Five Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 31

1. New Year's Open House. Mayor Setti Warren will host the annual New Year's Open House at Newton City Hall today. The celebration will run from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. and includes music, dancing, a puppet show, storytelling and more. The event is free, but those who attend are encouraged to bring a donation for the Newton Food Pantry or an item for a soldier care package. 

2. Care package collections. During today's New Year's Open House at City Hall, folks will be putting together care packages for the troops in room 202. If you can, stop by and bring an item to donate to the care package. A list of suggested items can be found here. In addition, materials and ideas will be provided for kids to draw pictures and/or write letters to be enclosed in each package.

3. Library closing early. The Newton Free Library will be closing early today at 4 p.m. for New Year's Eve.

4. Make those last-minute charitable donations! If you want to write-off those donations on your 2012 taxes, you'll want to donate before the end of the day today. 

5. Looking for somewhere to celebrate tonight? Check out this list of happenings here in Newton and browse through the schedule for the First Night Boston events while you're at it.