Good morning, Burlington.

With a fresh blanket of snow, Winooski’s Rotary Park will open its ice rink on Dec.

26 when city officials say the ice is safe to skate on + city manager Elaine Wang hopes the rink will draw more visitors downtown this holiday season.

AAA projects 500,000 New England travelers will fly this holiday season and advises passengers at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport to plan extra time.

Visitors report long security lines plus busy check-in areas, so arriving several hours early is recommended.

Gogol Bordello will perform two New Year's shows at Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington on Wednesday, Dec.

31 at 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $45 per show or $70 for a two-day pass (with opening acts Grace Bergere and Puzzled Panther).

Kwanzaa celebrations will be held from Dec.

26 to Jan. 1 to honor African American heritage and promote community values — activities include lighting a kinara each day with poetry, African drumming, and shared meals. Dr. Jolivette Anderson-Duoning at Saint Michael’s College said the events offer a lively way to observe the holiday.

Burlington School District invites parents to tour preschool classrooms across six schools in January for open houses scheduled 8:30-9:30 a.m.; sessions are on Jan.

7 at Edmunds and Champlain, Jan. 14 at Sustainability Academy and CP Smith, and Jan. 21 at Integrated Arts Academy and Flynn Elementary.

Wildroots Farm in Bristol held a wilderness survival program led by marine veteran Jon Turner, who trained local rescue teams+outdoor enthusiasts in essential skills such as shelter building, first aid and jiu-jitsu at Middlebury American Jiu Jitsu Academy.

The program highlighted practical techniques to stay safe in winter backcountry trips.

Snow is expected to begin in southern Vermont and northern New York by mid-morning today; by Tuesday evening, slippery roads will affect travel before conditions improve by Wednesday evening.

Recent rain, snow and temperature swings have caused potholes that damage cars on roads like Williston Road and I-89, and crews from VTrans (the Vermont Department of Transportation) are patching roads until more permanent fixes can be made in the spring.

Drivers are warned to stay alert and drive slowly.

BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont launched its VT Affordable Care website (MRI costs at UVM Medical Center are $6,520 vs $1,799 at independent facilities) to help Vermonters choose lower-priced care.

The initiative aims to lower premiums by encouraging patients to use less expensive providers.

Toby Harris, a former Vermont recruit now with Iona, scored a career high 26 points off the bench on Saturday as his team edged Vermont 83 to 78 at Patrick Gym in Burlington while coach John Becker said redshirt sophomore David Simon is day to day following an injury.

High school sports fans may vote for the Delta Dental Vermont Varsity Insider Girls Athlete of the Week on Burlington Free Press's website until 9 p.m. Friday — winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec.

27 with top nominees including Kayla Cisse and Bayleigh Clark.

On Monday, Dec. 22, UVM introduced Adrian Dubois as its new men’s soccer head coach on campus and the former San Diego State associate coach said he is eager to build on the team’s winning culture — the program aims to continue the success established by longtime coach Rob Dow.

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.

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.