Good morning, Charlottesville.

The Stuff the Truck drive is collecting toys from local residents plus supporting families in need this holiday season as part of the ongoing Marine Corps Toys for Tots effort in Charlottesville.

More details on drop-off locations will be provided soon.

Albemarle County Fire Rescue launched the season’s first Santa Run today, with Santa riding a fire engine through Hollymead where families waved and enjoyed holiday fun.

More routes are scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14, and updates will be posted if weather changes.

Lighting of the Lawn celebrated its 25th anniversary at UVA with shows, food, and sparkling lights under the theme 'Remix — A Quarter Century of Light.' Community members enjoyed the festive atmosphere as the event brought campus together.

School Board Chair Kate Acuff said more population data is needed before a new high school is built after supervisors requested a third-party study to forecast local growth and justify an expense ($230-million) amid concerns over capacity following delays in building a new center.

The University of Virginia dropped 20 spots in FIRE's 2026 College Free Speech Rankings, with its score falling about three points from last year.

It continues to boost campus dialogue through initiatives like Free Speech Fridays and a Think Again program that promote respectful discussion.

Hundreds of students and community members gathered at the Rotunda at 7:30 a.m. Thursday for a 2.1-mile Run with Jim, an end-of-semester celebration that honored former president Jim Ryan's legacy of connecting with students & building community spirit; organizers say another run is planned for spring.

An annual Geminids meteor shower will peak on Saturday night, Dec.

13, lighting up dark skies across Charlottesville and nearby areas; viewing is best in the early hours before sunrise. The shower comes from debris left behind by an asteroid — a rare phenomenon.

At Advanced Pain Management of Virginia, Dr. Scott Wagner explains that EBOO Therapy (extracorporeal blood oxygenation and ozonation) gives patients more energy and relief from long-term disease symptoms.

Research suggests it may also help treat chronic infections and autoimmune disorders.

Cardinal Home Center expert Steve Smith advises homeowners to check windows, doors, and attic insulation (the best return on investment) to spot energy leaks and lower bills as seasons change.

Jacari White scored 25 points, including 22 in the second half, to help UVA beat Dayton 86-73 Saturday in Charlotte (Spectrum Center).

The Cavaliers will host Maryland Eastern Shore Tuesday.

The University of Virginia Cavaliers lost to Duke 27 to 20 in the ACC Championship after a 10 points comeback in the fourth quarter sent the game to overtime (a result that left fans heartbroken).

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

7:30-9:00 p.m. — John Paul Jones Arena — Family-friendly event — Experience a dazzling holiday spectacular filled with breathtaking performances.

Ramona & The Holy Smokes with Hannah Juanita

7-9 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy a lively Honky Tonk Night with great music from local talents.

Shakey Graves Solo Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Jefferson Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique musical journey of Shakey Graves up close and personal.

Rebirth Brass Band Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Southern Café and Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band, a New Orleans institution.

Tuesday Rumba Night with Vincent Zorn

7-11 p.m. — The Bebedero — Check website for cost — Experience wild Gypsy Rumba guitars fused with Latin and Cuban influences in an evening of dynamic performances.

New Year's Eve Dining Experience

New Year's Eve 2025 — 4:00 p.m. onwards — Hamiltons' at First & Main — $95 per person — Enjoy a luxurious four-course dinner crafted by Chef Hunter Harding with a toast to ring in 2026.