Good morning, Worcester.

T&G Santa purchased toys for nearly 10,000 children in need on Tuesday, Dec.

16, with donations from readers, local businesses, and civic organizations. The program involved support from 20 partner groups, including United Way, to brighten holidays in our community.

Elizabeth 'Betty' Turcotte, a 94-year-old Holden resident, recalls receiving a chocolate Santa, a doll, and writing paper during her hospital stay at UMass Memorial Medical Center (Memorial on Belmont Street) when she was 7, and she now makes annual donations to T&G Santa in thanks.

Today, Worcester State’s Binienda Center held its first Community Luncheon honoring Worcester Public Schools, Friendly House, and the Latin American Business Organization while recognizing State Rep. Jim O’Day for his support.

University leaders praised the partnerships that advance educational opportunities (ongoing since LEI’s founding).

Raising Cane’s opened on Tuesday, Dec.16 on Lincoln Street in Worcester (in a 3,447 sqft building with drive-thru service replacing the longtime Denny’s) and is giving away free menu items for a year to 20 customers.

Worcester Public Library revealed the 2025 top 10 most checked out books for kids, teens and adults this week; the report shows over 600,000 items were borrowed with favorites like Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series + Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series drawing high interest.

Express bus service Link413 linking Pioneer Valley with Berkshire County will begin next month as part of a $10 million transit improvement initiative funded by MassDOT.

The service includes two express routes connecting Pittsfield with Northampton and North Adams with Greenfield.

In November, Central Mass. home sales fell while prices kept rising; Worcester County recorded 432 single-family sales (a 17.6% drop from last November) with Middlesex County also seeing a smaller decline.

During Tuesday's girls basketball games, three players scored at least 20 points; Shea from Hoosac Valley and Green from Commerce led with strong scoring on the court.

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.

The Taylor Party: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

8-10:30 p.m. — Palladium — $ — Dance and sing along to all of Taylor Swift's iconic eras at this electrifying tribute party.