ART

ART

Steel Town Studios Holiday Open House, 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 13, Steel Town Studio, 8 N. Phelps St., Downtown Youngstown. Featured will be works of artist Bob Barko Jr. and memorabilia featuring Youngstown areas: Mill Creek Park, Isaly’s, theaters, and more. Light refreshments. Free. (330) 743-8929.

CHILDREN

“Twas the Night Before Christmas,” breakfast with Santa and show, 9 a.m. Dec. 6, 13, 20, Carousel, 1275 E. Waterloo Road, Akron; (800) 362-4100.

Brunch with Santa, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, DeYor Performing Arts Center, Federal Street, Youngstown. Children will visit with Santa and have a photo opportunity, there will be storytelling, music by Suzuki Stars from the Christina Gant Studio and holiday crafts. After brunch, Santa will lead a sing-along and a holiday participatory concert will be presented by Youngstown Symphony Tiny Tots performers Sally and Jeff. Cost is $15 for children and $25 for adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult. (330) 744-0264.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Nona’s Family Closet, 1580 E. Liberty St., (off Belmont Ave., behind Denny’s). Free.

Cookies with Santa, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7, St. Mark’s Preschool, 280 Millcreek Drive, Boardman. Cost is $5 per child, which includes one photo with Santa, crafts and a snack. Children under 2 are $2, which includes one photo with Santa. Additional photos are available for $2 each. Call (330) 788-9599 for more information. (In case of inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for Dec. 14 at the same time).

DANCES

USA Dance annual Snowflake Ball, 5 to 10 p.m., Dec. 6, Avon Oaks Ballroom, 1401 N. State St., Girard. Features dance, buffet dinner and show featuring DanceSport Champions Rene Ostarek and Bronislava Vrtalova. There will also be open dancing. Tickets are available through Nov. 22. $40 for USA Dance members, $45 for non-members, $25 for full time students. (330) 853-3000.

MUSIC

Harry Connick Jr., A Holiday Celebration, 8 p.m. Saturday, State Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland. Reserved tickets, $39.50-$72.50. (216) 241-6000.

Handel’s “Messiah” by the Shenango Valley Chorale, soloists and the Shenango Valley Chorale Chamber Orchestra, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, First Presbyterian Church, Sharon. The concert is free.

Tuba Christmas, Sing along Christmas concert, noon and 2 p.m. Nov. 29, Eastwood Mall, Niles.

Youngstown Area Community Concert Band and Austintown Fitch High School Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Fitch High School Auditorium; $5, $2 for fourth grade and younger. For benefit of the Second Harvest Food Bank.

The Chords of Christmas perform selections of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Nov. 30, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles; Dec. 7, Pleasant Valley Church in Liberty; Dec. 14, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown; and Dec. 21, Churchill United Methodist Church in Liberty. All concerts are at 7 p.m. and are free of charge. A free-will offering will be taken and will be donated to the charity of the church’s choice.

Canfield Community Concert Band Holiday Concert, 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Canfield High School Auditorium. Admission is canned goods/cash to benefit Operation Blessing.

Shenango Valley Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Wallace Chapel, Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa.

Shenango Valley Chorale, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, First Presbyterian Church, Sharon, Pa. Both concerts will include the Shenango Valley Chamber Orchestra, and the Youngstown Fine Arts Brass.

“An Olde English Feaste” with Shenango Valley Chorale Madrigal Singers, 7 p.m. Dec.4-7, Tara, Clark, Pa. Reservations: (724) 699-6948.

Carols and Cocoa, 7 p.m., and YSU Holiday Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Both at Stambaugh Auditorium, Fifth Ave., Youngstown. (330) 941-3636.

Celtic Holiday with Leahy and Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m. Dec. 6, Edward W. Powers Auditorium, W. Federal St., Youngstown. (330) 744-0264.

Handel’s Messiah by the Warren Civic Chorus, accompanied by members of the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 33020 Reeves Road N.E., Warren. (330) 372-2215.

Christmas Program Extraordinaire by The Youngstown Connection, 4 p.m. Dec. 7, First Christian Church of Girard, 140 E. Broadway Ave., Girard. Light refreshments following the performance.

Holiday Concert, 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Canfield High School Auditorium by Canfield Community Concert Band. Admission is canned goods or cash donation to benefit Operation Blessing.

Holiday Variety Show, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, New Castle Playhouse, 212 E. Long Ave., New Castle, Pa.; (724) 654-3437.

Fourth annual Christmas Concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 14, St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown. Featuring Cantamus 10 and Beatitude House Children’s Choir. A goodwill offering will be taken. Offerings will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County and Beatitude House.

