It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday December 18, 2025.
All weekend long, you can visit the Fairgrounds if you want some holiday cheer.
Bright Up the Night is a drive through light display with over 70 light installations. It runs 5 to 9 p.m. every night through New Years Eve. The advanced cost per vehicle that holds up to 8 people is $22. Tickets are available at alaskastatefair.org.
The Yuletide Festival at the Fairgrounds is open tomorrow through next Tuesday from 5 to 10 p.m. Purchase tickets from alaskastatefair.org. You can buy tickets in combination with the Bright Up the Lights for a discount.
The Colony Days fireworks and parade begin at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. The fireworks start about 15 minutes after the parade ends.
Here are some fun things for Saturday
Celebrate the season at Skeetawk. Bring Skeetawk photos or small ornaments to decorate the community tree. Participate in the costume contest, join the snow building contest, and meet Santa and his reindeer All this starts at 10:30 a.m.at Skeetawk in Hatcher Pass.
The Blue Christmas Potluck welcomes all from noon to 2 pm at Black Birch Books, 2901 E Bogard Rd. in Wasilla. Please bring a dish to share. Black Birch hosts this potluck with Bartholomew’s Church of Palmer.
Blue Christmas refers to the feelings of loneliness, sadness, and grief during the holiday season. It’s also the name for special church services held around the winter solstice to provide space for people experiencing these feelings. It offers comfort and hope and a supportive environment.
Join the fun at the holiday celebration at the Palmer Moose Lodge on Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m. Wear your ugly sweater for the ugly sweater contest. It’s just $30 for adults and $15.00 for kids 12 and under for a prime rib dinner and lots of fun. The lodge is at 1100 South Cobb St. in Palmer.
Santa Day at the Museum of Alaska in Wasilla starts at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy crafts, write last minute letters to Santa and more. Santa arrives at 3 p.m. to take pictures with families. Stick around to watch The Polar Express at 5 p.m. This movie is free. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Zen Trembles play Hatcher Pass Lodge from 4 to 6 p.m.
The Vintage Retro plays at Fishhook Bar and Grill from 7 to 11 p.m. Throw on your bell bottoms and get funky with this 70s band.
And, on Sunday the Hanukkah festival concludes with a grand celebration at Wasilla Lake at 3:30 p.m.
A couple things are happening both Saturday and Sunday.
The Mat-Su Concert Band presents its winter celebration on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 4 p.m. General admission is $20; students $5 and kids 5 and under are free. Enjoy holiday favorites, carol singalongs, a winter Olympic preview, and highlights from The Polar Express.
Do your last minute Christmas shopping at the Depot on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Last Minute Shopping. Find talented artists, skilled crafters, and favorite local vendors all in one place.
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This Page Two article was written and read by Lee Henrikson. 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 18, 2025.