Good morning, Worcester.

The former Quality Inn at 50 Oriol Drive will open as a 36-bed winter shelter Dec.

15 and will be managed by South Middlesex Opportunity Council. It will operate as a low barrier facility with round-the-clock staffing until April to support those in need.

Donations from local readers, businesses, and civic organizations allowed T&G Santa to purchase toys for nearly 10,000 children in need (with the United Way of Central Massachusetts as a main partner).

The fund raised over $37,000 by Thursday, Dec. 11.

Dr. Michael Hirsch, founder of the Guns to Gardens program, will host the annual gun buyback event Saturday from 9 to 1 at Worcester Police Headquarters and 10 Ararat Street — participants will receive grocery cards when they surrender firearms that will be destroyed and forged into garden tools by local tradespeople and students.

Marlborough's Flying Dreams Brewing Co. will close on Dec.

27+ it operated solely from its taproom since 2018 and cited rising costs and shifting habits for its decision.

Flying Dreams Brewing Company, which opened its Marlborough taproom in 2018, announced it will close on Saturday, Dec.

27 due to financial challenges, leaving just two breweries in the area as local brewing faces a downturn.

Night Lights at Tower Hill has been named the nation's best holiday garden display by USA TODAY and runs from Nov.

22 to Jan. 4, featuring nearly 200 acres of illuminated gardens and conservatories (one showcasing 300 disco balls and disco music) that draw record crowds.

Greater Worcester’s unemployment rate in September dropped to 4.6% & the shutdown delayed October’s data with November’s figures set for release later; the state labor department said core job indicators remain stable.

A new report from the Department of Higher Education shows Worcester State graduates rank in the top 10 with a 5-year earning average of $70,691 and incur the lowest debt among public colleges; 98% are (employed or in school) within six months of graduation.

WPI professor Yan Wang was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors today for breakthroughs in battery recycling.

The honor recognizes innovations that led to 12 patents and the creation of two companies (Ascend Elements and AM Batteries).

St. Paul announced the creation of a Legacy Schools Athletics Hall of Fame to honor former Holy Name, St. Peter-Marian, St. Peter’s and Marian, with championship banners now on display in its gym (nominations accepted through Dec.

31 and the induction set for April 11).

On Dec. 11, a baby bear was seen having fun on the ice near Hubbardston before it ran into the woods.

Whitney Doucet (lead singer) said she was surprised by the rare sight and reminded residents to keep a safe distance when wildlife appears.

First-year UMass Chan med students expanded leadership roles in the Worcester Free Care Collaborative, which served over 6,500 uninsured patients this year, by naming three new co-presidents who will guide the group until December 2026.

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.

A Christmas Carol

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Tickets from $102 — Enjoy a classic holiday tale brought to life in a stunning theatrical performance.

Fourth Annual Royal Holiday Ball

6-11 p.m. — Courtyard by Marriott Worcester — Cost not specified — Experience a magical evening of celebration, dancing, and festive treats fit for royalty.

Sans Souci Tribute to JGB

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

A Christmas Carol

7:00 – 8:30 PM — The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a classic holiday tale brought to life in a beautiful theater setting.

Dueling Pianos Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Rascals — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock and roll at an electrifying musical experience where you choose the playlist.

Home for the Holidays Hockey Game

3:05-4:35 p.m. — DCU Center — $10 Kids Tickets — Celebrate the season with festive hockey, family fun, and a chance to win during the Ugly Sweater Contest.

New Year's Eve Celebration with Whiskey Boulevard

7 PM - 1 AM — Samuel Slater's Restaurant — $95 Dinner, $30 Celebration Only — Celebrate New Year's Eve with live music, dinner buffet, and a champagne toast at midnight.