve FireworksJoin the City of Wasilla as they ring in the New Year at Wonderland Park in Iditapark. Bring the entire family, a folding chair, dress warm, and enjoy a brilliant fireworks display by Aurora Pyrotechnics around 8 pm. Glow in the dark wristbands and necklaces will be given out to the kids. For info, call 357-9100.Jan. 4On Stage: The Hums of Winnie-the-PoohCelebrate the 100th anniversary of the Hundred Acre Woods by entering the very musical world of Winnie-thePooh, Christopher Robin, and friends. This program weaves composer Harold Fraser-Simson%u2019s charming and humorous settings of Pooh%u2019s hums with context from the stories and projections of E. H. Shepard%u2019s timeless drawings. An engaging introduction to classical concerts and art songs. 2 pm and 4 pm, UAA Recital Hall. Visit centertix.com/events/the-hums-ofwinnie-the-pooh.Jan. 10Silent Film Night featuring Charlie Chaplin%u2019s, The KidDelighting audiences for over a century, this timeless tale follows the lovable Tramp and a mischievous orphan as they navigate life%u2019s ups and downs with humor, charm, and plenty of laughs. An annual family favorite for two decades, it%u2019s a perfect night out filled with laughs, nostalgia, and live orchestral magic. 7:30 pm, Atwood Concert Hall. For tickets, visit centertix.com/events.Jan. 24-25, Jan. 31-Feb. 1Willow Winter CarnivalFun for all ages, the carnival boasts one of the state%u2019s biggest winter fireworks shows, Iditarod qualifying sled dog races, hilarious outhouse races, kids%u2019 games, a family dance, foot and ski races, arts and crafts, food, and more. $1 parking fee per car at the Willow Community Center. For info, visit waco-ak.org.Jan. 31-Feb. 7Cordova Iceworm FestivalEach year, Cordova rolls out the red carpet and welcomes guests from all over the world for this festival, featuring a parade, a variety show with local performers, the Miss Iceworm Coronation, and a fireworks show. For info, visit icewormfestival.com.Feb. 26-March 4On Stage: Miss Nelson is MissingMiss Nelson can%u2019t control her crazy classroom because she%u2019s just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! The kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they%u2019ll do anything %u2014 including hiring a private eye %u2014 to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back. UAA Fine Arts Building MainStage. For info, visit alaskatheatreofyouth.org.Feb. 26-March 8Fur Rondy From outhouse races to the running of the reindeer, enjoy lots of wacky events and activities for all ages. For info, visit furrondy.net.For a complete listing of events in your area, visit our Calendar at AlaskaParent.com/calendar.