Is it beginning to look like Christmas yet? It’s certainly cold and snowy — perhaps all we need now is some festive decorations to bring up the holiday mood. Speaking of holiday, don’t miss out on the festivities this week, starting with the annual tree lighting at the chamber on Thursday, followed by “The Nutcracker” ballet and Nutcracker Faire this weekend, Homer’s favorite holiday traditions! For other news, check out these Best Bets.

BEST STUDENT EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM BET: Students in Homer High School’s Alaska History classes are presenting a temporary exhibit at the Pratt Museum! During the Fall 2025 semester, students have chosen items from the museum’s permanent collections to study, research and connect back to Alaskan history. From traditional fishing equipment and basketry to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, this exhibit covers it all. The exhibit is open and included in regular admission from Dec. 2-6 and on First Friday on Dec. 5 from 4-6 p.m. Go check it out at 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST RESEARCH RESERVE COMMUNITY MEETING BET: Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve invites the public to attend their next community council meeting on Dec. 5 from 12:30-3 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus in room P202. The primary purpose of the KBNERR Community Council is to support the Reserve’s research, education and training programs by providing an organized structure for dialogue and recommendations between staff and community members interested in natural science research and education. Learn more about KBNERR at kachemakbayreserve.org/. Kachemak Bay Campus, 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST STUDENT PRESENTATIONS BET: Semester by the Bay students will host another public presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus. Recently, students presented research topics at a science symposium to inform others about their topics of interest and share what they learned to date. On Tuesday, SBB students will propose next steps for the presentations they made during the science symposium. This event is free and open to the public. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.

BEST NONPROFIT ANNUAL MEETING BET: Kachemak Heritage Land Trust will host its 2025 annual meeting of the members on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The meeting will be held at Porcupine Theater, starting at 5 p.m. A free screening of the 1983 film, “Local Hero,” will follow. The event is free for the public to attend. Pika Pika’s Porcupine Theater menu will be available for purchase. 106 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST GET A LOCALLY GROWN CHRISTMAS TREE BET: Homer Council on the Arts is hosting a Christmas tree fundraiser! Get locally grown spruce trees for your Christmas celebrations this year. Trees will be sold for $10 per foot, minimum 5 feet tall and maximum 12 feet tall. Also available are pine boughs for $2 each and spruce boughs for $1.50 each. All proceeds will support HCOA Youth Scholarships. Pick-up dates are Saturday, Dec. 13 (must be ordered by Dec. 9) and Saturday, Dec. 20 (must be ordered by Dec. 16). Learn more at homerart.org/event/christmas-tree-fundraiser/. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS SURVEY BET: Every three years, South Peninsula Hospital takes the pulse of the community’s health perceptions to inform new and existing hospital and community efforts. The 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment is still open, and SPH wants to hear from you! Your feedback can help SPH better understand the health needs of our community and guide how they plan services for the future. The survey is anonymous, quick to complete, and your input truly makes a difference. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered to win $25 in Homer Bucks — 15 winners will be selected. Find the survey online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/SHP-POH25.