Good morning, Springfield.

Baystate is hosting a toy and food drive to support local families (donations are accepted at designated Springfield centers) as a way to brighten the season; the drive runs through the weekend.

On Friday, Dec. 12, Western Mass News wrapped up the Toys for Tots donation drive at MGM Springfield, where local residents dropped off gifts to support children this Christmas — marking the year's final event.

A Southwick business settled a PPP loan case by paying $2 million after it admitted in January 2021 to misusing a $1.3 million pandemic relief loan by underreporting its employee numbers (reportedly listing 67 instead of over 300).

West Springfield’s Majestic Theater is among 28 venues set to share $7 million through Massachusetts’ new Live Theater Tax Credit Program, which will boost live performance + attract more visitors to local stages.

Major shipping carriers have announced deadlines for Christmas deliveries.

FedEx requires packages by Monday, Dec. 15 + USPS and UPS require them by Dec. 17 to ensure orders arrive on time, so residents should send shipments early.

The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded $1.8 million in GROW grants to eight organizations (including Springfield’s MassHire Hampden County, which received $83,916 to register a new apprenticeship and enroll 15 apprentices) to build a talent pipeline for early childhood education.

Western Mass. towns now face decisions on whether to permit cannabis cafes after the Cannabis Control Commission approved new social consumption regulations that let businesses apply for licenses and one-day permits for festivals and outdoor events.

Springfield police say they will monitor on-site consumption in a similar manner as bars.

25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees

10 AM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Support local youth programs while enjoying a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees.

New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase

8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.

Harlem Globetrotters

7-8:30 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Tickets from $46 — Experience the unforgettable antics and incredible basketball skills of the Harlem Globetrotters.

ROAR! New Year's Eve Showcase

6-9 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticket required — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians as you countdown to 2026.