Best Bets

No need to dream of a white Christmas — we’re sure to have one with all this snow we’ve gotten and are soon to get! Get out there and enjoy the fresh powder, make some snowmen or snow angels, or take cover from a spontaneous snowball fight. While you’re at it, you can venture on into town for some great holiday events this week, including a movie night at the library, caroling by the fire, or touring a grand Christmas lights show open for the final weekend! Don’t forget to look ahead to New Year’s events as well, like the annual crowdfunded fireworks show! For details on these and more, check out this week’s Best Bets!

BEST HOLIDAY MOVIE BET: Head over to the Homer Public Library for a screening of Dr. Seuss’s “The Grinch” (2018) on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. Telling the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit, this film shares a universal story about the indomitable power of optimism. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST CHRISTMAS CAROLING BET: Join friends and Homer community members at Grace Ridge Brewing on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 6-7 p.m. for a night of caroling by the fire and toasting to the holidays! This event is free. 870 Smoky Bay Way.

BEST THRIVING HEALTH BET: Join SVT Health & Wellness Coach Jenifer Dickson on Thursday, Dec. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. for another monthly installment on learning with plants! Mel Mutterspaugh will take everyone on a journey through the fascinating world of lichen. Participants will learn identification, harvesting practices, history, and the medicinal and nutritional uses of various types of lichen in our area and beyond. Everyone will leave with their own preserve. All supplies will be provided by SVT Health & Wellness. For more information, visit svt.org/events/thrive. 880 East End Rd.

BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS BET: Bear Creek Winery presents their annual Garden of Lights for the second weekend, Dec. 22-23, from 5-7 p.m.! Experience an evening of free holiday fun for the entire family. Come take a stroll through a winter wonderland filled with delightful holiday displays and enjoy festive lights, music and hot cocoa! 60203 Bear Creek Dr.

BEST GUIDED SNOWSHOE HIKE BET: Join naturalists at the Wynn Nature Center for a guided snowshoe hike through pristine winter landscapes on Saturday, Dec. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m. Learn about the winter ecology of coastal forests, explore frozen ponds and creeks, and follow snowshoe hare and moose tracks while wandering through snow-laden spruce trees at the Wynn Nature Center. These beginner friendly hikes cover about a mile of easy walking and are a great introduction to snowshoeing. Snowshoes are provided, but you’re welcome to use your own. Call 907-235-6667 or visit the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center for more information. Mile 1.4 Skyline Dr.

BEST FANTASTIC FIREWORKS BET: It’s almost time for Homer’s sixth annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical! Mark your calendars for the fireworks show at Mariner Park on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. Gather early to get your spot, and to enjoy hot snacks and drinks sold by Captain’s Coffee food truck. Tune in to K-WAVE 104.9 for a radio music soundtrack during the display. For more information or to donate, visit www.facebook.com/events/163583023479151. Homer Spit Road.

BEST CALL FOR ART BET: Homer Council on the Arts is partnering with Friends of the Homer Library to put together a show inspired by Jess Walter’s novel, “The Cold Millions,” and based on the 2022-2023 NEA Big Read theme, “Where we live.” This exhibition asks creatives, “What does home mean to you?” and, more specifically, “How do you make the Homer area your home?” Submissions are open to all ages and abilities through Jan. 20, 2024. For more information, visit homerart.org/event/big-read-america-call-for-art/.

BEST DONATION DRIVE BET: South Peninsula Hospital is seeking donations for Community Resource Connect, scheduled for Jan. 30, 2024! CRC is a one-day event held in both Homer and Anchor Point, open to anyone facing financial instability or homelessness, or who is at risk of houselessness. Donate items such as gently used and clean sleeping bags, winter gear and backpacks, and new tents, pet supplies, toilet paper, nonperishable food, sleds, batteries, personal care products, cleaning supplies, water jugs and menstrual products. Donations will be accepted through Jan. 15, 2024. Drop your items off at First National Bank in Homer. For more information, call 907-235-0285 or email wellness@sphosp.org. 3655 Heath St.

Community members line up for the annual Share the Spirit Spaghetti Feed fundraiser at the Homer Elks Lodge on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 in Homer, Alaska. (Finn Heimbold/Homer News)