Sing We Noel: Great Choral Music for the Holidays by Kent Salem Community Choir, 3 p.m. Dec. 14, Kent State Salem City Center, 230 N. Lincoln, Salem. (330) 337-4246.

The Spirit of Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa. Radio City Music Hall Style show. Admission: $30, $35 and $40. (724) 946-7354.

MUSEUMS

Holiday Open House, 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 6, Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Free admission, refreshments, crafts for kids, museum shop specials. Stroll through the museum period rooms to view historical Christmas trees and decor from early feather trees to bright and shiny 1950s lights and ornaments. Also a new exhibit, A Journey to Christmas Past, will highlight postcards, ornaments and decorations from the Historical Society’s collections. There will be a preview party from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Cost for this event it $18 for Mahoning Valley Historical Society members and $23 for guests. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Reservations for either may be made by calling (330) 743-2589.

ONSTAGE

“The Nutcracker,” 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Powers Auditorium, downtown Youngstown. Reserved seats, $18; festival seats, $12. (330) 744-1934.

“Christmas At the Inn,” 8 p.m. Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 2-6, 10-12 and 19-20; 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 9 and 15 at Das Dutch Inn, 150 E. State Route 14, Columbiana; (330) 482-5050.

“A Little House Christmas,” adapted by James DeVita, 7 p.m., Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors and $5 for children. Kent Trumbull Theatre, 4314 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren; (330) 675-8887.

“How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas”, 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, and 13, Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St., (330)746-0404.

“Amahl and the Night Visitors,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 19 and 20. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. A young disabled boy enjoys an amazing encounter with three kings journeying to Bethlehem to see the newly born Jesus Christ. (330) 836-2626 or www.weathervaneplayhouse.com.

Christmas Extravaganza with Jamie’s Dance Force and Boardman Community Theater, 3 p.m. Dec. 14, Boardman Performing Arts Center, Boardman High School. Family holiday entertainment featuring dancers, singers and a live band. Tickets are $12 for all seats and may be purchased at the door or at Jamie’s Dance Force, 590 E. Western Reserve Road #7B. Call (330) 758-6668 for more information.

“Miracle on Easy Street,” 8 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21, Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. (330) 744-0264.

“Renaissance Yuletide Feast,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, Fairview Arts and Outreach Center, 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road, Struthers. Cost is $27 per ticket for dinner and performance. Reservations are required. (330) 755-6412.

“A Sanders Family Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14, Salem Community Theater, 490 E. State St., Salem; (330) 332-9688.

Medieval Celebration of Christmastyme, 7 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, Niles Masonic Temple, 22 W. Church St., Niles. Reservations are required. Call (330) 726-5576 or visit www.tapestriesofohio.net.

PARADES

Christmas Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday. Sponsored by Columbiana Chamber of Commerce. Bring a canned good for the Way Station. Following the parade pictures with Santa will be taken at the Log Cabin. Lunch will be available at First Presbyterian Church. There will be free entertainment on the square from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free children’s movies will be at the Columbiana Library at 1:30 p.m. and a Toys for Tots fundraiser will take place at Firestone Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shops will be open until evening, restaurants and cafes will be serving holiday fare. Main Street Theater will have a special show.

POP, ROCK, JAZZ

“It’s A Wonderful Christmas” with Michael W. Smith, Melinda Doolittle and the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Chevrolet Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown. (330)-746-5600.

A Peter White Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Palace Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Rick Braun on trumpet and Mindi Abair on sax, guitarist Peter White. Tickets are $10-$37.50. (216) 241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org.

Chip Davis’ Christmas: Music of Mannheim Steamroller, 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh; (412) 456-6666 or www.pgharts.org.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 4 and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 17, Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh. (724) 947-7400 or www.livenation.com.

Christmas Music by Mannheim Steamroller with Chip Davis, 7:30 Dec. 20; 2:30 Dec. 21, Palace Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; (216) 241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org.

SALES, SHOWS

Christmas at the Farm, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Munnell Run Farm, 747 Greenville Road, Mercer, Pa. Featuring fresh Fraser fir Christmas wreaths and arrangements and other handcrafted items made by local artisans and food producers. No admission fee but non-perishable food items are requested to benefit Mercer County Food Warehouse. (724) 662-2242 or www.munnellrunfarm.org.

Holiday Treasures Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. N.E., Warren. Holiday wreaths and centerpieces, crafts and decorations of all kinds, Christmas ornaments, scented candles, baked goods, wedding soup and more will be available. There will also be a silent auction and bake sale. Lunch will be available. (330) 372-4998.

