Good morning, Midland.

The Midland Soup Kitchen received a custom three-tier Grinch cake from Love at First Bite Bakery to honor its dedicated volunteers amid rising grocery prices and a government shutdown — it now seeks more volunteers and donations to restock its pantry for 2026.

Small businesses in Midland are gaining from the holiday season as last-minute shoppers boost sales.

Taylor Kubala’s Shimmy Shack and Martin Vega’s Midland Athletic Company report increased orders (up to 50 on busy days and a 20 percent rise) that help offset earlier low sales.

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.

SLB Permian Digital Tech Day

9:00 a.m. — Bush Convention Center — Registration required — Explore digital solutions transforming unconventional operations in the Permian Basin.