New Year’s Eve celebrations to ring in 2026
The countdown to 2026 is on and Vermonters will ring in the new year with celebrations around the state. Here are highlights from a variety within striking distance of Waterbury.
A ‘superflight’ year for winter finches
Birders in New England and upstate New York are buzzing with anticipation for an irruption that will have an unusually large assortment of winter finch species in shrubs, tree stands, and at feeders.
Ice fishing has new regs, free clinics in 2026
The Vt. Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds anglers to check out changes to fishing regulations taking effect Jan. 1. The department also will host multiple free ice fishing clinics this winter, including one in Waterbury.
Native hollies offer more than holiday cheer
while Christmas holly (Ilex aquifolium) originates across the Atlantic, our region has two native holly species of which to boast – and they do much more on the landscape than brighten homes and spirits at yuletide.
Waterbury Public Library: Holiday schedule; ringing in the new year
Waterbury Public Library shares holiday scheduled changes and January program highlights.
Vermont State Parks host New Year’s Day hikes
To start the new year off encouraging Vermonters to take time for outdoor recreation, Vermont State Parks will host a number of First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.
$7.50 gets you a Green Mountain National Forest Christmas tree
Vermonters on the hunt for an economical Christmas tree and a little adventure along the way can make a trip to the Green Mountain National Forest to cut up to two trees for $5 each and a small fee.
Spotting giant silk moths in winter
Late fall and early winter are the best times of year to spot giant silk moth cocoons in New England.
Holidays and pets: Tips to keep dogs and cats safe this time of year
The holidays bring special activities into our daily routines and often mean having special foods and decorations in our homes. People look forward to the routines and experiences that can make this time of year merry and bright. But with them can come some serious hazards for pets.
Call for auditions for Lost Nation Theater’s 2026 season
Looking ahead to its 2026 season, Lost Nation Theater in Montpelier has put out a call for actors and singers to audition for roles in multiple upcoming productions.
Rough-legged hawks come visiting
In late autumn, cold air masses come barreling down from the Canadian Arctic like an atmospheric avalanche, bringing with them a visitor from the North: the rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus).
In the wake of a Chanukah tragedy, rabbi urges light and kindness
About two dozen people gathered in Rusty Parker Memorial Park at nightfall on Sunday for a ceremony marking the first night of Chanukah.
New art sought for Steele Room space
The Steele Community Room is a high-traffic spot at Waterbury’s Municipal Complex that features rotating art exhibits year-round.
The quiet persistence of clubmosses
Despite their name, clubmosses are not true mosses. They are the oldest group of vascular plants, which have specialized tissue called xylem that transports water and nutrients.
Friday: Silent auction to support Waterbury Winterfest
A silent auction this Friday at Cask & Cork on Elm Street will kick off Waterbury Winterfest 2026.
Birdfeeding season begins with ‘irruption’ forecast; annual bird count is Dec. 26
The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds Vermonters that it’s probably safe to put out those backyard birdfeeders, as bears are likely taking their winter break.
For many creatures, home has a magnetic pull
But, unlike humans, animals that travel long distances must rely on their own senses. And some of them have a long-range navigational sense called magnetoreception that is like a built-in compass or imprecise GPS.
Valley Players to trim 2026 productions to make theater improvements
The Valley Players, the Mad River Valley’s all-volunteer community theater company, will pause most of its productions for 2026 in order to focus on building repairs and safety upgrades at its namesake theater in Waitsfield.
’Tis the season: Holiday happenings
We’ve compiled a list of holiday happenings in Waterbury and around the nearby region. Bookmark and check back as it will be updated as we receive more.
1890 story inspires Duxbury Historical Society holiday program
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Duxbury Historical Society will present a special holiday program with roots dating back to the late 19th century.