Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.—RUTLAND—On Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Phoenix Books Rutland will host Stephen Russell Payne for a book signing and meet-and-greet featuring his new novel, “Life on a Cliff.” “Life on a Cliff” is the highly-anticipated sequel to Payne’s award-winning novel, “Cliff Walking.” Famous seascape artist Francis Monroe has come to love Kate Johnson…

Friday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.—ROCHESTER—Bald Mountain Theater presents “Krampusnacht — Stories of Light and Dark” for the Winter Solstice on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Spice Studio in Rochester. This one-night event highlights the dual nature of the season: the long, dark night full of tension and fear and longing; and the glimmering…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—Join Merchants Hall for an evening of self expression on Dec. 8 for the themed drag show, XXXxmas. The show is the first of four themed nights for the queens, being held the first Saturday of each month, December through March. Let your hair down as the enchanting performers entertain with…

Monday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m.—MIDDLEBURY—The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will bring their classic, big-band hits as well as several holiday favorites to Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater on Monday, Dec. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. First formed in 1937 by Glenn Miller, the orchestra continues to thrill crowds worldwide, playing…

Thursday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.RUTLAND—Fresh off the standing-room-only release of their debut album, “The One That Got Away,” Miss Guided Angels will play the historic Chaffee Art Center in Rutland on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The show is part of a series produced by New Edge Productions and hosted by The Chaffee Arts Center. Miss Guided Angels came together three years…

Saturday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre will present America’s Got Talent breakout star, Piff the Magic Dragon, on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. When it comes to Piff, think a man in a dragon suit (with a trademark chihuahua named Mr. Piffles) who performs jaw-dropping magic tricks, and you’re on the right track. With over…

Dec. 6-8—KILLINGTON—The Killington-Pico Area Association will be hosting its annual Vermont Holiday Festival, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7-8 at the Killington Grand Hotel. On Thursday, Dec. 6, the KPAA will hold its sponsor party and mixer, catered by Preston’s from 5:30-8:30 p.m., to include a silent auction. At the holiday festival, guests can enjoy the…

Dec. 7-9—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm & Museum will open for Wassail Weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7, 8, and 9, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The farm will feature historic Christmas ornaments – to make and take home. Don’t miss the authentically decorated farm house, visits to the dairy farm for interactive programs, holiday activities, plus the Academy Award…

Dec. 11, 19-21—RUTLAND—The 2018 annual Gift-of-Life Marathon blood drive is scheduled for four days in December. It comes at a time when 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. Please mark your calendar and plan to…

By Russell Jones BRANDON — From in-store discounts and sales to a chance to get cash back or win money, the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Brandon Alliance have teamed up with the town to offer residents more reasons than ever to shop local this year as Moonlight Madness kicks off Wednesday,…

Sunday, Dec. 9, 3 p.m.—BRANDON—The Brandon Festival Singers, under the direction of Gene Childers and accompanied by Jean Childers, will present the 38th annual Brandon Carol Festival featuring a wide variety of Christmas choral arrangements of traditional, contemporary and original music for the season on Sunday, Dec. 9, at the Brandon Congregational Church, 1 Carver St.,…

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2 p.m.—RUTLAND—Community College of Vermont (CCV)-Rutland invites the public to an open house on Wednesday, Dec. 12 to learn about its certified production technician (CPT) training program. The CPT is a nationally recognized credential designed to boost career opportunities in the field of manufacturing. Open house guests will have the chance to…

Thursday, Dec. 6—CHESTER—Five newly elected legislators will speak on Dec. 6 at the Chester Rotary First Thursday event. Three senators – Alison Clarkson, Alice Nitka and Dick McCormack – along with representatives Tom Bock and Annmarie Christensen will provide an overview of their legislative work in Montpelier. They will talk about upcoming state initiatives and budget issues. Each…

By DJ Dave Hoffenberg Come to McGrath’s Irish Pub, Sunday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. for the first ever Killington appearance of Pam and Dan. Hailing from Carbondale, Colorado, they are embarking on their Ikon ski and music tour. They plan to play music at all of the Ikon pass resorts in North America to…

Saturday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m.—PLYMOUTH NOTCH— Step back in time to celebrate the traditions of the season at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site. The Coolidge Holiday Open House has been recognized as a 2018-2019 “Top 10 Winter Event” by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The event is free, open to the public, ADA…