Good morning, Burlington.

Troy Austin, known locally as Vermont's Santa Claus, will host the 11th annual toy drive on Saturday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Albert D.

Lawton School in Essex Junction—supporting Marine Corps League's Toys for Kids drive—while food, music, and other festivities add cheer.

Several ski areas in our region are updating their services while officials work on school redistricting to lower property taxes.

This weekend offers local events, and community groups honor a Vermont folk music luminary who died this week.

This December, Burlington stargazers can see two meteor showers; the bright Geminids, active from Dec.

4-20 (peaking on Dec. 13-14), will be followed by the Ursids from Dec. 17-26. NASA advises heading to dark skies to catch the best view.

Vermont’s new law, Act 73, launches a multi-year reform of public school funding and district governance.

On Dec. 2, education reporter Corey McDonald explained the plan at VTDigger (detailing district consolidation and a shift to a foundation funding formula) in a live conversation.

Mad River Glen, the only cooperatively owned downhill ski resort, is raising $2.7 million to buy 1,100 acres adjacent to its backcountry skiing area in Fayston.

The board voted Nov. 10 to act, and funds must be raised by Jan. 15.

Mad River Glen and Whiteface are prioritizing skier safety as winter begins with trained lift operators and wind monitoring to mark hazards and slow lifts in poor sight (NBC5 will update ski reports daily) for visitors.

Voting is open for the Burlington Free Press high school girls basketball preseason player of the year powered by Delta Dental; cast votes online until 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec.

11, and the winner will be announced on Friday, Dec. 12.

Pink Talking Fish Tribute Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All Ages — Enjoy a unique fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish's music in one remarkable act.

Zach Zimmerman Comedy Show

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with 2023's up-and-coming comedian and writer Zach Zimmerman.

Mihali Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages welcome — Experience Mihali's evolving music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Double You Concert

7:30 PM — Higher Ground — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night filled with classic tunes and heartfelt melodies.

Light Up the Night Festivity

4-8 p.m. — Church Street Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate the darkness with a colorful Fun Run and a sparkling Light Parade.

Wheatus with Troy Millette and The Fire Below

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — $81/ea — Rock out with Wheatus and local artists for an unforgettable night of music.

Vermont's Own Nutcracker

1:00 – 2:30 PM — The Flynn, 153 Main St, Burlington, VT — Ticket prices vary — Experience the holiday magic with Vermont Ballet Theatre's enchanting performance of the Nutcracker.

Merrimack Warriors vs Vermont Catamounts Men's Hockey

6-7:30 p.m. — Gutterson Fieldhouse — Free entry — Cheer on the Catamounts as they face off against the Warriors in an exciting hockey match.

NYE Run/Walk to Highlight

2-3 p.m. — ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain — Free entry — End 2025 on a healthy note with a scenic fun run or walk along the Burlington bike path.