Thursday may be the shortest day of the year, but it doesn’t mean Anchorage will be short on activities. Whether you prefer music, literature or just getting together to have fun, here are a few options for celebrating winter solstice.
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Winter Solstice Festival
5-8 p.m. Thursday; Cuddy Family Midtown Park, 201 E. 40th Ave.
Anchorage’s annual celebration at Cuddy Park starts at 5 p.m. with ice skating to music, horse-drawn wagon rides and dog sled rides. Photo opportunities with Santa and his reindeer will be available, along with warming barrels to keep everyone toasty, and food trucks will be on hand.
Winter Solstice Party
5-8 p.m. Thursday; Hilltop Ski Area, 7015 Abbott Road
This celebration will include food from Finn’s and local food trucks, plus a photo booth and Santa and his reindeer. Torchlight ski and snowboarding will take place from 6-7:30 p.m., culminating in fireworks at 8 p.m. Anchorage band Wiley Post provides entertainment.
Solstice at the Zoo
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday; Alaska Zoo, 4731 O’Malley Road
The Alaska Zoo is offering a special rate of $5 per person for ages 3 and up to celebrate winter solstice. The trails are groomed, allowing for easy movement around the zoo grounds.
Solstice Stories and Open Mic Night
6-8 p.m. Thursday; The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Cafe, 3956 Spenard Road
The shortest day of the year is the perfect time to share your short story, poem or other written work. Readings will be limited to five minutes each. Signups to read will begin at 6 p.m. and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Winter Solstice at Refuge City
7 p.m. Thursday; Refuge City Church, 3309 Spenard Road
Some of Anchorage’s most talented singers will gather to set the mood for the longest night of the year. Rosie Rush, Ashley Young, Hollis Bryan and Grace C. Elliot will perform. Tickets are $15.
Solstice Serenade
7 p.m. Friday; Rage City Vintage, 3400 Spenard Road
Local favorites Emma Hill and Kat Moore are teaming up for an all-ages listening room concert at Rage City Vintage. Mocktails and Lovewise Kombucha available for purchase. Tickets are $22.