Anchorage woke up to an earthquake rocking us out of bed. So what did I do? Scraped off the windshield and checked the weekend lineup. With Thanksgiving behind us and my sled still drying out, it’s time to usher in the holiday season. This week’s picks lean hard into festive traditions – think ballerinas and Nutcrackers, twinkling zoo pathways, a reggae‑infused dance floor and a classic Noel Coward farce – with a giant spruce lit up in the middle of it all. And if you’re itching to zoom down a hill after shoveling, I just published a new article on the best sledding hills in Anchorage. Find a teaser in the recap and read the full rundown on my site.

Alaska’s most beloved holiday ballet returns for a weekend of sugarplum dreams. The Eugene Ballet teams up with Anchorage’s young dancers and the Anchorage Symphony to whisk you to a Winter Land and a Land of Sweets. Expect swirling snowflakes, heroic toy soldiers and a Mouse King battle that will have the kids on the edge of their seats. It’s a timeless tradition for good reason.

Bundle up and join hundreds of your neighbors downtown as Mayor Suzanne LaFrance flips the switch on Anchorage’s holiday tree. Town Square Park will glow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday with free hot chocolate, carolers and live performances, and Santa himself will make a cameo with his reindeer. The tree lights up at 6:15 p.m., so don’t be late – and bring your camera for that perfect postcard shot.

The Alaska Zoo flips the switch on its glowing winter wonderland Friday evening. Wander the trails beneath lighted arches and animal‑themed displays while sipping hot cocoa. Zoo Lights runs all winter, but opening night feels extra magical. Tickets are $25 for ages three and up, with discounts for zoo members; kids two and under enter free. Dress warmly and enjoy the animals’ nighttime antics.

Need to shake off the snow and turkey leftovers? Williwaw Social hosts a Wintery Hot Reggae Dance Party on Saturday night. Local band H3 provides the grooves from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and a $5 cover kicks in after 8 p.m. The event is 21+, so bring your ID and get ready for warm vibes, cold drinks and plenty of dancing.

Swap your holiday chaos for Noel Coward’s high‑society comedy. Hay Fever follows the eccentric Bliss family as they invite too many guests to their country house, resulting in misunderstandings, drama and hilarity. Cyrano’s Theatre Company runs shows Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. We recommend catching the Saturday evening performance after your tree‑lighting outing.

Thanks for letting me be your Anchorage insider. Whether you’re dazzled by ballerinas, bundled up for a tree lighting, strolling under zoo lights, grooving to reggae or laughing at a Noel Coward classic, there’s no shortage of ways to kick off the holiday season. Fresh snow? Grab a sled – I’ve rounded up the best hills and safety tips in a separate article. Check it out here and let me know your favorite runs in the comments. See you out there!