Good morning, Lynchburg.

On Monday, Santa traded his sleigh for a Greater Lynchburg Transit bus and with the Grinch delivered toys to Dearington, Birchwood, and James Crossing in a One Community & One Voice event.

Lynchburg’s Pierce Street Gateway nonprofit has hosted farmers markets and community events behind the Calloway Store — finishing its pavilion in November — and welcomed 1,275 visitors as it awaits final construction bids to open the museum in June.

A ceremony of life was held on Dec.

22 in Lynchburg to honor Cam Thepsimuong (a well-respected local figure) as family and friends gathered to celebrate his legacy.

A family (two adults and two children) was displaced after a fire destroyed their home off Brookneal Highway in Rustburg on Monday, Dec.

22, and investigators are still determining the cause.

Bedford County Fire Marshal Leo George advises residents to water live Christmas trees daily and avoid plugging more than three strands of lights directly into wall outlets (extension cords can be a common fire hazard) to keep homes safe during the holidays.

Vaughan Garage, a food, drink and music venue, will open this winter downtown under the leadership of Hart Green and local partners; the venue is set to offer a new space for local entertainment.

Local musician Richard Kiser is scheduled to perform in Lynchburg soon — details on the venue and start time will be provided.

Gas prices in Virginia fell to $2.70 per gallon during Christmas Week, the lowest since 2020, as rising oil output and high refinery production kept costs low, GasBuddy said.

Randolph College was named the nation’s 14th most green college by The Princeton Review for its community-driven sustainability efforts.

Photos of campus projects show its dedication to environmental care.

On Feb. 1, former Major League outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will speak at the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame at Salem Civic Center as he joins inductees Drew Bailey, Allen Lawrence, Wes McMillan, and Donald Minnick in celebrating local baseball history (details confirmed).

New Year’s at Noon

10 AM – 1 PM — Amazement Square — Admission required — Glow into 2026 with dancing, crafts, and a balloon drop under dazzling lights.

BrickUniverse: The Immersive Brick Experience 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — River Ridge — Starting at $18 — Experience breathtaking LEGO creations and interactive building zones at this family-friendly event.

Tusk: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Academy Center of the Arts — Ticket info not provided — Experience note-perfect renditions of Fleetwood Mac classics from a seasoned tribute band.