The holidays are near, and that means plenty of celebrations and traditions. This weekend there are some holiday favorites, like a production of “The Nutcracker,” as well as a Hanukkah celebration. There is also a special Winter Voices Concert and a celebration across the Spenard neighborhood.
The Land We Share
6-7:30 p.m. Friday; REI, 500 E Northern Lights Blvd; noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Title Wave Books, 1360 W Northern Lights Blvd.
Authors Steve Meyer and Christine Cunningham are in Anchorage for a pair of presentations and signings this weekend for their new book “The Land We Share.” The Alaska couple, whose book originated with their ADN hunting, shooting and outdoors columns, are visiting REI on Friday. The event is free but registration is required on REI’s events page because the event is limited to 60 attendees. On Saturday, the duo will be at Title Wave Books from noon to 3 p.m.
The Nutcracker
7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m./5 p.m. Saturday; Discovery Theatre, 621 West 6th Ave.
The Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” with Tchaikovsky’s classic score. The whole family should enjoy joining the Nutcracker Prince and Marie as they journey to the Land of the Sweets. Tickets start at $38.50.
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Light Up Spenard
Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, various Spenard locations
Spenard’s regular Second Saturday celebration takes on both an anniversary and a holiday vibe this month. Rage City Vintage is celebrating its one-year anniversary with mocktails at the Rage City Drinkie Bar and a dance party starting at 7 p.m. with DJ Aud Pleas. The dance party is 16+ unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. Organic Oasis is hosting the Light Up Spenard silent auction and The Block Book Fest is being held at the Writer’s Block.
Shrek the Halls
9 p.m. Saturday; Williwaw Social, 609 F St.
The theme of this Shrek rave is “it’s dumb just have fun.” Those who think the animated ogre and his pal Donkey aren’t cool might just be missing out. Tickets are $20.
Winter Voices Concert
3 p.m. Sunday, Wilda Marston Theater, 3600 Denali St.
This concert will features Ashley Young and her band, who will be joined by musicians who are currently experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Presented by Keys to Life, tickets for this program are $20 and available at www.keystolifealaska.com.
Cirque De Hanukkah
5 p.m. Sunday; Egan Center, 555 W 5th Ave.
This show features “America’s Got Talent” finalists, The Spin-tacular Unicycle & Basketball show. There are more fun opportunities for kids, like Strike a Light Chanukah Blazepod, Candle Making Factory, Tie Dye Dreidel Waffles, and Build A Light Up Chanukah Dazzler. There will also be shawarma, falafel, latkes and doughnuts. Tickets are available at alaskajewishcampus.org.