https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1DsYDIbuhY Killington Resort's Rails 2 Riches just keeps building momentum. Every year the set up gets larger and the crowds bigger. Take a look at this year's Rails 2 Riches recap.

Sunday, Dec. 18—RUTLAND—In its 42nd season, Albany Berkshire Ballet and dance students from area schools perform one of the world’s best-loved ballets, “The Nutcracker.” With Tchaikovsky’s soaring music, the annual favorite tells the story of a young girl, Clara, and the magical dream she has one Christmas eve. The performance is based on the timeless…

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.—KILLINGTON—Ever find yourself needing some time without the kiddos? The Killington Recreation Department summer camp staff is offering just that on Saturday, Dec. 17. Drop off children off at the Killington Town Office for games, crafts, movies, and snacks, while parents enjoy a day or night to themselves. These date…

Wednesday, Dec. 14—WEST PAWLET—The Mettawee Community School will present “At The Bandstand! A Rock ‘n’ Roll Review” on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Please note that this is a date change, as it came to the school’s attention that its original date for the all-school performance would overlap with two other area schools’ winter presentations. Mettawee’s afternoon…

Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Bells of Joy, directed by Karen James, will present its 33rd annual Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 16,7:30 p.m. in the chapel of the United Methodist Church. Inspired by the “Lessons and Carols Service” from Kings College Cambridge in England, this concert will feature traditional Christmas carols like “Lo…

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—The seventh annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “Last Man on the Moon” on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. and 50 p.m. in HD, with surround sound, and complimentary refreshments. All films are open to the public and accessible…

Friday, Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.—RANDOLPH—Chandler Center for the Arts presents Darlingside, a new and widely popular Boston-based Americana quartet, on Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., with local singer-songwriter Kris Gruin opening the show. Darlingside’s wide-open arrangements are marked by the skillful vocal interplay of the four singers. When bassist Dave Senft, guitarist and banjo…

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 a.m.—KILLINGTON—Killington Resort has recently received some fresh powder, just in time to bring back the annual Rails 2 Riches park jam on Saturday, Dec. 17. The events will be held on Lower Bunny Buster at the K1 area. Competitors will drop in on an exclusive, custom built rail venue in…

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 12:55 p.m.—Tony Award-winning director, Julie Taymor’s delightful production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” returns to the Paramount Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 12:55 p.m. “The Magic Flute” was the Metropolitan Opera’s first Live in HD broadcast into movie theaters 11 years ago. It is a family-friendly production populated with giant…

Saturday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m.—ROCHESTER—Whether you love the open, cold spaces of this time of year, when light floods the hills and valleys, or you prefer the coziness of a cabin’s wood-stove, you will want to plan a visit to BigTown Gallery where two new, light-filled shows featuring three artists will help you face…

Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 17-18—Looking for Santa for the kids to express their Christmas wishes? There’s just one weekend left before the big day on Dec. 25, and Santa will be at two locations on Saturday and Sunday. Santa will be stopping at the Bailey Memorial Library, 111 Moulton Ave. North Clarendon on Saturday, Dec. 17,…

By Karen D. Lorentz For anyone looking for a good winter book, Chris Diamond’s 44-year memoir, “Ski inc.” is highly recommended reading. For anyone looking at the Killington Village conundrum or wondering about the new Killington Valley promotion it is also a must read. Subtitled “My journey through four decades in the ski-resort business, from…

By Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus, UVM Shrubs with red berries come in handy this time of year for use in holiday decorations and arrangements, for feeding wildlife, and for brightening landscapes. Although the well-known American and Chinese hollies can’t be grown in many cold northern climates, other fine red-berried shrubs are suitable and…

Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.—LUDLOW—In keeping with tradition, FOLA (Friends of Ludlow Auditorium) put up the annual Christmas tree on the stage of Ludlow Town Hall’s Auditorium recently. The tree was decorated by FOLA members and friends. It will be featured on the stage of the auditorium throughout the Christmas season which will be highlighted…

There are nearly 150 children in DCF foster care this holiday season, between Rutland, Middlebury, and Bennington. Many are without basic necessities moving into their foster homes. Head Over Heels Gymnastics and Tatum’s Totes, along with Liz Grimes, are organizing a last minute toy and gift drive to help children have a little happier Christmas…