December events calendar.

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ANCHORAGE

1 David Finckel, Cello; and Wu Han, Piano

David Finckel and Wu Han rank among the most esteemed and influential classical musicians in the world today. Their performances have garnered superlative praise from both press and public. Located at the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. For more information, phone 263-ARTS or visit www.anchorageconcerts.org.

6-9 A Christmas Story

All 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-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. Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. For more information, phone 338-4901 or visit www.alaskatheatreofyouth.org.

7-12 The Producers

Experience the biggest Tony Award winner in Broadway history. The Producers is the funniest, most fearlessly irreverent thing ever seen on stage," says "USA Today." Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Monday to Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. For more information, phone 263-ARTS or visit www.anchorageconcerts.org.

11 Alaska Performance Excellence (APEX) Level 1, Self-Assessment Workshop.

Located at BP Energy Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn about APEX criteria and values; create your own organizational profile. Free admission. RSVP, 748-7919, or visit www.akapex.com.

14 Scared Scriptless Comedy Improv

Features improvised scenes based on audience suggestions. For mature audiences only. Cost is $7 at the door. Showtime is 8 p.m. at Wild Berry Theater. Call 562-8858 or visit www.scaredscriptless.com.

16 Family Holiday Pops

The best way to start the holiday season. Kids of all ages will have songs, sugarplums and Santa dancing in their heads at the end of this fun-filled afternoon. So much fun even the Grinch wouldn't want to miss it. Located at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts at 4 p.m. For more information, phone 274-7464 or visit www.anchorageconcertchorus.org.

31 New Years Fire and Ice Extravaganza

Fire jugglers, circus sideshow, music, ice-skating, food, Ferris wheel and much more. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fireworks display atop of the Egan Civic and Convention Center beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, phone 279-5655 or visit www.anchoragedowntown.org.

CORDOVA

30-12/1 Christmas Kickoff

Take the Marine Highway from Valdez and come enjoy the kick-off celebration with a...