Whether you’ve already taken down your Christmas tree, or whether you’re the type of person to leave it up till March, don’t let go of your holiday spirit just yet! There’s plenty still in store for upcoming New Year’s celebrations! Join your neighbors this Thursday for a potluck and night of Bingo, or head on down to Mariner Park on New Year’s Eve for Homer’s annual crowdfunded fireworks display. Take part in making ice lanterns ahead of a magical display put on by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge in January, or look ahead to other events and presentations coming up after the new year! For details, check out these Best Bets.

BEST JAM SESSION BET: Join Homer Council on the Arts for weekly Community Jam Sessions on Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. in the gallery! Grab an instrument and come make music with other locals in this free program. Facilitated by Cathy Stingley on the fiddle, sessions are open to all instruments and abilities and will explore a range of genres based on attendees’ interest. Light refreshments will also be available. Community is built through relationships, place-making, pride in original work, collaboration and creativity. Music in an informal setting is a way to connect creatively and build relationships. Be part of the creative community! Find out more at homerart.org/event/jam-sessions-at-hcoa/2023-12-28/. 355 W Pioneer Ave.

BEST GUIDED SNOWSHOE HIKE BET: Join naturalists at the Wynn Nature Center for a guided snowshoe hike through pristine winter landscapes on Friday, Dec. 29 or Saturday, Dec. 30 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 or fees. Mile 1.4 Skyline Dr.

BEST THRIVING HEALTH BET: Join SVT Health & Wellness Coach Jenifer Dickson on Thursday, Dec. 28 from 6-7:30 p.m. for a wellness Bingo night and potluck! SVT is hosting a fun evening with food, prizes and little bits of wellness information all through the night. Kachemak Bay Recovery Connections will join as well, as participants focus on a wholesome sober activity, free of charge, over the holidays. Everyone will be a winner, so bring a dish and get your bingo on! For more information, visit svt.org/events/thrive. 880 East End Road.

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 ICE CRAFTING BET: Join the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in helping to make ice lanterns! Meet at the AMNWR Visitor Center, and be prepared to work inside and outside. If you would like to donate containers to help those making the lanterns, they can be dropped off at the Visitor Center desk during regular operating hours. Ice lantern making will continue, leading up to the Ice Lantern Walk on the Beluga Slough Trail on Saturday, Jan. 20, sponsored by AMNWR. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaMaritimeNationalWildlifeRefuge/. 95 Sterling Highway.

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.

BEST WEEKLY SPEAKERS BET: Mark your calendars for the return of Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ winter weeknight program, Tuesday Night Lights, in January! This free rotating event series at CACS headquarters will feature a new special guest giving a talk or hosting an activity every week. On Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m., come check out “The Coast Guard in Alaska, in Homer, and in My Life,” where special guest Lt Cdr. Shea Winterberger will be giving a presentation about the Coast Guard in Homer and her own career path. Make sure to check out the full schedule for other amazing speakers at www.facebook.com/ConnectingUwiththeNatureofAlaskasince1982/. 708 Smoky Bay Way.

Callie Steinberg/Homer News Nelton Palma, owner of the Alibi Bar and Cafe, accepts his Best of Business award for “Best Restaurant” at the Homer News Holiday Open House on Thursday, Dec. 14., 2023 in Homer, Alaska

Callie Steinberg/Homer News Jon Rudy, assistant manager at Alyeska Tire, poses with the Best of Business award for “Best Tire Service” on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at the Alyeska Tire Shop in Homer, Alaska.