HOLIDAY EVENTS

Mark your calendars! The holiday season is here, and it brings a multitude of concerts, stage plays, dances, events for children and more. Here's a current sampling of what's scheduled in the Mahoning Valley.

ART, CRAFTS

Sculpt Polymer Clay Christmas Ornaments, noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 21, Trumbull Art Gallery, 198 E. Market St., Warren. Children will use soft colored clay to create colorful, fun Christmas ornaments to take home and decorate your tree, or give as a present, 8 years old and up, $15. (330) 395-4876.

Thanksgiving Candlelight Centerpiece, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 24, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park. Deby Clark will help you create a centerpiece that includes the warm seasonal colors of mums, statice, gerbera, autumn leaves, cattails, wheat and candles. Preparation of flowers and greens will be demonstrated and students will be instructed through the steps of their arrangements. Call to register. Fee: $28 ($35 non-residents). (330) 740-7116.

Create a Christmas Advent Calendar, noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 28, Trumbull Art Gallery. Have children start the official countdown to Christmas by creating an Advent calendar, a traditional hanging fabric calendar which marks each day leading up to Christmas, 8 years old and up, $15.

Fresh Holiday Arrangement, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park. Pine, boxwood, scarlet carnations, white chrysanthemums and berries will encircle a hurricane lamp to make your holiday table a welcome sight for guests. Marie Borocz will help you step-by-step in make this holiday arrangement. Fee: $28 residents; $36 non-residents. Call (330) 740-7116 to register.

Hand Printed Custom Christmas Cards, noon to 2 p.m., Dec. 5, Trumbull Art Gallery. Make your own Christmas cards. Children will carve their own custom stamps and print their own cards, ages 10 and up, $15. (330) 395-4876.

Boxwood Tree, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park. Create a holiday boxwood tree that will enhance any decor. Instructor: Deby Clark. Trees will be decorated with bows, red berries or ornaments. Fee: $39, $30 for Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Call (330) 740-7116 to register.

Calligraphy, noon to 1:30 p.m., Dec. 12, Trumbull Art Gallery. Learn how to use a real calligraphy pen and inkwell to use on invitations, diplomas, cards, etc. Also learn how to write in various styles of script. Students keep pen, inkwell and calligraphic style sheet, ages 10 and up, $15. (330) 395-4876.

CHILDREN

“Beauty and the Beast,” Nov. 20-Dec. 6, New Castle Playhouse, Augustine Auditorium, 202 E. Long Ave., New Castle, Pa. (724) 654-3437.

“Cinderella” and brunch, noon Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and 12, Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St., Youngstown. Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 for children. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (330) 788-8739.

Tales for Twos: Snow Tree, 10, 10:45 or 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3, Ford Nature Center, Mill Creek Park. Children will enact “The Snow Tree.” Enjoy milk and cookies and make a pinecone craft. Must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-register at Ford Nature Center.

“Lunch With Santa,” 11 - 2 Dec. 5, DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Caroling, making crafts, pictures with Santa. Reservations, (330)744-0264 or www.youngstownsymphony.com.

“Ho, Ho, Ho!” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6, MetroParks Farm, Canfield. Santa will make an appearance at the farm with one of his reindeer. Bring your cameras for this unique photo opportunity. Children can make a special reindeer craft to take home.

Santaland Brunch, 11-1 Dec. 6, Vernon’s Cafe, Biamar Center, 720 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa’s Elves, face painters, Grotto Clowns, door prizes, raffle. Adults ,$11; Ages 4-12, $7.50; children under 3, free. Reservations and payment due by Dec. 4. (330) 652-1381.

Supper with Santa, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Boardman Community Center, Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Join Santa Claus for supper while you eat, make crafts and take a picture with Santa. Fee: $6 for Boardman residents; $8 for non-residents. 2 years old and under free. Purchase tickets at Boardman Park Office.

Reindeer Moss Container, 11 - noon Dec. 11 or 12, 1 - 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Davis Center. Preschoolers ages 3-5 with their adult companions will decorate a clay pot with a holiday theme and fill it with a plant to make a whimsical gift for someone special. A snack and story will add to the fun. Fee: $6 for residents; $8 non-residents. Call (330) 740-7116 to register.

Candy Cane Arrangement, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Dec. 12, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Davis Center. Children ages 6 and up will learn how to identify evergreens, assemble a unique holiday arrangement with candy canes, and enjoy refreshments. An adult should accompany each child. Fee: $8 residents; $11 non-residents. Call (330) 740-7116 to register.

Santa’s Calling, 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15 or 16, Boardman Park is assisting Mr. and Mrs. Claus this holiday by providing a direct phone line to the community. Parents who would like their children to receive a phone call from Santa should pick up a form at Boardman Park Office or download off the web site. Completed forms should be returned to the office, 375 Boardman-Poland Road. Only one phone call to each family for children ages 3-8 only. Free.

