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 HIKES, RUNS & SKATING
Christmas at the Mill Hike. Meet at School Recreation Area, Mill Creek MetroParks, Youngstown. An after-Thanksgiving, 2-mile hike to visit Christmas at the Mill. 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.
Twas the Night Before 5k. Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park, 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana 44408. 330-482-1026. Features a festive 5k run through the Joy of Christmas light display that features over 1 million lights in over 40 displays. Includes hot chocolate, soup, cookies, and finisher medals for all participants. 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec.11.
New Castle Night. Hess Ice Rink, 3365 Mitchell Road, New Castle, Pa. 16105. A night of ice skating with entertainment by the New Castle Area School District Music Department. $5-free. 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter. Ford Nature Center, Mill Creek MetroParks, 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown 44511. 330-740-7107. Take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the new season during this moderate, 3-mile hike around Lake Cohasset, the “place of pines.” 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
Winter Begins. Meet at Calvary Run Parking area, Mill Creek, MetroParks. Call WRA at 330-740-7114 for more information on this moderate, 1-mile hike. 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.
The Resolution Run. LindenPointe Innovative Business Campus, 3580 Innovation Way, Hermitage, Pa. 16148. This 5K run/walk supports the LDC, a non-profit organization, which fosters small business development in the region. 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28.
Jingle Bell Run 5K. Canfield Fairgrounds, 7265 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield 44406. Contact Rebecca Dailey at 330-503-1645 for more information. This annual holiday 5K courses through the Canfield Fairgrounds. 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 28.
Walk with a Doc. Irma Davis Park, corner of Oak Hill and Kenmore avenues, Youngstown. Tonight’s event features the very first “Walk with a Doc” on the walking path at Irma Davis Park. The lead doctor is Dr. Kellie Kirksey, a holistic psychotherapist at the Cleveland Clinic Center’s Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine. To learn more about the “Walk with a Doc” program or to sign up for their newsletter, visit walkwithadoc.org…. The eight-mile path, which opened last summer, was a collaboration between the Oak Hill Neighborhood Association and St. Patrick’s Church. 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 30.
First Day Hike. Pavilion 7, McDanel’s Launch Area, 118 North Shore Drive, Portersville, Pa. 16051. 724- 368-8811. Features a hike on the North Country National Scenic Trail. Join the folks from the Butler Outdoor Club, who are experienced guides familiar with the trails. Hikers may choose to go either southwest or northeast from the starting point, all on the NCT. There will be several opportunities to turn back and make a shorter hike, hikers can opt to walk from 1 mile or less, up to 6 miles on moderate terrain. Butler Outdoor Club has been active for over 25 years. Dress for the weather, sturdy shoes or boots, bring your own water and snacks; friendly dogs on leash are welcome. 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 1.
2020 Resolution Run. Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake 44145. 440-871-6880. Toast a new year of running during the 2020 Resolution Run. Runners will earn their first finisher medal of the new year, along with a long-sleeve race shirt, chip-timed results, age-group awards, pre-race champagne (sparkling cider) toast, and post-race refreshments. Participants can also sign the Resolution Wall. 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4.
January RAR Preview Ride Road Apple Roubaix. 8105 Main St., Garrettsville 44231. 216-215-0824. This ride features two distance options (25/40) in which you can preview the course and get out and ride with other people. Maps will be available. Rides occur the first Saturday of every month from February through November. Park in the municipal lots on the street (Maple) behind Slim and Jumbos and be ready to start at 10 a.m. The group will meet afterward for food. 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4.
January RAR Preview Ride Road Apple Roubaix. 8105 Main St., Garrettsville 44231. 216-215-0824. This ride features two distance options (25/40) in which you can preview the course and get out and ride with other people. Maps will be available. Rides occur the first Saturday of every month from February through November. Park in the municipal lots on the street (Maple) behind Slim and Jumbos and be ready to start at 10 a.m. The group will meet afterward for food. 10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4. (Road Apple Roubaix)© 2019 Metro Monthly. All rights reserved.
