The Christmas season brings a rush of holiday activities and we’ve compiled the best of the season. Our “Holiday Cheer” guide covers the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and is jam-packed with events. We have holiday activities for families, major events, music, theatrical productions, fundraisers, Christmas dinners, holiday sales, and winter hikes. The “Holiday Cheer” guide covers the weekend before Thanksgiving and continues through early January. Be safe, enjoy the holidays and let us know what you think.
HOLIDAY DISPLAYS: INDOOR
Nativity Display. Villa Maria Community Center, 288 Villa Drive, Villa Maria, Pa. For more information, visit humilityofmary.org… or call 724-964-8920, ext. 3348. Villa Maria will present a holiday dinner as part of its annual Nativity Display, which features hundreds of nativity sets from around the world. Admission to the Nativity Display is free. A roast beef dinner (vegetarian option available) will occur from noon to 4 p.m. both Sundays. The Nativity Display is from noon to 5 p.m. The event also includes entertainment from local musicians and choirs and items for purchase from The Villa Farm and Villa Shoppe. Noon-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1, 8. Dinners are $5-15 and can be purchased in advance at The Villa Shoppe during regular shop hours or at the door.
Memories of Christmas Past. Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44502. 330-743-2589. This season’s overall theme will be “By the Fireside.” The seven-room display features a blend of new and vintage objects. From European to Asian influences, 19th century to Mid-Century Modern, each room is designed to showcase the many ways Christmas is celebrated. Anthony Worrellia, the “Memories of Christmas Past” designer since 2008 and avid vintage Christmas collector, plans the exhibit and searches for artifacts throughout the year. Noon-4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. (The exhibit also will be open from 4-7 p.m. for “Twilight Thursdays” and noon-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23.) Nov. 23-Jan. 5.
Kraynak’s Santa’s Christmasland. Kraynak’s, 2525 E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. 16148. 724-437-4511. Featuring over 75 decorated Christmas trees and animated figures. Held through Dec. 31. Free. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays.
Celebration of Christmas. Hermitage Historical Society Stewart House, 5465 East State St., Hermitage, Pa. 16148. 724-877-7996. Features over 30 decorated trees throughout the house. Donations welcome. Free. 5-8 p.m. Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1, 6-8, and 13-15.
Winter Celebration: The Magical Woods. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. See the land of gnomes, fairy families and other mythical creatures throughout the Davis Center lobby. Activities also include a holiday tree walk, scavenger hunt, and peek at the season’s flowers. Sponsored by WKBN. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1-Dec. 29.
Peppermint Wonderland. Outta Theatre, 109 Blair St., Grove City, Pa. 16127. www.outtatheatre.com…. Occurs during The Olde Town Christmas Cookie Crawl. See the theater’s transformation into Peppermint Wonderland. Includes music provided by piano students, homemade Christmas décor and candles available for purchase and more. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
A Journey to Bethlehem: Live Nativity. Disciples Christian Church, 565 Boardman-Canfield Road (U.S. Route 224 across from the Giant Eagle). Boardman 44512. For more information, call the church office at 330-758-8189 or email
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…. This walk-through drama recreates the sights and sounds of the Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth. Includes scriptural accounts, live animals, crafts, cookies and cocoa. Includes an indoor stable backdrop where children can dress up as Mary and Joseph or be in the stable. 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 8.
Festival of Trees. The McKinley Memorial Museum, 40 N. Main St, Niles 44446. View a variety of trees decorated by the local community and vote on your favorite. Those interested in participating can visit mckinleybirthplacemuseum.org…. Voting ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Winners will be announced the week of Dec. 15. Trees are available for a viewing during museum hours until Jan. 10, including Saturday, Dec. 14. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 10-Jan. 10.
Christmas Music at the Gardens. Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. View the Fellows Christmas Tree display and listen to the sounds of holiday classics. 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.
HOLIDAY DISPLAYS: OUTDOOR
Joy of Christmas Holiday Light Display. Ice Castle in Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park, 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana. 330-482-2282. www.tourcolumbianaohio.com…. Includes a light display with stops at the Gingerbread House, crafts, face-painting, a collection of 100 decorated gingerbread houses, coloring contest, live music, Mrs. Santa’s Story Time and more. Also includes a Christmas Parade (Nov. 22). $10-2. 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 5-8, and Thursday-Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26.
Youngstown Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. Central Square, 100 Federal Plaza East, Downtown Youngstown 44503. 330-742-4040. www.youngstowncityscape.com…. Presented by the City of Youngstown and Youngstown CityScape. 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
Winter Nights. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. Experience the outdoor light display and Unicorn games and crafts. $1 (craft fee). 5-7 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28.
Canfield Lighting of the Green. Canfield Library, 43 W. Main St. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvist.org…. Includes children’s activities in the meeting room. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.
Lighting of the Village. Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org…. Includes Christmas songs (until 6 p.m.), crafts (starting at 6 p.m.) and stories for the whole family. 5:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14.
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