Good morning, Worcester.

Apple is moving its Solomon Pond Mall store to The Shops at Blackstone Valley on Dec.

12—only a couple of storefronts from Old Navy—after the current location closes on Dec. 10.

Worcester State University’s Learning Resources Center is hosting historical exhibits that show the school’s past and national history with labor pamphlets from the late Bruce Cohen and bold WPA posters from the New Deal era.

The displays also include student newspapers and maps and use a new hanging system—like museum setups—to update exhibits for future events.

Worcester has begun an experimental program using fifty high-tech rat traps with infrared sensors to track rodent activity in areas such as West Boylston pump station and Holden Street — the data will help target control efforts before the program pauses at the end of November and resumes in March.

Jennifer Toland has selected top playoff performers from local football, soccer, field hockey, cross-country and girls' volleyball for readers to vote on the Hometeam Athlete of the Week—presented by the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.

Last week, Whitinsville Christian cross-country star Emily Flagg led with 688 votes (46.2%) while Tantasqua’s Sean Allen edged the football poll with 50.6% of votes.

Blind Guardian Somewhere Far Beyond Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Palladium — Ticketed event — Celebrate 30 years of German speed metal with Blind Guardian as they bring their classic album to life.

Yacht Lobsters Concert

7-8 p.m. — Off The Rails — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the nostalgic sounds of 70's and early 80's Soft Rock with the Yacht Lobsters.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve

3:00-4:30 p.m. — DCU Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic holiday rock opera with an all-new production from TSO.

2025 Trot With Ted 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run

9:30 a.m. — Tantasqua Regional High School — $30 registration fee — Run for a good cause to fund educational grants for local teachers while enjoying family-friendly competition.

Handel's Messiah Performance

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — Ticket purchase required — Experience the Worcester Chorus as they perform the timeless holiday classic, Handel's Messiah.

Sans Souci Tribute to JGB

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Electric Haze Llc — Tickets starting at $15.44 — Enjoy a night of alternative rock with a tribute to JGB.

New England Winter Market

9 AM-6 PM — DCU Center — Check Official Website — Experience a festive market filled with local artisans, gourmet foods, and holiday cheer.

Saves The Day and Glassjaw Concert

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Palladium — $TBA — Experience an electrifying evening with indie rock legends in a vibrant venue.

45th Annual Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert

8-10 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $47+ — Experience Worcester's festive holiday celebration with the Massachusetts Symphony and special guest performances.

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

8:30-9:30 p.m. — Mechanics Hall — $25.65 — Experience the music of Coldplay in a candlelit setting for a unique musical celebration.