5 things to do in the Mat-Su: Weekend of Dec. 22

1) Christmas on the Farm

“No place more magical Christmas Eve (or the day before) than the Reindeer Farm!”

PALMER- The Williams Reindeer Farm is hosting its annual Christmas on the Farm this Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. The family farm will be transformed into the North Pole with Santa and his reindeer spreading holiday cheer. There will be fun for the whole family with a variety of games and activities. There will be tours around the farm, indoor snowball fights, tractor rides, reindeer wagon rides, crafts for kids, and a bonfire. Santa will also be available for photos. Admission is $9 per person. Ages two and under are free. All activities are included with admission. The Williams Reindeer Farm is located at 5561 South Bodenburg Loop. For more information, call 745-4000 or visit www.reindeerfarm.com/christmas-on-the-farm.html

2) Schwabenhof’s 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater & Chinese Gift Exchange

“Enjoy a variety of imported & domestic beer, cocktails, or sip on a glass of wine and enjoy a night with friends before the busy Holiday!”

WASILLA- The folks at Schwabenhof’s bar are at it again. This Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m is the second annual Ugly Sweater & Chinese Gift Exchange. Be sure to keep the gift budget between 10 and 20 dollars. The community is invited to wear their best, ugly Christmas sweater and wrapped gift for a fun and festive exchange. There will be a prize for the ugliest or most creative Christmas sweater. There will also be a snack platter so be sure to bring finger foods for everyone.

3) Holiday “NoEgg”nog, Cheese oh myyyyy

“You will be surprised what you can learn. Invite any vegan curious friends or anyone who thinks plant base food sucks and doesn’t taste good. We dare you to attend.”

WASILLA- J&J Food Market will be hosting a plant based, holiday food workshop this Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at their store. Learn how to make eggnog without the egg and other festive dishes that are geared to be light on calories. This event is meant for adults and children are asked to stay at home for this one. Vegans and aspiring vegans are the prime demographic for this event but everyone is invited to learn something new and have fun before Christmas. Also, local author, Delisa will be there signing her cook books. J&J Food Market is located at 461 West Parks Highway. Seating is limited. For more information call (800) 734-820, 357-3473, or visit www.jjfoodmarket.com.

4) Family Fun Nights and Santa Claus at Whimsical Wicks and Gifts

“Santa’s last day will be Dec. 23rd so he will have plenty of time to get back to the North Pole and prepare for his Christmas deliveries!”

WASILLA- For the week leading up to Christmas, Whimsical Wicks and Gifts has been hosting a series of Family Fun Nights at their store. This holiday weekend is the last three days of the event. The folks at Whimsical Wicks and Gifts will be leading classes to learn how to make homemade Christmas ornaments for the tree or around the home. Homemade ornaments can also be used as gifts to friends and family. Classes vary in price. To register for a class, visit the store or call ahead. On Sunday, Christmas Eve, Santa Clause is coming to town and will be at Whimsical Wicks and Gifts from 1 to 5 p.m. Children and their families are welcome to come and take photos with Santa. There is no charge but those who want to take pictures are asked to bring their own camera. The store is located at 290 North Yenlo Street. For more information, call 357-9425.

5) Nunataq Snowshoe Series - Race #1

“It is recommended that you bring a change of clothes for after the race. Also wearing a neck gaiter or hooded jacket works well for keeping the snow from going down the back of your shirt.”

PALMER- Active Soles Performance Footwear is hosting the Nunataq Snowshoe Series, a race done entirely in snowshoes. The competition will take place at the top of Hatcher Pass at Independence Mine this Saturday at 11 a.m. Drive to the parking area where Independence Mine trail head starts. There will be a $5 parking fee via the State Park. Rangers will be there to reinforce the pay requirement. Carpooling is recommended. They do not charge to park at the Mile 16 pull off, the parking area before the old Mother Lode Lodge, so staging cars there and transporting up to the upper parking area is advised. Bib pick-up and Race Day registration will be located in the Hatcher Pass Lodge (the red A-frame buildings at the top parking area).

The start of this race will take place below the A-framed lodge. There is a small pull-off at the start area, but limited spots for parking. It is a short walk to starting area from the Hatcher Lodge. This course runs you up to Summit Lake, around the lake and back down. Online registration has closed but you can still sign up in person or over the phone. On the day of the race, registration will be at the Hatcher Pass Lodge from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Entry to race is $25. Children and adults alike will be racing with a kids’ 1k added to the mix. There will also be a 50-yard Dash for Cash with a $25 cash prize for the winner. This is the first of three more races. The second will be January 27, 2018 and the third will be March 10, 2018. Both will also have a 50 yard dash for cash race.

For more information, call 746-0600 or visit: Alaskasnowshoechallenge.com.