14th annual Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Shepherd of the Valley, 1500 McKinley Ave., Niles, with 20 vendors offering items including crafts, food, jewelry and more. Free and open to the public. All funds raised will support resident activities. (330) 544-0771, ext. 2814.

Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 5 and 6, Meridian Arms Living Center, 650 S. Meridian Road, Youngstown. Garage sale items, Christmas items, raffle, lunch for purchase. (330)792-7799.

Santa Claus is coming to Girard Holiday Bazaar, 11 a.m. Dec. 6, City Gym, 100 Main St. Girard Junior Women’s Club are hosts. Homemade ornaments, crafts, food, bake sale and gifts to purchase will be available. There will be caroling and a Christmas Tree raffle. Admission is free. (330) 545-8731.

American Holiday 2008, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, Butler Institute of American Art, Wick Avenue, Youngstown. $5 per person, children under 12 free. (330) 743-1107 or www.butlerart.com.

Santa’s Christmasland, 9-9 Monday-Saturday; 10-5 Sunday, through Dec. 24, Kraynak’s, 2525 E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. More than 85 decorated trees and animated figures. Closed Thanksgiving Day. (724) 347-4511.

SCHOOLS

Dinner theater with “In Bethlehem Inn,” 6 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13, Heartland Christian School, 28 Pittsburgh St., Columbiana. This is a humorous version of the Christmas story. Cost is $15. Call for tickets (330) 482-2331.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12-14, Cardinal Mooney High School, 2545 Erie St., Youngstown. This comic play is an alternative to the traditional Christmas play. The story concerns a woman trying to put on the annual church Christmas pageant despite having to cast the Herdman kids, the meanest, nastiest, most inventively awful kids in the the world. (330) 788-5007.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Light Up the Square Columbiana, 5:30 p.m. today, Columbiana Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a gala networking event hosted by Shine, Primitive Gathering, Roberta’s Gallery and Vivan’s. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. There will also be an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roberta’s Gallery, Vivian’s, Shine!, Primitive Gatherings and Your Online Auction Place.

Girl’s Night Out Shopping Bazaar, 6-9:30 p.m. today, Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown. Shop for great holiday ideas, sip delicious complimentary wine, sample new and cool designs. Dr. Jennifer Lloyd, dermatologist, will hold a discussion on skin care at 7 and 7:30 p.m.

Christmas in Columbiana, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, (free entertainment on the square from 3 to 7 p.m.) and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (free entertainment on the square from noon to 4 p.m.), Columbiana Merchants will have special sales and refreshments.

Second annual Home Tour and Brunch, Columbiana, Friday and Saturday. Homes featured are Bettura Home, 55 W. Salem St.; Keylor Home, 308 Kinswood Drive; Fry Home, 347 S. Main St. and Bontempt Adams Home, 39866 Crestview Road. Brunch of quiche, fruit, coffee cakes, muffins and breads as well as tea and coffee will be served at Columbiana Women’s Club, 121 N. Main St. Homes are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three homes will also be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Cost is $15 for tour and brunch. Home tour only, $10; brunch only, $6. Tickets may be purchased from Roberta’s Gallery, Chamber office or Shine.

Holiday Gift Boutique, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave., New Castle. Vendors will set up around the main dining room. Food vendors will include Word of Life Christian Fellowship, St. Elias Orthodox Church and Joseph’s Super Market. Santa Claus will visit with children from 2 to 4 p.m.; New Castle Regional Ballet will perform excerpts of “The Nutcracker” from 12:30 to 1 p.m. (724) 654-6683.

Third annual Holiday Lighting Festival, Nov. 28-Jan. 4, Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Closed Dec. 25. 6-9 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 6-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Cost is $10 per carload with a discount coupon, compliments of Marc’s. Pick up a discount coupon anytime after Nov. 17. Regular admission is $12. (330) 920-8040.

Homespun Christmas, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30, Leetonia. Several locations including: Mary Lou Bontempt’s Salt Box, 39866 Crestview Road; Monica Hoperich’s home, 5210 Leetonia Road; Old Times, 41547 state Route 558; The Cranberry Shed, 5007 Fairfield School Road; Amish Quilts and Crafts, 41658 Kelly Park Road; Wilms Franklin Square Greenhouse and Christmas House, Franklin Square; British Pastries, 268 Main St. and more. Look for the Snowman at each stop.

Holiday Craft Fair, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, Northside Medical Center’s Medical Education Building, 500 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown. More than 40 vendors of handcrafted items. Employees are also collecting new items such as hats, scarves, toiletries, blankets and toys for Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission. Proceeds from a Chinese Auction wil benefit Mahoning Valley United Way. (330) 884-4769.

