Well folks, it’s officially 2025! Here’s to the new year — let’s approach it with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. Speaking of opportunities, there’s several happening this week, ready for you all to take part in! For details, check out these Best Bets.

BEST WINTER BREAK CRAFTS BET: Through Jan. 3, stop by the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center during open hours to make an ornament! The AMNWR Visitor Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., but will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the federal holidays. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST ICE LANTERN WALK BET: Bring your ice cleats and flashlights and join staff at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center on Saturday, Jan. 4 from 5-7:30 p.m. for a half-mile walk on the Beluga Slough Trail to enjoy the ice lanterns! This event is free and open to everyone. Park in the AMNWR Visitor Center parking lot. A fire with s’mores will be on the back patio, with hot chocolate and crafts inside. The Beluga Slough Trail is slippery, so ice cleats are highly recommended. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST INDOOR WALKING BET: South Peninsula Hospital is sponsoring free indoor walking at the SPARC, weekly on Mondays, through May. Starting on Jan. 6, indoor open walks are open from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to adults and youth ages 12 and up. Walkers must bring clean indoor shoes to participate. For more information, contact Annie Garay, RN and SPH Health & Wellness nurse educator, at wellness@sphosp.org or at 907-235-0285. 600 Sterling Highway.

BEST TEEN MINDFULNESS BET: South Peninsula Hospital is sponsoring a free, five-week course in mindfulness for teens ages 14-18 years old. “Chaos Compass” is taught by Devry Garity, pediatric nurse practitioner at Homer Medical Center and will run every Thursday from 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus, starting Jan. 9 through Feb. 6. This program will provide teens with tips and tools to better navigate the sometimes-chaotic times in life. Participants will explore a brain-based understanding of themselves and others as they journey through techniques to strengthen their minds, sharpen focus, manage emotions, make wise decisions and cultivate deeper connections. To learn more or register for this free class, contact wellness@sphosp.org or 907-235-0285. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST WEEKLY SKATING BET: Did you know that Kevin Bell Arena has weekly public skating? Head over on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for ice skating! General admission is $7 per person and $3 for skate rental; members skate for free. Kevin Bell Arena also offers a variety of structured on-ice programming for the entire family. Find more information at www.kevinbellarena.org. 3150 Homer Spit Road.

BEST ARTS CHAMPIONS BET: The Alaska Arts Education Consortium is seeking nominations for the 2025 Champions of the Arts Awards through Jan. 15. This awards program formally recognizes and honors Alaskan individuals or organizations who champion the arts in education through high-caliber instruction, arts support and ongoing arts promotion. Nominations can be made in four categories: Arts Educator, Arts Leader, Arts Advocate, and Arts Student. Find more information at www.akartsed.org/Champions.