Holiday Cheer: Community celebrations, music, family activities | The following feature includes events for children and families. See our comprehensive calendar of events in the December 2023 print edition.
HOLIDAY CHEER: CHILDREN’S & FAMILY EVENTS
Tea with Cindy Lou and The Grinch. Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tearoom, 114 S. Broad St., Canfield 44406. 330-533-4749. piccadillytearoom.com…. 9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.
Santa’s Winter Workshop. Boardman Park, 375 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman 44512. 330-726-8105. www.boardmanpark.com…. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.
Tea with Santa. Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tearoom, 114 S. Broad St., Canfield 44406. 330-533-4749. piccadillytearoom.com…. 10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Dec. 3.
Cookies with Santa @ the BLOCK. The Block by Nova Destinations, 23 Chestnut Ave., Sharon, Pa. 16146. events.nova.wine…. The event includes three cookies and a visit with Santa. This is a family-friendly event. 3-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. $3.
Bounce with Santa. Youngstown Event Center, 12 E. Dewey Ave., Youngstown 44507. 330-707-4636. youngstowneventcenter.com…. All ages are permitted to take pictures with Santa and have fun in the bounce houses. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9.
Breakfast With Santa. Penguin City Brewing Company, 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-755-0709. penguincity.beer.com…. Call or visit the website for more information. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17.
HOLIDAY CHEER: COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS
Youngstown Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. 20 W. Federal St., downtown Youngstown 44503. 330-398-9618 (Melanie Penella-Clarke, director, Downtown Events for the City of Youngstown); 330-742-4040 (Youngstown CityScape). This annual holiday event is presented by the City of Youngstown, Youngstown CityScape, the Downtown Youngstown Partnership, and Premier Bank. It will feature a holiday parade, a Christmas tree lighting, and the Flea on Phelps. Other activities include Santa’s Workshop, the Spruce Pop-Up Shop, and free pictures with Santa at 6 W. Federal St. on Central Square. OH WOW! also will be open for free. 4-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1.
Howland Tree Lighting Festival. Richard Orwig Park, 200 Shafer Drive N.E., Howland 44484. Occurs at the Howland Gazebo. The event will include food trucks, hot chocolate, music, family activities and the annual lighting of the tree. 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 1.
Community Christmas Celebration. Boardman Park, 375 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman 44512. 330-726-8105. www.boardmanpark.com…. 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3.
Lighting of the Village. Poland Library, 311 S. Main St. 44514. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org……. Features cocoa and activities to celebrate Poland’s Lighting of the Village. 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.
Hometown Holidays. Courthouse Square Park, 161 High St. N.W., Warren 44483. 330-469-1729. This 3rd annual celebration features a parade, family activities, carriage rides, dance performances, movies, and holiday gift and art markets. Warren Mayor Douglas Franklin will light the holiday tree. 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9.
Warren Rotary’s Opening Night 2024. Downtown Warren, 161 High St. N.W., Warren 44481. Warren Rotary will present this annual kick off to the New Year. The theme will be Warren’s 225th birthday. Wristbands will be required to enter participating venues. Wristbands can be purchased online through Dec. 28 or at the Log Cabin the night of the event. To purchase wristbands online, visit www.warrenrotary.org…. 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31. $10; $5 for children under 10; children under 3 are admitted free.
HOLIDAY CHEER: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Food and Toy Day With Kids. Prince of Peace, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell, Pa. 16121.
724-346-5777. www.princeofpeacecenter.org…. Food and toys for those with children. Call or visit the Prince of Peace website for more information. 2-3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14.
HOLIDAY CHEER: OPEN HOUSES
11th Annual McKinley Christmas. various locations in Niles. For details, visit www.mcklib.org… or call 330-652-1704, ext. 3. Features all-ages holiday entertainment at four locations in Niles: the McKinley Birthplace Home (40 S. Main St.), National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum (40 N. Main St.), Niles Historical Society’s Ward-Thomas House Museum (503 Brown St.,), and the Von Isley Estate (547 S. Main St.). Free shuttles will transport guests among all four locations. Noon-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2.
