December events calendar.

• Position: Calendar

ANCHORAGE

2 Alaska-China Business Conference

Presentations by Chinese and U.S. government officials, private-sector executives and a number of other speakers to help attendees better understand the opportunities, challenges and resources available to assist their exploration or trade with China. The fifth annual conference will focus on China's insatiable demand for energy and other natural resources. For more information, visit www.wtcak.org.

4-17 Anchorage International Film Festival

North America's northernmost independent film festival is getting ready for a record-breaking ninth year, bringing hungry movie-goers in from the cold and dark to bask in the illumination of hot films from around the globe. The Bear Tooth Theatre is the place to be for the Opening Night Gala, Dec. 4; Martini Matinee, Dec. 11; and the Golden Oosikar Awards Ceremony, Dec. 13. More than 150 screenings planned for Anchorage venues, including the Bear Tooth, Anchorage Museum, Alaska Experience and Out North theaters. Public forums and workshops are also scheduled. Go online to www.anchoragefilmfestival.org for complete information.

5 Holiday Train

The Alaska Railroad Holiday Train to Seward is a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season. There will be a special visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and a magician. In Seward, go to the Holiday Festival, cruise Resurrection Bay or explore the Alaska SeaLife Center. There will be a free shuttle, activity map and shopping discounts available. The train departs Anchorage at 7 a.m. and arrives back in Anchorage at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.akrr.com or phone 907-265-2494 or 800-544-0552.

12-13 Handel's Messiah

Classic concert featuring the Anchorage Concert Chorus, Alaska Chamber Singers and soloists from The Resident Ensemble of San Francisco Opera. This concert will be held at the Atwood Concert Hall. For performance times and information, visit www.anchoragesymphony.org.

12-13 Christmas Village

Alaska's newest Christmas show held at the Dena'ina Civic Convention Center. Admission is free and will feature over 200 vendors selling a wide assortment of gifts for everyone. For more information, visit www.anchoragemarkets.com.

31 Big Wild New Year's Eve Bash

Celebrate the arrival of the New Year and Anchorage Opera's 48th anniversary in grand style at the Hotel Captain Cook. On top of all the great food, beverages and dancing will be the premiere of the world's first Pop-Country-Opera Cabaret, featuring an...