Good morning, Burlington.

Sharp Park in Milton remains open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. despite icy tubing chutes — visitors enjoy cautious winter sports as Snowmobile Vermont cancels some tours and enforces gear checks in classic mid-winter weather.

Several local restaurants and a brewery closed in 2025, marking the end of long-standing favorites like Nectar’s and Istanbul Kebab House.

Some spaces already welcomed new ventures (such as Mr. Creemee and Moon Dog Tavern) to fill the gap.

Upper Pass Beer will soon replace Simple Roots Brewing in the New North End at the Ethan Allen Shopping Center (the former brewing space that closed last December) while details await on the brewery’s social media pages.

The Finch Research Network projects a moderate irruption of colorful finches reaching Burlington as birds seek food in fallow fields, fruit trees, and backyard feeders.

Researchers advise observers to keep feeders stocked with black oil sunflower seeds (and report sightings on citizen science platforms) this winter.

New Vermont fishing regulations went into effect on Thursday - they set catch limits on inland panfish, leave rules for Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River unchanged, and ban Black and White Crappie sales.

Local store owner Chris Ste-Marie expects ice fishing and gear sales to continue.

UVM goalie Niklas Herceg—drafted by Dallas FC but choosing to stay—will play for the Catamounts in the 2026 season and join Vermont Green in the Open Cup and USL2 season.

UVM Athletics will share more details in Burlington after winter break.

After a brief holiday break, UVM sports resumed with a women's basketball win on Jan.

1 and upcoming contests as women's hockey plays at Dartmouth on Jan. 2 and again today at 4 p.m., while men's hockey and basketball games are set for today at home and on the road.

Emil Wakim Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets start at $106 — Experience an unforgettable performance by Emil Wakim at Vermont Comedy Club.

Nico Suave & the Mothership Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Rock is alive with Nico Suave & the Mothership, hailing from Burlington VT.

Emil Wakim Live

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets starting at $101 — Emil Wakim brings laughter to Burlington with his unforgettable comedy performance.