Coming Soon: As the snow falls, holiday events hit full stride

Winter Solstice Festival — It may be the darkest day of the year, but this festival is a great way to look forward to longer days ahead. It features ice skating, fat tire bike rides, sleigh rides around the park, food trucks, a light parade and burn barrels to keep warm. 5-8 p.m., Friday, Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 East 40th Ave. (http://www.muni.org/Departments/parks/Events/Pages/WinterSolsticeFestival2018.aspx)

Winterfest — This event at JBER’s Hillberg Ski Area has a packed schedule and is free for all ages. The activities include ice fishing, dog mushing and snow machine rides as well as gingerbread house and ornament decorating and Santa pictures. There will also be free lift tickets, and ski/snowboarding rentals while supplies last. 12-8 p.m., Friday, Hillberg Ski Area, 23400 41st Street. (https://jberlife.com/event/winterfest/)

A Christmas Carol — A greedy businessman is haunted by four ghosts as he takes stock of his life, past, present and future. This Charles Dickens' holiday classic was adapted by Anchorage’s Arlitia Jones with Michael Evan Haney for this Perseverance Theatre performance. Tickets range from $14-$60; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; check listings for performance times next week; Discovery Theatre at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, 621 W 6th Ave . (https://www.ptalaska.org/anchorage/a-christmas-carol/)

Yachtly Crew — Anchorage’s favorite yacht rock cover band brings its smooth 70s sound to Matanuska Brewing Company for a show that promises to get you in the holiday spirit. The dancers from Momentum Dance Collective will be part of the entertainment and attendees are encouraged to wear yacht attire. Friday, 9 p.m. Matanuska Brewing Company, 2830 C St. (https://www.facebook.com/events/395738787833451/)

Holiday Lights in the Garden — For the first time ever, the Alaska Botanical Garden is hosting a holiday lights celebration. The event features hot cocoa, cider, live music and includes guided stargazing every Thursday. $5 members/$7 nonmembers, kids under 4 free. 5-8 p.m., Thu.-Sat. Alaska Botanical Garden, 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd. (https://www.alaskabg.org/holiday-lights-2018.html)