Happy Friday, Worcester. In today’s edition: Proton therapy approval, The Nutcracker, brunch with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Traffic impacts and timeline: Demolition is underway on Worcester’s Harrison Street Bridge over I-290, with overnight work through Dec. 22, beam removals after Jan. 1, and phase one slated to finish by January’s end — see the demolition schedule.

Housing plan stirs debate: A 44-unit apartment proposal at 172 Shrewsbury Street in Worcester faces neighborhood pushback over parking and traffic, mixed responses from the zoning board, and a hearing continued to Jan. 12 — get all the details.

Precision radiation gains ground: The state Public Health Council approved UMass Memorial Health’s $54 million proton therapy facility in Marlborough to expand access in Central Massachusetts. Existing New England units are limited and overwhelmed — see what’s planned in Marlborough.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Experience Christmas classics by candlelight
• See the all-new A Christmas Carol
• Celebrate with candlelight tours at Salisbury Mansion
• Enjoy Santa’s Most Wanted drag brunch
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Nativity story in concert: Music Worcester’s THE COMPLETE BACH returns January 24 at Mechanics Hall, with The Worcester Chorus and The Winchendon Players performing three cantatas from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio plus the beloved solo cantata Ich habe genug, spotlighting bass-baritone Kevin Deas. Chris Shepard conducts, with soloists including Louise Fauteaux, Megan Roth, and Charles Blandy. Get all the details.

Botanic brilliance lights up nights: USA Today readers recently named Night Lights at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston the best botanical garden holiday lights in America. Expect half a million twinkles, a 100-foot Rainbow Tunnel, and festive extras. The show runs through Jan. 4, 2026, with tickets still available. Get details and ticket info.

Level up your hair: When your bangs start a side quest, The Nerdy Salon is Worcester’s low-stress, judgment-free haven for scissor or clipper cuts, color, highlights, perms, and dematting, all from stylists who understand neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ clients. Recharge your look, no boss battle required.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🎨 Family Paint Party @ Nu Kitchen 21+ Events | Friday (12/12) at 6:00pm – Grab the fam and get ready to sling some color at this all-ages Paint Nite. You’ll follow along with instructor Avni Chheda, who keeps things fun, friendly, and totally approachable — no art degree required. Drinks, bites, and paintbrushes all blend together for a night that’s equal parts creative and cozy. Perfect for making memories… and maybe a masterpiece.

🏺 Winter Themed Ceramic Paint Night @ Authentic Ambiance | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Cold evenings call for paint, ceramics, and conversation, so come make winter-themed mugs, ornaments, or whatever your inner second-grade art star dreams up. Cozy ambiance, a no-pressure evening with plenty of laughs, and a handmade piece you’ll be excited to take home.

This weekend

🧸 New England Toy And Record Show @ Rascals | Saturday (12/13) at 12:00pm – New England Toy and Record Show is rolling in with crates of vinyl, vintage toys, comics, and collectibles you swore you didn’t need. Expect nostalgia and appearances from Love on the Spectrum’s James B. Jones and Shelley Wolfe, then head home smug about your finds.

🎭 A Christmas Carol @ Stadium Theatre Performing Arts Centre & Conservatory | Saturday (12/13) at 2:00pm – Rhode Island’s award-winning take on Dickens’ classic is back, and it’s bringing all the ghosts, grandeur, and goosebumps you could want. Expect lush sets, lavish costumes, and enough theatrical magic to make even Scrooge crack a smile. This fresh adaptation leans into spectacle and heart, delivering the kind of holiday cheer that sticks with you long after the final “God bless us, every one.” Bring the family — but maybe not the toddlers.

🎨 Art From the Heart | Paint and Mocktails| Saturday (12/13) at 5:00pm – Trade doomscrolling for brushes and mocktails at a chill paint night where you make a pocket-sized canvas. You will weave a tale from ancient India into art, culture, and mental health, then head home with something meaningful, compact, and hangover-free. Consider it therapy, but prettier.

🎅 Pictures with Santa @ WCUW 91.3 | Sunday (12/14) at 9:00am – Holiday card panic setting in? Swing by WCUW 91.3’s studio for free photos with the big guy, grab light refreshments from European Bakery and Bri’s Sweet Treats, and let WhatsupWorcester wrangle the cheer. Street parking, or the Clark U lot across the way.

🎅 Brunch with Mr. & Mrs. Claus @ Stonehouse on the Hill | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Whether you’re escorting grandkids or just here for the mimosas, this elegant brunch brings the full North Pole VIP list, Mr. and Mrs. Claus included. Think carving stations, holiday sweets, and zero mall lines, just cozy cheer, good plates, and better company.

🎭 Dance Prism Ballet’s The Nutcracker @ Mechanics Hall | Sunday (12/14) at 1:00pm – Feel like reliving the holidays the classy way? Dance Prism brings The Nutcracker to Mechanics Hall, all the snow, sword fights, and Tchaikovsky you secretly love, plus meet-the-cast photos for the grandkids. Forty-three seasons strong, two shows only, and blissfully affordable.

Next week

🍪 Cookie Decorating @ Worcester Public Library – Tatnuck Magnet Branch | Monday (12/15) at 3:30pm – Sugar, sprinkles, and a whole lot of frosting-fueled creativity — what more could you ask for on a Monday afternoon? Whether you’re a cookie Picasso or more of a “blob of icing counts as art” type, this drop-in decorating hour keeps things sweet and simple. Perfect for kids, families, and anyone who just wants an excuse to eat their artwork.

📝 Whimsical Workshop: Winter Stationery @ Great Brook Valley Branch Library | Tuesday (12/16) at 3:30pm – Break out of errand mode with a hands-on winter stationery workshop. Personalize seasonal cards with snowflake silhouettes, and finally send notes that look intentional, not last-minute. Low stress, high charm, and a respectable excuse to avoid your inbox.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/12 Glassjaw and more @ The Palladium – 6:30 pm
• 12/12 Funtra Fridays: Comedy Open Mic @ Tee Up Taproom – 9 pm
• 2/13 Chuck & Mud and more @ WCUW 91.3 – 7 pm
• 12/13 Four Year Strong @ The Palladium – 8:30 pm
• 12/17 Candlelight: Christmas Classics @ Mechanics Hall – 6 pm
• 12/19 Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold @ The Hanover Theatre – 7 pm
• 12/21 Santa’s Most Wanted Drag Brunch @ Femme Bar – 11 am