Only a few more sleeps until Christmas! While you’re out there in the holiday hustle and bustle, finishing up your last-minute shopping and checking your list twice, don’t forget to have a little fun yourself! For ideas and local community events to take part in, check out these Best Bets.

BEST SANTA ON THE SHIP BET: The community is invited to join the Jolly Aspen in welcoming Santa to town on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 2-6 p.m.! Come aboard the CGC Aspen for a visit and pictures with Santa, and benefit the Homer Food Pantry while you’re at it! Bring canned goods to support those in need. 4688 Homer Spit Road.

BEST LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR BET: Mark your calendars for this year’s Procrastinator’s Fair! Over 50 vendors will have wares and gift ideas for sale at Christian Community Church on Friday, Dec. 19 from 2-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 20 from noon to 7 p.m. Come by for free kids’ crafting, free cookie decorating, free drawings for gifts from vendors, a free drawing for a decorated Christmas tree, and visits with Santa. Learn more about this year’s fair offerings on the event Facebook page. 3838 Bartlett St.

BEST CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA BET: Get ready for the festive event of the season! The 2025 Homer Christmas Extravaganza hits The Porcupine Theater on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 6-8 p.m., and it is already shaping up to be the brightest, most joy-filled holiday celebration in town. If you are looking for a night packed with Christmas spirit, community warmth and pure hometown magic, this is the one to circle on your calendar. Come ready to celebrate, with food provided by Pika Pika Bento and live music by Christopher Kincaid and the Highly Strung String Band, Kris and the Kringles; musical selections from Homer Opus; and a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” from thespian Peter Norton. Dress in your most festive holiday outfit for a chance to win the Best Dressed in Holiday Spirit award. All proceeds will directly benefit South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services’ Teen Community Resource Center. Tickets are $15, with donations encouraged. This is a 21+ event; those under 21 who wish to attend may do so if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Learn more and get tickets at porcupinetheater.com. 106 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST FREE HOLIDAY SKATE BET: Kevin Bell Arena will host a free community Christmas Eve Skate on Wednesday, Dec. 24 from noon to 3 p.m., sponsored by the Homer Hockey Association and South Peninsula Hospital. Stop by and enjoy a visit with Santa, cookies, hot chocolate and a holiday figure skating performance! Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted on behalf of the Homer Community Food Pantry. 3150 Homer Spit Road.

BEST FREE HOLIDAY MOVIE SCREENING BET: The Homer Foundation is sponsoring a free movie screening of “Elf” at the Porcupine Theater on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 5:30 p.m. Community members wishing to join are encouraged to reserve their tickets in advance at porcupinetheater.com. 106 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST INDOOR WALKING BET: SPARC Walks, sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital, continue every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. until May. All are welcome to these open walks: strollers, elders, walking sticks, wheelchairs, etc. No sign-up is required! SPH will also be offering health education opportunities such as flu shots, blood pressure checks, surveys and more on some Mondays. 600 Sterling Highway.