Merry Christmas, Homer! The Betster hopes folks are staying warm and enjoying good food and good company, or even a quiet night in if that’s what you prefer! Either way, there’s a whole new year to look forward to, with new opportunities, and the sunlight is surely coming back little by little. It’s a good time to take a little rest, but if you want to brave the cold and enjoy some happenings around town in the upcoming weeks, check out these Best Bets!

BEST CROWDFUNDED NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA BET: It’s nearly time for the eighth annual crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical! This year’s spectacular show will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. at Mariner Park on the Homer Spit. Organized by community member Aaron Weisser, the fireworks display will last approximately 18 minutes and, new this year, will also be livestreamed from the event Facebook page for those who can’t attend in person. Captain’s Coffee is bringing back their food truck to sell hot drinks and snacks prior to the show. Folks are encouraged to show up early, as parking fills up fast. For more information, find the 2025 Homer Crowdfunded New Year’s Eve Fireworks Fantastical event page on Facebook. Homer Spit Road.

BEST SKI AND SNOWSHOE BET: The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks will host their first ski and snowshoe session of the new year at the Eveline State Recreation Site on Jan. 1 from noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy a casual get-together with guided tours, hot drinks, snacks off the grill and a warming fire. Donations welcome. If you are interested in helping out with the event, let the Friends know by emailing kbsptrails@gmail.com. Alpine Meadows Drive, Fritz Creek.

BEST ICE LANTERN WALK BET: The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Beluga Slough Trail Walk on Saturday, Jan. 10, 5-7:30 p.m. Bring your ice cleats and enjoy the Beluga Slough Trail at night with candle-lit ice lanterns. Free. Dress for the weather. Stop at the AMNWR Visitor Center patio for a warming fire and s’mores or stop inside for hot chocolate and a craft. Supported by Alaska Geographic and Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. In case of inclement weather check the Refuge Facebook page for updates. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST WINTER CALL FOR ART BET: Homer Council on the Arts invites all active members to submit artwork to their 2026 Members Show. Open to all mediums and sizes for any work made in the last two years that has not been previously shown in Homer. Please contact HCOA if your work is over 4-feet-by-4-feet. The submission form will be open Jan. 5-31. All work must be turned in to the HCOA office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Work will be on display in the HCOA gallery during the month of February. 355 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.