Good morning, Midland.

The Midland County Sheriff’s Office will host a Christmas at the Horseshoe toy drive on Dec.

20, with donation barrels at local spots including VFW Post 4149, Texas Roadhouse, Dollar General, and Community National Bank — Texas Roadhouse offers a free appetizer for a new toy donation.

Employers & workforce partners gather today at Midland County Horseshoe Pavilion for the last 2025 hiring event, running from 9:00 a.m. to noon as job seekers meet hiring managers directly.

The Scharbauer Foundation awarded two grants to UT Permian Basin and Texas Tech University to support Midland ISD's Grow Your Own educator programs.

The funding will finance certification, mentoring, and classroom training for current staff and future teachers — reinforcing the district's commitment to local talent growth.

Pizza Thursdays at Venezia

5-9 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Menu prices vary — Celebrate the start of the weekend with delicious pizzas, drinks, and outdoor dining options.

Afternoon Tinsel & Tea

2-4 p.m. — Museum of the Southwest — Tickets required — Enjoy a festive tea time in the beautifully decorated Historic Turner Mansion.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl in Midland

4:30-9 p.m. — Leesco’s — Discount available — Unleash your festive spirit with a fun-filled night of drinks in your ugliest holiday sweater.

Pizza Thursdays at Venezia

5-9 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Menu prices vary — Enjoy a delightful evening of pizza and drinks in a cozy dining atmosphere with delivery options to nearby venues.

The Nutcracker

2-4 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience epic battles and sweet lands in a family-friendly ballet tradition.

Midland Festival Ballet's The Nutcracker

1-3:30 p.m. — Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience epic battles and enchanting fairies at this beloved holiday ballet tradition.

The Fafa Collective — Midland AF

5-9 p.m. — Silver's Framery & The FaFa Gallery — Free entry — Bring something to work on and enjoy an artful evening with the community.

Christmas Eve Dining

5-9 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Dinner reservation required — Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with an elegant dining experience and a festive ambiance.

Eccentric Comedy — MIDLAND AF

8-10 p.m. — Cotton Flat Records — Support local talent — Enjoy a night of laughs with local comedians and an open mic opportunity.

The Fafa Collective — MIDLAND AF

5-9 p.m. — Silver's Framery & The FaFa Gallery — Free to play — Bring a project to work on at this community art event.