Christmas Train Exhibit/ Book Signing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Greersburg Academy, Darlington, Pa. Wayne A. Cole will be signing his new book “Ghost Rails IV Industrial Shortlines, Ohio and Pennsylvania” at the Christmas Train Exhibit. The book covers the cement industry of Wampum , the Koppel Car Co. and Koppel Steel, Beaver Falls, and the Big Run Cascade Park Railroad of New Castle. Come enjoy the Riding’s Family Christmas train show and meet White Buffalo Heart, Indian story teller and flute player. Story telling dates are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 and 20. The Christmas Train Exhibits runs weekends, 10-5 Sat. and noon-5 Sun. Nov. 29-Jan. 4. (724) 843-4361.

Winter Celebration: Golden Holiday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 6-January 4. Tuesdays-Sundays. Visit Fellows Riverside Gardens at Mill Creek Park in December to view creative floral arrangements and trees showcasing the uniqueness and diversity of our valley. Activities for children this year appeal to the entire family. Treasure the view of Lake Glacier while enjoying a delicious Sunday buffet in the Garden Cafe. Visit the Shop in Gardens for holiday gift ideas.

Holiday Home Tour, 10-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 1-6 p.m. Dec. 7. Parking available at Copeland Oaks, 800 S. 15th St., Sebring. Tour includes: Sebring Mansion Inn and Spa, Strand and Theater Museum, Schreckengost home, three private family homes and refreshments at Copeland Oaks. Tours may be taken in any order and may be divided between the two days. Tickets are $20 after. They may be purchased at Strand Theater Museum, or call (330) 938-2387, or send a check and self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Sebring Historical Society, Box 127, Sebring, Ohio 44672.

22nd annual Santaland Brunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7, Applewood Center, 720 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Sponsored by Vernon’s Cafe. Christmas caroling with Colleen Crish of Easy Street Productions. Adults, $10; Children ages 4-12, $6.50. Children ages 3 and under are free. Reservations and payment due by Dec. 5. (330) 652-1381.

Boardman Community Christmas, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Boardman Park Gazebo. Music by Boardman High School Band and caroling led by Linda Smrek. Santa arrives at 3 p.m. For information on decorating a tree, contact Anna at (330) 726-8107.

Holiday movie, “White Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 9-13, 3 p.m. Dec. 14, Strand Theater Museum, 126 N. 15th St., Sebring. Ticket includes movie, museum displays, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks, favors, popcorn, candy and movie trivia. Cost: $15, members, $18 nonmembers. (330) 938-6955.

L’uva Bella Christmas Dinner Party, 7 p.m., Dec. 11. Dinner by Pete Medure includes dessert, L’uva Bella wine of your choice, soft drinks, (additional beverages are extra) beef, chicken with lemon, pasta station, gourmet cookies, salad, assorted miniature desserts, and L’uva Bella Christmas present. Reservations only. Seating is limited. $75.00 couple/ $40.00 single. (330) 536-6450.

Victorian Holiday stroll along Millionaires Row, Mahoning Ave., Warren. Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 14. This tour (a photo is on the cover) will feature sites along historic Mahoning Ave., including the Land Title Office, Perkin’s Mansion, Sutliff Museum, Women’s Park and Kinsman, Upton and John Stark Edward’s houses, all decorated for the holidays. Cost is $5 per person. Children ages 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour at any of the sites or in advance at Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, 321 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren. (330) 675-3081.

Gardens By Candlelight, Mill Creek Park, 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 14. Twinkling lights and luminarias will brighten the frosty night as families enjoy a wintry walk through Fellows Riverside Gardens in celebration of the holiday season. Complete the evening by warming up in the Davis Center with music, cocoa, coffee and sugar cookies. Due to the nature of this event, strollers cannot be accommodated.

L’uva Bella New Year’s Eve Dinner Party, 8 p.m., Dec. 31. $99./couple $60./ single. This includes dinner by Pete Medure, dessert, L’uva Bella bottle of wine, soft drinks, Champagne toast, entertainment after dinner. Additional beverages are extra. Dinner includes Prime rib, roasted turkey, chicken scallopini, pasta station, potatoes, cheeses, fruits, chips/crackers/dip, grilled vegetables, rolls, assorted miniature cheesecakes, and carrot cake. Reservations only, seating is limited. (330) 536-6450.

New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec. 31, Carousel, 1275 E. Waterloo Road, Akron; (800) 362-4100.