Good morning, Charlottesville.

Block by Block, a new ambassador program (set to launch next year) on the Downtown Mall aims to improve visitor experiences and boost community engagement as city officials say it is part of ongoing downtown enhancements.

On Sunday, Dec. 21, local groups hosted the ninth annual toy drive at the Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club, where families experienced a shopping-style event while children played basketball and Santa greeted them — a growing community effort ahead of Christmas.

A local pastry chef competes in Food Network's Holiday Baking Championship finals today.

The contest is ongoing as he showcases his skills and brings festive treats to local kitchens.

Justine Puri, a seventh grader at Charlottesville Middle Schools, qualified for the Scripps National Spelling Bee regional after winning both the schoolwide and division contests; the competition will be held in Richmond on March 4.

The University of Virginia has named longtime Darden School of Business dean Scott C.

Beardsley as its next president and will start the leadership transition soon.

City officials announced a $1.2M pilot program on the Downtown Mall to treat homelessness symptoms while supporting individuals rather than displacing them.

The program is designed to provide needed services in the community.

UVA Health volunteers filled stockings for patients in Charlottesville to bring extra holiday cheer (supporting those whose Christmas may look different) as the season nears.

Dozens of Registered Medication Aide graduates celebrated a milestone today in Charlottesville as they took steps toward higher wages and improved healthcare for the Black community.

A local nonprofit helped advance this effort as part of its ongoing program.

Developers of the mixed-use project at 501 Cherry Avenue have paused progress after requesting an extra $700,000 from Charlottesville on top of a $1 million grant, with plans to build a grocery store and 71 affordable residential units when approved.

Thijs DeRidder set a new college career high with 27 points and eight rebounds as No. 23 Virginia defeated American 95-51 for its sixth straight win.

The Cavaliers have scored at least 80 in each of their 11 victories this season.

UVA football will face Missouri in the Gator Bowl on Saturday, Dec.

27 in Jacksonville. The game offers a homecoming for safety Antonio Clary as he plays his final game and could give the team its first 11-win season.

Brie Joe, a 19-year-old sophomore coxswain, led the Virginia women's rowing team to win at the Head of the Charles by using real-time telemetry data — she is now preparing for the NCAA Championships in May.

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.