Good morning, Midland.

Merry Lights Parade begins at 6:30 from Windlands Park and heads to Midland High School with bright floats, music, and growing registration (98 entries this year).

Hot Chocolate Night runs tonight in Centennial Park from 6 to 8 p.m. as officials emphasize safety.

Midland County Clerk Alison Haley is digitizing 30,000 historical records to preserve them and make them searchable online.

The ongoing project — supported by a Dallas preservation firm — uses chemical stabilization and climate-controlled storage to keep the documents accessible for future generations.

Jimenez, a Midland woman, channels her grief into strength by training in taekwondo — she may be the oldest in her class but aims to follow her son’s footsteps.

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.

Al Haney Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Pi Social — Enjoy evening dining with smooth sax tunes.

New Year's Eve Dining at Venezia

5-11:59 p.m. — Venezia Restaurant — Special pre-set menu available — Celebrate the new year with exceptional dining and festive cocktails.