The city of Youngstown and Youngstown Cityscape will host their annual Holiday Parade and Light-Up Night on Friday. The downtown event includes an open-air holiday market, family-friendly activities, live music and a visit from Santa.
The holiday parade begins at 6 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the downtown tree lighting ceremony. Events occur before and after the parade, including a rare performance of “Hang in There, Youngstown” by WKBN/WYTV reporter Stan Boney.
The parade and tree lighting are presented by the city of Youngstown, Youngstown CityScape and the Downtown Youngstown Partnership. Main Stage title sponsors include Cochran Buick/GMC and Premier Bank. WFMJ is the media sponsor and Platt Insurance will provide commemorative mugs.
Downtown restaurants will be open throughout the event. A schedule of Friday activities appears below.
Family activities
SMARTS Holiday Open House. SMARTS, 25 E. Boardman St., downtown Youngstown 44503. Features SMARTS teaching artists and staff demonstrations, hands-on arts activities and cocoa. Also includes a shop with SMARTS swag, handmade holiday cards and other items. 1-6 p.m.
Tyler History Center Open House. Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown Youngstown 44503. Free admission. Free cocoa in the museum lobby. 3-6 p.m.
Oh Wow! Open House. OH Wow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, 15 Central Square, first floor, downtown Youngstown 44503. 330-744-5914. Free admission. 4-6 p.m.
Pop-Up Library. Central Square, downtown Youngstown 44503. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will host. 4-8 p.m.
717 Credit Union on the Square. Central Square, southeast section, downtown Youngstown 44503. Free hot cocoa, prizes and giveaways for the family.
DeYor/Powers Auditorium. 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. Programs include Santa’s Workshop, family activities and the Spruce Pop-up Shop. Other activities: Write your letter to Santa and drop it off at the Giant Mailbox at the Youngstown Flea. Meet and greet with Belle, Elsa and Moana. 5-7 p.m. Free photos with Santa, Buddy the Elf, Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch. 5-9 p.m. Meet the cast of “The Nutcracker” from Ballet Western Reserve. 5-9 p.m. Youngstown Symphony Quartet performance. 7-9 p.m.
Outdoor holiday marketplace
Flea on Phelps. (between West Federal and West Commerce streets), downtown Youngstown 44503. The Youngstown Flea will present its annual holiday open-air market. Flea on Phelps features local and regional merchants selling art, antique and repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, jewelry, candles and baked goods. 4 p.m.
Flea on Phelps vendors/descriptions. 310 Soap Co., 1054 Designs, Aandr Designs, All Things Auto Art, Banshee The Kid, Bare Elements, Beach Glass By Tracy, Broken Esscents Candle Co., Crowned Headbands, Culturehouse Coffee, Fat T’s Cookies, Gingerly Suds & Such, Good Noodle Neighborhood, Heritage Baking Co., Barktastic K9, Ethereal Creations, Harrington Hearth, Jason’s Marvelous Popcorn, Jo Jane Creations, June & Juliet Bow Co., Krispies By Vel, Little Paws Apparel, Lola Bean’s Boutique, Maddybugco., Mămălagel’s Bagels, Master Of None Leather Co., Mr. Crisp Pickle Co., The Neighborhood, Next Level Knots, OH Donut Co., Originalglassworx, The Pastimes, Pie Oh My!, The Pierogi Lady, Rauschenbach Art, Rust Belt Soapwerks, Sassy Sisters, Sav’s Macs, Shea-Mergency, Smalls Boutique, Staircase Ceramics, Succulent Ladies, Sweet Sally’s Creations, Tongue Punch Flavor Co., The Violet Mirage, Wholesome Creations, Wicksburgh, Willow Studio, Wonder Lust Concepts, Youngstown Apparel, Youngstown Clothing Co., Zappia Wood Creations.
Holiday shows and sales
YSU Art Student Holiday Art Show. Concept Studio, 217 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. Original art will be on display and available for sale. 4-7 p.m., Friday.
American Holiday Arts and Craft Show. Butler Institute of American Art, Members-only preview night: 5:30-9 p.m., Friday. Regular show hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. $5.
Holiday Flea. Youngstown Flea, 365 E. Boardman St., Youngstown 44503. The Youngstown Flea will offer a Holiday Flea over two days. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday. Vendors list.
