Five Things You Need to Know Today, Dec. 31

1. Today's weather: The National Weather Service is calling for a mostly sunny, day with a high near 31. West wind 6 to 9 mph. On Monday night, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 8 mph.

2. Christmas tree disposal: 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. 

3.  First Night 2013: Pro Portsmouth's New Year's Eve celebration, First Night 2013, will be held on Monday night to ring in the New Year. Patrons who purchase their First Night 2013 buttons will have access to everything from magicians and live music to ice sculptures and fireworks at 7:30 p.m. over South Mill Pond.

4. New Year's hike: The NH State Parks is putting on a First Day Hike at the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site on Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 10:45 a.m. People are welcome to come and hike on their own at any time during the day. There will also be information about NH State Parks and the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion Historic Site. Day use fees will be waived for this day. No dogs are allowed on the trails for this hike. 

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.