Winter Celebration: Festival of Trees. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. www.mil……. Features the annual winter display inside the D.D. and Velma Davis Education and Visitor Center. Includes 60 holiday trees decorated by area nonprofit organizations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 2-Jan. 2. Closed Christmas Eve and during “Winter Nights” (Dec. 3, 10, 17).
A Cortland Christmas. Cortland Library, 578 Lakeview Drive, Cortland 44410. 330-399-8807.This family event will feature live holiday music, crafts and a visit from Santa. 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7.
Candy Land Lane. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org……. Families with children ages 6 and younger can walk and play the the Library’s indoor Candy Land Lane. Includes holiday activities and crafts. 4-6:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9.
Winter Wonderland Open House. Brookfield Library, 7032 Grove St. 44403. 330-448-8134. www.wtcpl.org……. This annual event features gingerbread houses, crafts, and a holiday performance by Brookfield High School musicians. 5-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Noon Year’s Eve. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org……. Make New Year’s crafts, countdown to noon, and enjoy refreshments and music. For families with children ages 3 and older. Registration is required. 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30.
HOLIDAY CHEER: MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
W.D. Packard Band: Family Christmas Spectacular. W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren 44483. 330-393-3628. www.wdpackardband.com…. This annual holiday performance will feature guest conductor Frank Tracz, vocalists Dana Victor and Elizabeth Jernigan, and vocalist/guitarist Dean Wilson. Bradley J. Holko will be master of ceremonies. The concert features a visit from Santa and treats for children. 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. Free.
That’s What Christmas Means to Me. Robins Theatre, 160 E Market St., Warren 44481. 234-437-6246. Features Christmas songs a meet-and-greet. 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3.
Carols and Cocoa. Tri-Lakes Library, 13820 Mahoning Ave., North Jackson 44451. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org……. Features carols performed by Tyler Guerrieri, hot chocolate, and gingerbread cookies. 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Happy Howland Holiday. Howland Library, 9095 E. Market St. 44484. 330-856-2011. www.wtcpl.org……. Features a performance by Amanda Beagle, crafts, and visit from Santa. Refreshments will be served. All ages. 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6.
An Evening of Holiday Music with Tyler Guerrieri. Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave. 44512. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org……. Features live instrumental music. 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6.
YSU Carols & Cocoa and the Dana Holiday Concert. Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown 44504. Box office: 330-259-9651. 330-259-0555. www.stambaughauditorium.com…. YSU Carols & Cocoa and Dana Holiday Concert is a tradition that dates back more than 40 years and involves most of the Dana School of Music’s vocal and instrumental students. 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6.
A Cortland Christmas. Cortland Library, 578 Lakeview Drive 44410. 330-638-6335. www.wtcpl.org……. Family event features music by Tyler Guerrieri and Nick Kerpsack, cookies, crafts, and a visit from Santa. 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7.
Holiday Music at the Liberty Library. Liberty Library, 415 Churchill-Hubbard Road 44505. 330-759-2589. www.wtcpl.org……. Guitarist Tyler Guerrieri and vocalist Rhonda Monroe (Liberty Library manager) will perform holiday music. 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13.
Holiday Music with the Liberty High School Choir. Liberty Library, 415 Churchill-Hubbard Road 44505. 330-759-2589. www.wtcpl.org……. The Liberty High School Choir, under the direction of Donna Popio, will sing a variety of holiday favorites. Refreshments will the served. 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 14.
Winter Extravaganza. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807. www.wtcpl.org……. Features a performance by the Warren G. Harding Madrigal Singers, plus crafts, a Christmas story time, and a puppet show. 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16.
Carols, Fun and Mallets. Tri-Lakes Library, 13820 Mahoning Ave., North Jackson 44451. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org……. Features the xylophone stylings of Aaron G, carols and carols. Hot chocolate and coffee will be served. 4 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18.