Music and entertainment
Main Stage, Central Square, downtown Youngstown. Main Stage sponsored by #1 Cochran. Lex The Entertainer of New York City’s Loyalty Events, will serve as master of ceremonies. Live music. 4-8 p.m.
Christmas Music Show. The Octave Live Music Café, 34 N. Phelps St., Youngstown. The Octave House Band will perform jazzy, updated versions of holiday standards. 4-5:30 p.m.
“Hang in There, Youngstown.” Main Stage, Central Square, downtown Youngstown. Lex The Entertainer will welcome veteran WKBN/WYTV reporter Stan Boney and Idora & The Wildcats for a special jazz/funk rendition of Stan’s 1980s single, “Hang in There, Youngstown.” “I haven’t sung that song publicly in nearly 40 years, but I am looking forward to giving it a shot once again. It’ll be fun,” said Boney. The song was written by Youngstown native Mike Pachelli and originally recorded at the Peppermint Recording Studio. 7:15 p.m.
Dueling Pianos by YSU Penguin Productions. Penguin City Brewing Co., 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown. Food will be available from the Red Rican Food Truck. 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Holiday Parade and Light-Up Night
Holiday Parade. Central business district, downtown Youngstown. Approximately 100 organizations are scheduled to participate. The parade originates in the Covelli Centre parking lot. Note: parking at the Covelli Centre lots is reserved for parade participants. Parade route: straight (north) onto South Walnut, left (west) onto East Federal toward Central Square and West Federal Street, left (south) onto Vindicator Square, left (east) onto West Front Street, right into the Covelli Centre lot. 6-7 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lighting. Central Square, downtown Youngstown. Light-Up Night kicks the switch for the downtown Christmas tree and lights around Central Square (and throughout downtown). The Christmas tree lighting begins immediately after the parade at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Windows on the Square. DoubleTree by Hilton, 44 Federal Plaza East, Central Square, downtown Youngstown 44503. Call 330-333-8284 for information. Watch the parade from Windows on the Square. Advance tickets are required. 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Food trucks/street food (parade night)
- Aisle One Mobile Market. Deyor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St.
- DiRusso’s Sausage. Central Square, northwest.
- Gringo’s Youngstown. 26 N. Phelps St., grab-and-go menu items.
- The Octave Live Music Cafe. 34 N. Phelps St., grab-and-go items, including hot chocolate, cider, doughnuts and coffee.
- Red Rican Food Truck. Penguin City Beer Co., 460 E. Federal St.
- Sauceeino. Boardman and Phelps streets.
- Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches. Central Square, northwest.
- The Youngstown BBQ Company. Central Square, southeast.
- Youngstown Flea. N. Phelps Street, vendors selling baked treats.
- Youngstown Sip. Commerce and Phelps streets.
Restaurants | Downtown/University Area
Avalon Downtown Pizzeria Italian, American. 17 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-740-0000. Pizza, sandwiches, soups, salads and dinners. Dine in/carry out. Full bar. LD.
Casa di Canzonetta Classic Italian, craft cocktails, wine list. 44 E. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-238-7171. Located in the Hilton DoubleTree Hotel. Brunch. Dinner. Reservations.
Charlie Staples Pitt Boss Barbecue. 372 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown 44502. 330-743-7427. Menu. LD.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Mexican, Tex-Mex. 320 Wick Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-423-0785. Made-to-order burritos, burrito bowls, “lifestyle” bowls (keto, high protein, plant-based), quesadillas, salads, tacos, children’s meals. Beef, chicken, pork and vegetarian. Menu. LD.
DOPE Cider House and Winery Hard ciders, locally produced, locally owned. 460 E. Federal St., Suite B, Youngstown 44503. 330-913-3050. Locally owned and operated craft cider house serves traditional hard ciders, wines and seltzers. Ciders are made in house from locally sourced apples. Located in the Penguin City Brewing Company complex on the eastern edge of downtown. Days/hours.
Downtown Draught House American. 219 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-746-9722. Longtime bar/restaurant serves appetizers, burgers, soups, salads. Bar, table and booth seating. Craft, draft, domestic and imported beer. Full bar. LD.
The Federal Burgers, sandwiches, new American. 110 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-744-7683. Signature smash burgers, sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, salads, skewers and entrees. Craft/specialty cocktails. Craft, draft, bottled beer. Full bar. Facebook. BrLD.
