Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 5-6—WOODSTOCK—The story of the Three Wise Men bringing gifts to the baby Jesus is an integral part of the Christmas season. Italian-American composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti found inspiration in the tale and created the classic Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in 1951. The opera will be performed at…

Thursday, Jan. 3, 9 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Burlington-based American rock band Gang of Thieves is hitting the stage at the Pickle Barrel Nightclub in Killington on Jan. 3 at 9 p.m. Start the new year off right by jamming all night long to funky riffs, catchy melodies and energy that puts the room into full-throttle mode. This show is…

Photo by Donald Dill The torchlight parade at Okemo is a preview to the fireworks show that follows.

Photo submitted Alfredo and Violetta set the stage in “ La Traviata ,” broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera.

Wednesday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m. —RUTLAND— Presidential biographer Willard Sterne Randall will discuss how the life of Alexander Hamilton inspired a major Broadway musical in a talk at Rutland Free Library on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. His talk, “Hamilton: The Man and the Musical,” is part of the Vermont Humanities Council’s First Wednesdays lecture series…

Photo courtesy Town Hall Theater The Horse Traders

Friday, Dec. 28, 3 p.m.—QUECHEE— Cheetahs live in landscapes quite different from those that surround the VINS Nature Center, but on Friday, Dec. 28, the lives and future of cheetahs will be taking center stage among VINS’ birds. Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Master student Sarah Omusula will be discussing her work with…

Saturday, Dec. 29 —RUTLAND— Rutland County Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count and potluck will take place this year on Saturday, Dec. 29. Birds spotted within a 7.5 mile radius of Meads Falls in Center Rutland will be counted by teams of birders and feeder-watchers in this count circle. Counters may participate from dawn to dusk,…

Thursday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.—KILLINGTON— Bow Thayer kicks off the first night of his Wobbly Barn winter residency with a very special guest: the indomitable Val McCallum, Thursday, Dec. 27. Even those that may not know him by name, have probably heard his music. McCallum has played with Jackson Browne, Lucinda Williams, Randy Newman, and…

Monday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. —RUTLAND— If ever there was a year that needed to end with a laugh, it’s this year. Say “goodbye” to 2018 with a hilarious night of laughter that everyone will enjoy, but that won’t break the bank. Paramount Theatre hosts the “First Night of Funny” on New Year’s Eve, Dec.…

By Robin Alberti Killington Elementary School held a concert Tuesday, Dec. 11, to usher in the holiday season. Students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grade sung an upbeat song called "Hot Chocolate." Leland Montag, Pippa Scott, and Kaitlyn Burres (pictured left to right) helped to lead the song on stage.

Dec. 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive continues for three days this week, Dec. 19, 20 and 21. The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors to give now to ensure that blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season. Make an appointment or drop-in at the following locations: Wednesday,…

Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Rutland Young Professionals will hold their monthly mixer Thursday, Dec. 20, 6-8 p.m. at College of St. Joseph, 71 Clement Road, Rutland. December is the time of year when individuals give back to the community. This monthly mixer will take place in part with the Gift of Life Marathon blood…

Dec. 21, 11 a.m.—QUECHEE—This December and January children and their families are encouraged to join VINS for a read-aloud story series. They will be reading four captivating children’s books: “Kate Who Tamed the Wind” by Liz Garton Scanlon, “Extra Yarn” by Mac Barnett, “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl Sams, and “Over and Under the Snow” by Kate Messner. Programs will feature a…

Monday, Dec. 24, 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Ever wish you saw “The Polar Express” in theaters? Here’s a chance to see it for free on Christmas Eve, in Rutland. Head to Flagship Cinemas in the Rutland Shopping Plaza on Monday, Dec. 24 for a free showing of the holiday classic. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the 10…