For the 15th consecutive year, Waterbury stopped in its tracks for a glowing, waving, stomping procession through the downtown known as the River of Light lantern parade.

Each winter, birdwatchers across the Americas don their binoculars to scour their hometowns,  documenting and enjoying resident winter birds. This annual tradition, over a century old, has become a powerful tool for understanding the rise and fall of bird populations over time.

An easy fern to identify grows in fountain-like clumps and has glossy, dark green leaflets, or pinnae. This is Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), named for its evergreen habit and the shape of its leaflets.

After five years of planning, the new Waterbury skatepark for Hope Davey Park is nearing the final phase of its $250,000 fundraising campaign. 

In the weeks ahead of Christmas, multiple events and projects unfold in Waterbury to spread the holiday spirit. Many are kid-focused or kid-friendly. Santa Claus and Christmas trees are popular themes. Check out the list here.

Waterbury Public Library’s regular ongoing programs continue through December with one special event scheduled to mark the Winter Solstice on Dec. 20. 

Planning for Winterfest 2025 is in the home stretch and events officially kick off with a silent auction at Bridgeside Books this Saturday, Dec. 7, at Bridgeside Books.

The December calendar is filling up with scores of performances and events popping up. 

Waterbury Roundabout will have several Community posts this month with listings for upcoming events. This one will focus on performances. Another will cover all things Santa (and reindeer) and Christmas trees. 

The holiday “tree” behind Brookside Primary School was lit on Sunday to brighten the short days of the winter season in our town. 

Two local community theater groups have put out the call for auditions to cast two unique stage productions scheduled for February. 

A self-described lover of old things, Randolph resident Stacey Askew has found a new calling surrounded by Waterbury’s historical treasures. 

Revitalizing Waterbury and Ivy Computer are teaming up for the fourth year to bestow surprise gifts upon various community members nominated to acknowledge their Acts of Kindness performed over the past year. 

A Thanksgiving tradition continues this year and marks a milestone as volunteers prepare for the 20th annual Thanksgiving dinner for area seniors. The free holiday meal will be served starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day at the Waterbury Area Senior Center.

November 15 marks the start of its own season in many communities across Vermont including Waterbury - the Winter Overnight Parking Ban season. But, given the mild weather to date and the current extended forecast without any snow, enforcement of the ban is off to a deliberate slow start. 

At 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, the annual ceremony to observe Veterans Day unfolded at Rusty Parker Memorial Park in downtown Waterbury. And on Saturday, local scouts marched in a Veterans Day parade in Brandon.