December calendar.

ANCHORAGE

1-3 Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge

In this satirical look at the Christmas Carol, American playwright Christopher Durang pays tribute to all those "nauseating remakes and repeats." Located at UAA Mainstage Theatre. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 6 p.m. For more information, phone 263-ARTS or visit theatre.uaa.alaska.edu/index.html.

2 Holiday Train

Board the Alaska Railroad Holiday Train at 6 a.m. heading to Seward for caroling, storytelling, and beautiful scenery, which will to put you in the holiday spirit. The Seward Holiday Festival will be located in the Cruise Ship Dock, local merchants will be trimmed and offering their holiday best. For more information, contact Seward Chamber of Commerce at 224-8051.

6 Storytime at the Zoo

Animal storytelling and zoo animal encounters for parents and children under 5 years. First Wednesday of each month, October 2006 through April 2007. Located at the Alaska Zoo from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, phone 346-3242 or visit www.alaskazoo.org.

7-10 A Christmas Story

All 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Brimming with holiday humor and fun, "A Christmas Story" is suitable for kids of all ages. Located at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. Evening shows are Thursday to Saturday, 7 p.m.; afternoon shows, Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. For more information, phone 338-4902 or visit www.alaskatheatreofyouth.org.

9 Scared Scriptless Comedy Improv

Features improvised scenes based on audience suggestions. For mature audiences only. Cost is $5 at the door. Showtime is 10 p.m. at Cyrano's Off Center Playhouse. Call 274-6732 or visit www.scaredscriptless.com.

CORDOVA

1 Cordova Chamber of Commerce Christmas Kick-Off

2006 Christmas kick-off with parade, Santa Claus, Bidarki Christmas Bazaar, Christmas arts walk, street-lighting contest, and moonlight madness shopping. The fun begins at 6 p.m. For more information, e-mail visitcordova@ak.net.

1-2 Bidarki Bazaar

Bazaar begins Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, e-mail visitcordova@ak.net.

EAGLE RIVER

1-3 Winter Wonderland and Merry Merchants Munch

An old-fashioned holiday fair complete with free sleigh rides, roving carolers, Santa and his reindeer. Businesses open their doors offering their best holiday munchies to sample. The pride and joy of the "Munch" is the Gingerbread House...