Good morning, Hartford.

On Dec. 23, Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks saw thousands of holiday travelers preparing for Christmas Eve amid a nationwide rush.

Despite a drop in Red Kettle donations, The Salvation Army will deliver 950 meals to seniors across Hartford and nearby towns on Christmas Day; volunteers will start gathering at 9 a.m. Thursday at the North End Senior Center — 80 Coventry St — in Hartford.

People are flocking to Westfarms Mall in West Hartford today for last-minute holiday shopping, showing strong local interest in festive deals.

Connecticut shoppers are preparing for festive holiday meals as local businesses gear up ahead of Christmas.

Westside Market in Rocky Hill is busy with meat purchases while Close Harbor Seafood in Southington and Patty Cakes Bakery in Rocky Hill offer seafood and treats.

Artist Mia Ericksson, who left a modeling career to explore mixed-media art, creates vibrant abstract paintings with organic materials inspired by her Swedish childhood.

Her work is featured in local shows at Alofft Gallery in Litchfield and at studios like Macaire + Kristoph, with more exhibitions planned.

Fifteen state attorneys general sent a letter on Monday to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin opposing changes to PFAS reporting requirements mandated in 2019 under the Toxic Substances Control Act — changes that could hide key chemical data as manufacturers prepare for a one-time report in April.

Today, seniors at Shepherd Park Elderly Housing enjoyed a holiday lunch where they received a $50 gift card to Waverly Markets funded by a Hartford Foundation grant; the gift lets them choose needed foods (amid SNAP cuts and rising grocery costs) that meet their cultural preferences.

Flu cases in Connecticut were 600% higher in early December than last year, with over 1,800 cases reported compared to about 250 then.

Health officials advise simple precautions like opening windows in crowded indoor areas and getting the flu shot (widely available through most health plans).

The Return of Max B

9 PM – 12 AM — 321 Sports and Bar — Ticket information available — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Max B in Hartford.

Mass Movement Wrestling: New England Debut

3:30-5:30 p.m. — The Lincoln Room — Free entry — Experience thrilling wrestling matches featuring top talent from the region.

Magic of Lights

11:59 PM - 1:29 AM — Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field — Ticket price varies — Experience the enchanting display of lights to ring in the New Year.

Nike New England Winterfest Volleyball

Competitive Matches — Jan 10 - 26 — Connecticut Convention Center — Entry Fee Required — Experience the thrill of youth and adult volleyball in an exciting tournament atmosphere.

Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto

7:00-8:30 p.m. — PeoplesBank Arena — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of Arendelle and Casita with thrilling performances and beloved songs.

The Cottage

7:30-9 p.m. — Hartford Stage — $ — A fast-paced farce where love, betrayal, and telegrams collide in a quaint English countryside home.

The Cottage

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Unforgettable performance awaits in this captivating theatrical event.

The Cottage at Hartford Stage

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hartford Stage — Tickets starting at $207 — Experience a captivating performance with The Cottage in downtown Hartford.

Ghosts of Jupiter with John Ferrara

8-11:30 p.m. — Arch Street Tavern — Ticket details not listed — Experience psychedelic rock with Ghosts of Jupiter and innovative bass compositions by John Ferrara.