Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 26

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny day, with a high near 36. Northwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon. On Wednesday night, there will be rain and snow, mainly after midnight. Low around 31.

2. First Night 2013 buttons on sale: Adult and children's buttons for Pro Portsmouth's annual First Night 2013 New Year's Eve celebration on Monday, Dec. 31 are on sale at several locations throughout the city. 

3. Trash and Christmas trees pick up: The city Public Works Department will do curbside collection of solid waste and recycling that normally would have taken place on Tuesday on Wednesday along with the regular Wednesday pickup. From Jan. 2 through Jan. 11, the City will collect Christmas trees from the curbside on trash and recycling days. Residents also may bring Christmas trees to the Recycling Center for disposal.   

4. Open court at Connie Bean: City recreation department officials say the new Connie Bean Recreation Center will offer open court from Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 during Christmas school vacation. Prior to stopping by, first call 427-1547 to find out the times that the gym is open on the days you want to play.

5. Free holiday parking: The city continues to offer free downtown parking from now until Jan. 2 for the holiday season, which means city residents and visitors who want to do some shopping, go out to eat or take in a show can park at metered spaces for their allotted time period. Drivers will be fined if they leave their vehicles in metered spaces longer than the allowed time period.