Good morning, Burlington.

A Pet Connection article from Dec.

18 shared adoptable pets available in South Burlington. The piece highlighted Virginia from Homeward Bound, Hoss from the Humane Society, bonded cats Ash and Anna from North Country SPCA, Aspen from Windham County Humane Society, and Dani’s successful huskie placement.

Chittenden County students shared holiday cheer with local seniors by hosting a festive lunch in Essex through a partnership between the Center for Technology Essex & Parks and Recreation.

In South Burlington, Champlain Elementary students sang at Cathedral Square to celebrate the season.

Wood4Good is expanding its free firewood program to new distribution sites in Rochester, Burke and Rutland County next winter—after a record-setting year, volunteers and donations are needed to support new equipment and local infrastructure for warming rural families.

First responders deliver toys and gift cards today at Galisano Children's Hospital (at UVM Health) to cheer up children spending the holidays in the hospital, with Burlington Fire Department's assistant fire marshal Phil Edgerley noting that the annual Operation Fire Cuffs now involves over 45 agencies and local businesses.

Ace Hardware in Burlington is easing holiday stress with last-minute finds including its Ready in15 pick-up, flexible Affirm payments, and Ace Rewards deals with a free $10 e-gift card when buying a $50 gift card.

Order 30 minutes before closing for same-day pick-up; offers run through Christmas Eve.

University Mall in South Burlington will open at 9:30 a.m. on Christmas Eve and operate until 6 p.m. for holiday shoppers (Santa Claus will be available for photo sessions during these hours).

Students from the Northeast Kingdom are showcasing their artwork on a Vermont Christmas tree near the White House as part of the America Celebrates display in Washington, D.C.

The ornaments, created by sixth graders at Canaan Memorial Schools to honor heritage, will remain on view through New Year's Day.

In 2026, minimum wage will rise in 22 states and Washington, D.C., with most, including Vermont, set to adjust rates on Jan.

1 (full-time workers could see annual increases ranging from about $582 to $4,160, with Hawaii lifting wages by $2 and Minnesota by only $0.28).

Champlain Valley Head Start in Burlington had its federal funding request flagged for using the phrase 'cultural and linguistic responsiveness'—a term drawn directly from federal guidelines—so director Sandra Graves quickly revised the language to secure funding.

Vermont officials urge residents to lock up prescription drugs and use free lock bags and disposal sites as a safety measure during the holidays when children may be visiting (over 100 locations including pharmacies and police stations are available).

This advice helps protect both people and wildlife from accidental harm.

University of Vermont announced on Dec.

18 that former assistant coach Adrian Dubois was named the new men's soccer head coach after coach Rob Dow left for Penn State. Dubois served on UVM’s staff from 2019 to 2023 and helped recruit key players for the program.

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.