It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday December 4, 2025.
It’s the holiday season and Mat-Su elves are busier than ever.
Shop Small Palmer continues. Bring your stamp card to participating businesses for a chance to win gift cards worth $500 and the $1000 grand prize.
The Alaska State Fairgrounds is your one stop for magical Christmas experiences.
Pile in your car, turn on the tunes,and take a drive through Bright Up the Nights Thursday through Sunday this weekend. The lights are on from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets in advance are $22 per car, $25 at the gate.
The Yuletide Festival opens this weekend, Friday through Sunday nights from 5 to 10 p.m. Purchase tickets from alaskastatefair.org. You can buy in combination with the Bright Up the Lights for a discount.
The Christmas Factory returns to the Fairground as well. Info and tickets are at akchristmas.com.
Here are some Friday happenings:
The Mat-Su College Art Department Makers Market is from 3 to 8 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on Saturday.
Hatcher Pass Lodge features Michael Kirkpatrick Friday and Saturday 4 to 7.p.m.
Comic Bret Ernst entertains at Everett’s at 7:30 p.m.
And the fun continues on Saturday.
The annual Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair is at the Menards Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be coffee, camaraderie, and organizations in honor of those who have served. Admission is free.
Bailey Berg signs her new book, Secret Alaska: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fireside Books. It’s a great time to shop for books, too. This is a great Shop Small stop as well.
The annual holiday tree tour at Government Peak Recreation Area is from 4 to 7 p.m. Enjoy the lights and magic of the season on the mile-long Pioneer Loop. Please leave furry friends at home. The Mat-Su Ski Club hosts this free family friendly event.
Booze And Food 2025 Fusion Dance is at Bleeding Heart Brewery from 5 to 9 p.m. The chef has paired 6 scratch-made courses with barrel aged beer.
On Sunday, have breakfast with Santa and the firefighters at the Palmer Depot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $8 for kids. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, visit with firefighters, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and meet Santa’s reindeer. Sponsored by the Palmer Volunteer Firemen’s Association.
Alson on Sunday, the two shows of the annual Handel’s Messiah sing along are at the Glen Massay Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. All seating is first come first served and the doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of each free performance.
Or, join a discussion about risk management in the backcountry at NOLS, 5805 Farm Loop Rd. in Palmer on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP this free event. The link is in the Facebook event.
The December literary salon discusses food in literature on Sunday at 3 p.m. at Matanuska Brewery Doghouse.
And don’t forget the holiday markets on Saturday! We’ll have a list tomorrow.
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Page Two articles are written by Emily Forstner, Lee Henrikson, and David Cheezem. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Thursday December 4, 2025.