2025 Year in Review — 12/25/2025

frontpage of Hippo showing chocolate covered doughnuts with sprinkles shaped as numbers 2025

on the cover

Year in review In this week’s issue of the Hippo, we take a look back at the year that was and consider some events to look forward to in 2026. Michael Witthaus looks at the difficult year for the local art scene (page 10). John Fladd asks foodies about the best things they ate (page 14) and looks back at the Manchester restaurant scene. In books, we consider some of our reviewers’ favorites (page 19). Amy Diaz picks her favorite films of 2025 (page 20). And Michael looks at the local music scene (page 27).

Also on the cover Get your holiday-week-energy-having kids and visiting relatives out of your house by going (or sending them) to a museum (page 13). Find parties and special meals on New Year’s Eve in Michael Witthaus’ roundup on page 24. Or, if you would prefer to end the year with some laughs, see a rundown of comedy performances slated for Dec. 31 on page 26. And, in this oddball betweeny week, relax with some live music at area restaurants and bars; find upcoming gigs in the Music This Week listing that starts on page 28.

Read the e-edition

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