Good morning, Buffalo.

Buffalo City Ballet will perform its 40th season community production of The Nutcracker on Dec.

20 and 21 at the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts. Dancers from the ballet school, the academy (including PS #61) and guest performers (Misa Mochizuki and Leonel Linares) are rehearsing hard for a diverse holiday tradition.

On Thursday, Buffalo officials on the state cannabis board discussed a plan for major tax relief after marijuana was reclassified to schedule three (allowing businesses to deduct expenses that may lower federal tax bills by 30 to 75 percent).

The change could also simplify how researchers study cannabis.

At the Buffalo Public Schools board meeting on Wednesday, concerned parents and teachers raised issues over potential closures while Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga (who said he heard the concerns) offered few details.

The district postponed further announcements until new board members are sworn in on Jan. 5.

Gov. Hochul announced she will support an amended bill legalizing medical aid in dying for terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, offering a compassionate end-of-life option.

Advocates noted that after a Rochester resident witnessed his partner's painful battle with cancer, the bill provides a necessary choice.

Orchard Park Town Board approved phase one of the Bills stadium redevelopment plan that changes zoning to limit nearby buildings to two-and-a-half stories, a measure requested by the Bills for safety+security reasons.

Some local business owners worry the move may slow future hotel and retail development.

Dr. Leslie Bisson, the Buffalo Bills' medical director and a UBMD professor, published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine on physical therapy options for meniscus tears with many Buffalo area patients and led CPR/AED training for over 30,000 locals.

Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign a law allowing terminally ill New Yorkers to choose medical aid in dying with full life insurance protections for families, according to Peg Sandeen of Death with Dignity+ the law includes strict safeguards and is set to take effect six months after signing.

Orchard Park banker Mike Urbanek (with no medical training) delivered baby Lucy Elizabeth at home with 911 dispatcher guidance when labor moved fast last month.

The family said both mom and baby are doing well and credit EMS help.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

8:30-9:30 p.m. — The Show at Shea’s Seneca — Ticketed event — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Diggie Mac's Birthmas Bash

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Mohawk Place — Tickets required — Celebrate the holiday season with an exciting lineup of local artists at this vibrant bash.

Dave Matthews Tribute Band Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Town Ballroom — ID required for entry — Experience an evening tribute to the iconic sounds of Dave Matthews Band.

Buffalo Bills vs. Philadelphia Eagles Tailgate

4:25-5:55 p.m. — Highmark Stadium — All-inclusive access — Experience the ultimate pre-game tailgate with food, drinks, and entertainment before the Bills take on the Eagles.

Lotus Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Town Ballroom — Ages 18+ — Experience a high-energy blend of electronic dance music and jamband improvisation from Lotus.

The Strictly Hip: Road Apples

8-11 p.m. — Babeville — $4 – $100 — Experience a night honoring the music of The Tragically Hip with the dedicated tribute band The Strictly Hip.

Buffalo NY Speed Dating for Ages 24-39

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fattey Beer Co. — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun, engaging environment.

Mozart's Mass

10:30 a.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — $9.00 — Experience the sublime blend of Mozart's Symphony No. 38 and the Great Mass in C minor with the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus.

Mozart's Mass and Symphony No. 38

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Kleinhans Music Hall — Ticketed — Experience the emotional journey of Mozart’s symphony alongside his magnificent ‘Great’ Mass in C minor.