Courtesy of William Jenney President Calvin Coolidge lights the first National Tree in Washington, D.C., 1923. Anne Collins, Vermont culinary author, among the special guests Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.—PLYMOUTH NOTCH—Celebrate the traditions of the season at Plymouth Notch — one of Vermont’s most picturesque villages — on Saturday, Dec. 5 when the President…

By Michael O’Brien Photography, courtesy of Paramount Theatre Auctioneer Bob Prozzo points to a bidder during the largest fundraiser for the Paramount Theatre. Saturday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre will host its 13th annual Festival of Trees, the theatre’s annual benefit auction, on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the historic theatre. Doors open at 5:30…

Courtesy of CMAC Shop Compass for holiday gifts such as one-of-a-kind polymer clay jewelry by Christine Damm. Saturday, Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. — BRANDON —With December and the holiday season comes many warm and comforting delights. Among them, tea, hot cocoa, sweets and shopping! Come to the Compass Center’s “Delights of December” holiday reception on…

Courtesy of Chandler Center for the Arts Simone Dinnerstein Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m.—RANDOLPH—On Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m., acclaimed pianist Simone Dinnerstein makes her eighth appearance on the stage in a solo recital at Chandler Music Hall in Randolph. On the program are Schumann’s “Scenes from Childhood,” Bach’s “French Suite #5,” “Four…

Courtesy of Phoenix Books A youngster smiles at the chance to meet the Grinch. Sunday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m.—RUTLAND—Children and kids-at-heart will get to meet Dr. Seuss’s meanest and greenest creation when the Grinch himself visits Phoenix Books Rutland on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. All ages are welcome to bring a camera and…

Courtesy of Pentangle Arts Judy Collins Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Judy Collins, 60s folk legend, will be bringing her holiday show to the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre on Monday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Collins will be singing and performing many holiday favorites along with her many hits sure to take guests down Memory…

Courtesy of NWPL ROGER PAYNE AND LISA HARROW Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.—On Tuesday, Dec. 8, the Norman Williams Public Library will hold a program entitled “SeaChange: Reversing the Tide” with Roger Payne and Lisa Harrow. Should everything dance to humanity’s tune, or does such a self-important view lead to the destruction on earth?…

Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.—CHITTENDEN— The First Friday Open Mic series continues on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Church of the Wildwood, 347 Holden Road in Chittenden. Musicians, poets and storytellers of all ages are invited to perform. The acoustics are great but a sound system is provided for those who…

RUTLAND—Phoenix Books and Chris Bohjalian are teaming up to raise some holiday cheer for Spectrum Youth and Family Services. For every copy of Bohjalian’s upcoming novel “The Guest Room” that customers preorder now through Dec. 24, $5 will be donated to Spectrum. The first 300 books preordered will also be signed and personalized by Bohjalian in…

Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m.—WEST PAWLET—A busy day is planned for Saturday, Dec. 5 in West Pawlet. The annual Christmas festival, craft fair and flea market will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department’s fire station. The day includes a large bake sale, lunch, raffles and the…

Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. — WOODSTOCK — The 6th Annual Woodstock Vermont Film Series at the Billings Farm & Museum will feature the award-winning documentary “Best of Enemies” on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. “Best of Enemies” is a documentary about the legendary series of nationally televised debates…

Saturday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.—WOODSTOCK—Woodstock’s community chorus Freelance Family Singers will present a holiday concert at the First Congregational Church, 36 Elm Street, Woodstock at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 and again at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6. Directed by Ellen Satterthwaite, the chorus will offer seasonal sacred and secular pieces in…

Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9 a.m.—PITTSFORD—Start, continue, or finish Christmas shopping at the annual St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Christmas Fair on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fair features a white elephant table, baked goods, antiques, silent auction, teacup raffle, traditional raffle, Christmas decorations, handmade items, and jewelry. Lunch will be available.…

Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m.—BRANDON—The Friends of the Brandon Free Public Library’s annual holiday auction will take place on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Over 50 local patrons, artists and Brandon businesses have donated wreaths and other seasonal decorations, dinners for two, birdhouses, gift certificates and more. Preview the week before…

Sunday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m.—RUTLAND—The Paramount Theatre in Rutland is one of four Vermont theaters invited to screen, at the pleasure of The Masterpiece Trust, the first hour of the season premiere of the 6th and final season of the beloved Series, “Downton Abbey” broadcast by Masterpiece Classics. The screening is set for Sunday, Dec.…