Cheery and bright events this week: Tree lighting and visits with Santa

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony — Head to Town Square Park for tree lighting, an appearance from Santa live performances by The Anchorage Concert Chorus, Glacier Brass Band, Salvation Army Brass Band and Underground Dance Company. Free hot cocoa, coffee and cookies. The Salvation Army and Toys for Tots will be accepting donations for the holiday season. 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Town Square, 544 W. Fifth Ave. (anchoragedowntown.org)

“The Nutcracker” with Ballet West — In honor of the 30th anniversary of “The Nutcracker” in Anchorage, Ballet West, the dance company that first performed “The Nutcracker” at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, returns. Live music from the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. Featuring young Alaska dancers. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1 p.m. and 5:30 Sunday. $24-$89. Friday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, at Atwood Concert Hall, 621 West Sixth Ave. (anchorageconcerts.org)

Llama Llama Pajama Party — There will be a pajama party storytime for kids with cookies. Parents are encouraged to donate a pair of pajamas to a child in need. For every pair of pajamas donated, Penguin Young Readers will donate a book to children in need. Dropoff donations are also welcome. 6-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, Fireside Books Alaska, 720 S Alaska St., Palmer. (See Facebook for details)

Meet Santa — Holiday magic is bringing these free Santa events and more all across Anchorage.

- Town Square: Free pictures with Santa and a free print. There will be a North Pole mailbox and postcard station to write letters to Santa. 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 544 W 5th Ave. (anchoragedowntown.org)

- 5th Avenue Mall: Photos with Santa for the whole family. This Sunday, Dec. 1, is catered towards children on the autistic spectrum who need to see Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Upcoming Sundays are pet photos and cookies with Santa. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. All month. Reservations online. 320 W Fifth Ave. (boone.helm@curatorpr.com)

- Forget Me Not Framing and Just Imagine Toys: Santa and his reindeer will be available for pictures. Free. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, 591 East Parks Hwy. Ste 406. (sheila@forgetmenotframesak.com)

- Bass Pro Shops: Bring a new, unwrapped toy and get a free picture with Santa. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 3046 Mountain View Drive. (facebook.com/aktoysfortots)

100 Year Anniversary of the Spanish Flu in Bristol Bay — An expert panel will lead the discussion and there will be free flu shots. Executive Director of NN Cannery History Project Katie Ringsmuth, Executive Director of the Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust Tim Troll, and artist Andrew Abyo will present about the history of the 1919 Flu pandemic. Free, RSVP to attend. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Alaska Humanities Forum, 421 W First Ave. Ste 200. (akhf.org/events)