The Endangered Belugas in Cook Inlet, 7-8 p.m., Alaska Zoo Gateway Building, 4731 O'Malley Road. A presentation by Dr. Leslie Cornick with the Department of Environmental Science at Alaska Pacific University will provide an update on recent research effort to better understand this small population of belugas that swim just off-shore from Anchorage. Free. (346-2858, www.alaskazoo.org)
THURSDAY
ZOO lights!, 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Alaska Zoo, 4731 O'Malley Road. Meander the trails of lighted displays wrapped trees walkways of star-studded canopies and a menagerie of brightly lighted animals that will guide your way through the zoo. You'll find your walk punctuated by wonderfully, whimsical animated displays to wow and wonder the little ones and adults alike. $7.
Slice of the mountains slide show, 7 p.m., Alaska Avalanche School, 1025 Orca St. A free presentation on the third Thursday of each month throughout the winter to view and experience a slice of the mountains. This Thursday, Joe Stock will present "Steep Skiing Alaska." Bring a snack and beverage and join an evening of adventure in the Alaskan outdoors. (345-0878, www.alaskaavalanche.org)
SATURDAY
Speed Skating, 8:45-10:15 a.m., Harry McDonald Ice Arena, 13701 Harry McDonald Road, Eagle River. Great training for hockey players, cross-country skiers and bikers. All ages and abilities welcome. First time free. $15 thereafter. (522-2838, AlaskaSpeedSkating.com)
Christmas Bird Count, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Coffee Land, 4505 Spenard Road. Join the 112th annual Christmas Bird Count!, a nationwide bird census that helps conservation researchers track the long-term health of bird populations. Groups will scour the Anchorage bowl documenting birds for science and fun. Check out the website to determine which area you would like to participate in and then contact the appropriate area leader or call the Anchorage complier to sign up. $5. (952-5461, anchorageaudubon.org)
Alaska Sports Car Lions Club Ice Racing Championship, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., ASCLC Ice Racing Track, Big Lake South State Recreation Site. Any street legal car can join in and race. See the website for rules. $60. (www.aksportscarclub.org)
Reindeer Farm Christmas, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Reindeer Farm, 5561 S. Bodenburg Loop Road. Reindeer games, prizes for all, Reindeer tours, wagon rides, elves stories and more. $10. (745-4000, www.reindeerfarm.com)
End of Days Fun Run Series, UAA Professional Studies Building, 3211 Providence Drive. 1/2 Marathon and 5K races celebrating the end of the Mayan calendar. All marathons will start at sunrise and the 5Ks will start an hour later, 5 races total, each race will also be a standalone race with medals and/or ribbons for all, T shirts with the logo will be available for the first 200 runners. Go online to register. $25-$30. (786-4914, 748-2551; AEclubUAA.com)
Lantern-Making, 3 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Bring a half-gallon milk or juice container for making a portable lantern for the lantern walk at 5 p.m. The walk will have a candle-lit procession, a bonfire and heated yurt to warm up at the end of the walk. Bring finger foods or desserts to share. Dress for being outside. Registration is required for lantern making, all are welocme Free program, $5 parking for non-members. (694-2108)
Hockey Clinic and Food Drive, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Subway Ice Rink, 1001 Northway Drive. Mite and squirt level hockey players are invited to attend Ben Sandoval's Last Line of Defense hockey clinic. Players also welcome. Goalies learn the goalie ready position, butterfly technique, basic butterfly slide, cutting down the angle and preparing the crease. Players will do puck handling and skating drills, shooting tips and passing. Cost of admission is 5 cans of food or a cash donation to The Food Bank of Alaska. Call or email to register. (280-8811, cnotti@hotmail.com)
SUNDAY
Christmas Bird Count, Help gather data for Audubon's Annual Bird Count across the globe. Join in the fun of observing and counting birds in the Chugiak-Eagle River area. Cover a predetermined area or do it at your own bird feeder. Meet at Jitters in downtown Eagle River at 9 a.m. for assignments, then return to Jitters at 4 p.m. for a potluck to tally and review total number counts. Bring a dish to share. (liza-s@rocketmail.com, 694-2108)
Watch and Identify Winter Birds, 2-4 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Watch and learn about winter birds at the center. Relax by the woodstove, watch the many feeders located outside, and ask nature center staff to help you learn how to identify winter birds. Free; $5 parking for non-members.(694-2108, www.ernc.org)
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