Welcome to the darkest weekend of the year, but don’t even think about hibernating. With the sun barely peeking over the horizon, Anchorage is lighting up the night with festivals, dancing Vikings and enough hot chocolate to warm even the frostiest fingers. I spent the week trying to outrun my own shadow (spoiler: I lost), but my reward is a slate of events that will make you forget the short days and embrace the long nights. Pull on your warmest wool, lace up those skates and let’s chase the light together. Here are my five must‑do adventures for Dec 19‑21.

Also, SHOUTOUT to Mrs Anchorage. It’s her birthday today!! ❤️

There’s no better way to celebrate the shortest day of the year than by turning a city park into a winter wonderland. The Municipality’s Winter Solstice Festival transforms Cuddy Family Midtown Park into a holiday carnival with ice skating to festive tunes, horse‑drawn wagon rides, a photo booth and visits from Santa’s reindeer. You might even bump into Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves. Everything is free (including the warmth you’ll need from the fire pits) and food trucks will be on hand for when your stomach starts rumbling. If you want a wagon ride or a skate‑assist seal, make sure you sign up on‑site starting at 4:30 p.m.

Forget dwarfs, this retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic swaps in a band of burly Vikings. So yeah, crazy, right? Pulse Dance Company’s Snow White and the Seven Vikings is a darkly dramatic mash‑up of legend and history set in a shadowed medieval world. Expect a thrilling mix of dance styles, moody lighting and a vengeful queen hell‑bent on ruining Snow White’s winter. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but why not lean into the theme? The show runs 90 minutes and is appropriate for all ages, though younger kids should be OK with a few haunting vibes.

If you’d rather trade sugar plums for shredding riffs, head over to Van’s Dive Bar for a late‑night jam. Alaskan musician Tyson James draws on bluegrass, country and soul while the Midnight Sons back him up with brand‑new rock ‘n’ roll tunes. Special guest Mario Speedwagon (yes, really) will keep things loose. It’s a 21+ affair, and Van’s is cash‑only, so bring a few bills for the cover charge and a beer. Music starts at 9 p.m. and goes until midnight.

Kincaid Park’s ski‑only Mize Loop glows with dozens of decorated trees during the NSAA Solstice Tree Tour, postponed from last weekend due to wind. Skiers, walkers and snowshoers can meander the 2.5‑kilometre loop, sipping hot chocolate and roasting s’mores at warming barrels. Local businesses sponsor the trees, and you can vote for your favorite with jingle bells or cash. Live music keeps spirits high, adult beverages are available in the beer garden for those 21+, and free shuttles run from Kulis Drive, Dimond High and Kincaid Elementary so you don’t have to worry about parking. Leave Fido at home – no dogs allowed at this event.

Wrap up the weekend with fireworks, torchlight skiing and Santa sightings at the Hilltop Winter Solstice Celebration. This family‑friendly party runs Sunday afternoon at Hilltop Ski Area and Bike Park. Lifts spin from 9 a.m., but the real fun kicks off at 1 p.m. with hot chocolate, s’mores, cookies, food trucks, a bike valet and photo booth. Santa and his reindeer arrive at 3 p.m., torchlight skiing begins at 4 p.m., and a parade followed by fireworks caps the night at 5 p.m. Bring extra layers; watching fireworks in the snow is magical but chilly.

Whether you’re spinning under twinkle lights at Cuddy Park, cheering on Vikings in the dance hall or sipping cocoa while voting for your favorite tree, this solstice weekend proves that Anchorage shines brightest when the days are shortest. Don’t sleep on the late‑night show at Van’s if you need a dose of rock ‘n’ roll, and be sure to check out Hilltop’s fireworks for a truly dazzling finale. If you’re still in the mood for more holiday magic, the Anchorage Concert Chorus’s Family Holiday Pops on Sunday at 4 p.m. offers a warm, choral hug to end the weekend. Stay warm, be kind to your reindeer handlers and I’ll see you out there!