Gringo’s Mexican, tacos, tequila. 24 N. Phelps St., Youngstown 44503. 234-228-9398. Located in the Phelps Street Gateway. Appetizers, tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, sandwiches, burgers, entrees, desserts. Offers vegetarian options. Specialty cocktails, margaritas, tequilas, ciders, seltzers, domestic and imported beer. Full bar. Menu. LD.
Imbibe Martini Bar Craft cocktails, imported beer, locally owned.124 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-743-1266. Signature and classic martinis, hard ciders, seltzers, wines and imported beers. Located in a classic midcentury bank. Full bar. Ryes Craft Beer & Whiskey is located upstairs. Days/hours.
Cassese’s MVR Italian. 410 N. Walnut St., Youngstown 44505. 330-746-7067. Homemade pasta, beef, chicken, veal, fish, soups, and salads. Offers indoor bocce courts. Located just east of YSU. Menu. LD.
Hot Head Burritos Mexican. 315 Elm St., Youngstown 44503. 330-781-5355. Burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos. Build-your-own bowls. Chicken, steak and vegetable power bowls, keto and paleo bowls. Menu. LD.
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches American, sandwiches. 131 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-707-4056. Chain offers made-to-order deli sandwiches. Items range from classic Italian subs to meatless. Menu. BLD.
Mocha House Breakfast, lunch, coffee, desserts. 120 E. Boardman St., Youngstown 44503. 330-951-0070. Locally owned and operated restaurant/cafe. Offers soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, dinner entrees, specialty coffee drinks, teas, cold brews, combination breakfasts, omelets, eggs Benedict and skillets. Signature cheesecakes, pies and other baked goods. Booth and table seating. Menu. BLD.
Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers 126 E. Rayen Ave., Youngstown 44503. 234-719-1827. Located north of downtown and near the campus of Youngstown State. Menu.
The Octave Live Music Café and Event Center. Live music, events, tapas. 34 N. Phelps St., Youngstown 44503. 234-232-7107. Menu. Bar menu.
Penguin City Brewing Company 460 E. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-755-0709. Brewery and event space located on East Federal near Andrews Avenue.
Pressed Coffee Bar & Eatery American, European, cafe, coffee. 215 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-746-8030. Locally owned independent serves American and European-inspired food. Soups, salads, sandwiches, specialty coffees, breakfast, baked goods, and waffles. Menu. BLD.
Ryes Craft Beer & Whiskey Craft beer, cocktails, spirits. 124 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-743-1266. Located on the second floor of the Imbibe Martini Bar. Craft beers, craft and cocktails, hard seltzers, ciders, specialty cocktails, including Prohibition-era classics.
The Social Bar & Tapas Craft cocktails, small plates. 112 W. Commerce St., Youngstown 44503. 234-228-8592. Located on the first floor of the Erie Terminal Building.
Starbucks American, coffee, cafe, baked goods. 318 Fifth Ave., Youngstown 44502. 330-318-3331. Specialty coffee drinks, teas, pastries, sandwiches, cookies and baked goods. Located inside Barnes and Noble on the campus of Youngstown State University. BLD.
Stone Fruit Coffee Company Coffee, cafe, baked items. 131 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-509-0206. Specialty coffee drinks, cold brews, teas and hot cocoa. The organic, fair-trade coffees are roasted locally. Varieties carry names associated with the Mahoning Valley: Black Monday, Brier Hill, Federal Street and Espresso 1977. Decaf also available. Street entrance is located on N. Hazel Street. BL.
Subway Sandwiches, salads, sides. 210 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown 44503. 330-746-3924. Sub sandwiches, wraps, bowls, salads and sides. Menu. LD.
Taco Bell Mexican. 420 Fifth Ave, Youngstown 44502. 330-746-4060. Menu.
V2 Wine Bar and Trattoria by Vernon Italian, American. 100 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-742-5595. Local independent features Italian-American cuisine. Outdoor café seating. Valet on weekends. Wine bar. Full bar. Major credit cards. Menu. LD.
West 34 34 W. Federal St., Youngstown 44503. 330-623-6540. Restaurant/bar located on the first floor of the Wick Building. Cocktails/wine list. Menu.
Yosteria 252 Valley St., Youngstown 44505. 234-228-9590. Menus.
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