An Evening of Holiday Music with Tyler Guerrieri. Austintown Library, 600 South Raccoon Road 44515. 330-744-8636. www.libraryvisit.org……. Features live holiday music with Tyler Guerrieri and light refreshments. All ages. 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20.
“Home Alone” with Live Orchestra Accompaniment. Edward W. Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. Box office: 330-259-9651. 330-744-0264. www.youngstownsymphony.com…. John Williams’ film score will be performed live by the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. Conductor Erik Ochsner will lead the orchestra. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22. 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 23.
HOLIDAY CHEER: OUTDOOR LIGHT DISPLAYS
Joy of Christmas Light Display. Harvey S. Firestone Park, 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana 44408. 330-482-2282. tourcolumbianaohio.org… The show features over 1 million Christmas lights. In addition to the light displays, visitors can stop at the Gingerbread House and Santa’s Ice Castle for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and food for purchase from local non-profit organizations. 6-9 p.m., Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 24. $20 per vehicle.
Elegant Illusions Christmas Lights Drive-Through. Canfield Fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. 330-947-2974. elegantchristmaslighting.com. This inaugural event will feature LED displays, animatronics and over 50 holiday scenes. Tickets can be purchased at Gate 9 of the Canfield Fairgrounds off Route 46. The event runs for six weeks from Nov. 16 to Dec. 24. 6-9 p.m., Thursday; 6-10 p.m., Friday; 6-10 p.m., Saturday; 6-9 p.m., Sunday. $20 per car.
Holiday Light Display. Boardman Park, 375 Boardman Poland Road, Boardman 44512. 330-726-8105. www.boardmanpark.com…. 5-10 p.m., Dec. 3-Jan. 7. Free.
Winter Nights. Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek MetroParks, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown 44509. 330-740-7116. www.mil……. The garden grounds will be decorated with light displays. Special appearances include Mrs. Claus (Dec. 3), Buddy and Jovie (Dec. 10), and Cindy and Mr. Grinch (Dec. 17). The Davis Center will feature 60 “Winter Celebration” trees. Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase in the Garden Café by Kravitz and the Shop in the Gardens will be open. 5-7 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, 10, 17.
HOLIDAY CHEER: STAGE PRODUCTIONS
Ballet Western Reserve Presents The Nutcracker. Edward W. Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. Box office: 330-259-9651. deyorpac.org…. Ballet Western Reserve returns to The DeYor Performing Arts Center with Clara, Toy soldiers, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Features more than 80 local students and a live orchestra. 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3. $29-$17.
Disney On Ice Presents “Into The Magic.” Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown 44503. 1-800-745-3000. covellicentre.com…. 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7; 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 8; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10. $82, $72, $52, $37, $32, $27.
Miracle on Easy Street. Edward W. Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-259-9651. deyorpac.org……. “Miracle on Easy Street” returns to Powers Auditorium for its annual Christmas shows. 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15; 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 and 2:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17. $35, $29, $25, $19.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland. W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1704 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 800-745-3000. www.packardmusichall.com…. Ticketmaster.com…. 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets start at $42.
HOLIDAY CHEER: SPECIAL EVENTS
Holiday Gift Wrapping. Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren 44483. 330-399-8807, ext. 206. www.wtcpl.org……. The library will provide wrapping paper, tape, ribbon, boxes, and bags for you to use while supplies last. Donations of new or like-new wrapping supplies can be brought to the library during program times. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, 9, 23; 2-7 p.m., Monday Dec. 4, 11, 18.
New Year’s Eve Celebration (with fireworks). Downtown Youngstown. 330-398-9618 (Melanie Penella-Clarke, director, Downtown Events for the City of Youngstown). This annual New Year’s Eve celebration includes fireworks and a ball drop welcoming 2024. Free parking is available at the Covelli Centre. Zambelli Fireworks will produce the fireworks display. 10 p.m.-midnight, Sunday, Dec. 31. Free.
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