5 Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 26

Welcome to 5 Things, your daily guide to the happenings in Danvers. Here are five things you need to know today, December 26.

1. Businesses and restaurants may be back into the swing of things, but these spots will be closed to observe the holiday today: , , , and the.

2. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. As a conclusion to our 2011 Holiday Guide, take a look back at our , and .

3. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers went out to Peabody, the family of Firefighter James Rice, and the Peabody Fire Department this Christmas. Our thoughts are also with the Danvers Fire Department, who responded as mutual aid to the devastating fire on Friday. To learn more about the two funds that were set up for the fire victims, .

4. There's no doubt about it: between gift cards, returns, and Christmas cash, the parking lots at the malls will be filled today. Find out what areas in town to avoid on our real-time traffic map.

5. Do you know of an event happening for New Year's Eve in town? We're trying to complete our calendar and need your help. Add your event listing here.