Good morning, Burlington.

Most grocery chains, including Hannaford, ALDI, Costco, Target, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s, will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec.

25, in Vermont, while select liquor and convenience stores (such as certain CVS and Walgreens) may open; shoppers should call ahead to confirm hours.

In Burlington, local stores offer special holiday deals and exclusive editions for last-minute gift needs ahead of Hanukkah and Christmas.

Businesses from downtown to nearby Waterbury are hosting themed events (Festive Friday and caroling) and extending hours to welcome shoppers.

Vermont businesses report a sharp drop in Canadian visitors—some feeling relief as the holiday rush picks up, while others continue to struggle.

U.S. Customs data show a 28% drop in border crossings and a 49% fall in credit card spending by Canadians since January.

Vermont's minimum wage will increase in 2026, raising the regular hourly rate from $14.01 to $14.42 & the basic tipped rate from $7.01 to $7.21.

The change is set by state law to take effect Jan. 1, ensuring workers earn more next year.

A new regulation from the legislature is set to limit THC product purchases at local dispensaries starting Jan.

10, and operators worry this rule will cut sales and force extra trips for patients. The Cannabis Control Board is reviewing feedback from retailers (including small business concerns) before final decisions.

Rob Dow, who led UVM’s men’s soccer team to its first national championship last December, is leaving to coach at Penn State; interim coach Brad Cole will now lead the team.

The Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame inducted nine members—featuring local legends like Shirley Muldowney and Gardner Stone—at a ceremony in Milton over the weekend.

The organization plans to hold annual induction events until it opens a physical museum.

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.