Cookies for Santa, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Boardman Community Center, Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Enjoy baking with your child making cut-out cookies, holiday waffles, decorating their masterpieces, crafts and more. $5 for Boardman residents, $7 for non residents. For ages 3 and older. No tickets will be sold at the door. Purchase tickets at the park office.

DANCES

USA Dance annual Snowflake Ball, 4-9 Dec. 13, Avon Oaks Ballroom, 1401 N. State St., Girard. Evening includes buffet dinner and dance. Open dancing will include Smooth Ballroom, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Polka and Country Two Step, Latin (Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, mambo, Salsa and Merengue), Swing (East Coast, West Coast and Lindy) and Hustle. Advance tickets sales only through Nov. 30. $35 USA member, $40 no-member, $25 full time students. (330) 793-1962.

Al-Ray Combo Christmas Sing-a-long, 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Kuzman’s, 1025 S. State St., Girard, (330) 545-8995.

New Year’s Eve Dance with The Del Sinchak Band, 8 to midnight, Dec. 31, Kuzman’s, 1025 S. State St., Girard, (330) 545-8521 or (330) 545-8995.

MUSIC

Good Life Singers “Christmas on Main Street,” 7:30 Nov. 20 and 21, Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., Ashtabula. (440) 964-3396.

Handel's "Messiah" by Shenango Valley Chorale, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22, First Presbyterian Church, 600 E. State St., Sharon, Pa. (724) 941-4732.

Salem Youth Chorus Christmas Concert, 4 p.m. Nov. 22, St. Jude Catholic Church, 180 Seventh St., Columbiana. Sacred choral music entitled, “I Will Sing With the Spirit.” (330) 482-2464.

Salem Youth Chorus Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 27, St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church, 3487 Old Forge Road, Rootstown. Sacred choral music entitled, “I Will Sing With the Spirit.” (330) 325-7543.

TubaChristmas, noon and 2 p.m. Nov. 28, Eastwood Mall Performing Arts Center, Niles. (330) 219-2998.

Salem Youth Chorus Christmas Concert, 8 p.m. Nov. 28, St. Paul Catholic Church, 935 E. State St., Salem. Sacred choral music entitled, “I Will Sing With the Spirit.” (330) 332-0336.

Salem Youth Chorus Christmas Concert, 4 p.m. Nov. 29, St. James Episcopal Church, 7640 Glenwood Ave., Boardman. Sacred choral music entitled, “I Will Sing With the Spirit.” (330) 758-2727.

Holiday Concert by Grove City High School, 12:30 Dec. 1, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday Concert by Farrell High School, 12:30 Dec. 2, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Carols and Cocoa, 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. (330) 259-0555.

YSU Dana Holiday Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. (330) 259-0555.

Holiday Concert by West Middlesex High School, 12:30 Dec. 4, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Victory Christian Center, 3899 McCartney Road, Lowellville. Tickets are $25 each at (330) 536-2280 or (888) 774-5679 or can be purchased at Heaven On Earth Books and Gifts in Boardman. (330) 726-0369.

The Chords of Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 5, First Christian Church, 33 N. Arlington, Niles. Performing songs from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Benefit Niles Community Services. Cost $5, children 6 and under, free. For tickets (330) 652-6412.

Fifth annual Benefit Christmas Concert, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6, St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown. Beatitude House in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning County are the sponsors. Performances by Cantamus 10 with Sally Gun and Beatitude House Children’s Choir. Admission is free but a free-will offering will be taken. For more information or to become a sponsor, call (330) 744-3147.

W.D. Packard Concert Band Christmas Concert, 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren. (330) 841-2619.

Holiday Concert by Greenville High School, 12:30 Dec. 7, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday Concert by Sharon High School, 12:30 Dec. 9, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday Concert by Commodore Perry High School, 12:30 Dec. 10, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Youngstown Community Concert Band Christmas Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana. (330) 482-9647.

Spotlight Singers annual holiday concert, 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., Ashtabula. (440) 964-3396.

Holiday concert by Hickory High School, 12:30 Dec. 11, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday Spectacular, 8 p.m. Dec. 12, Edward W. Powers Auditorium, Youngstown. With Stephanie J. Block, the Youngstown Connection, Kenny Eldridge and the Jesus Celebration Singers, Ballet Western Reserve and area school children in songs of the season. (330) 744-0264.

Celebrate the Season with Seraphim, 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman Poland Road, Poland. (330) 707-2144.

Holiday concert by Sharpsville High School, 12:30 Dec. 14, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday concert by Reynolds High School, 12:30 Dec. 15, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday concert by Lakeview High School, 12:30 Dec. 16, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday concert by West Middlesex Oakview Middle School, 12:30 Dec.17, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Holiday concert by Mercer High School, 12:30 Dec. 18, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Candlelight Christmas with MCHS Chamber Players, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18, Helen Black Miller Memorial Chapel, 119 S. Pitt St., Mercer, Pa. (724) 662-3490.

Rockin’ Around the Town Square Christmas Concert, 8 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19, 2 p.m. Dec. 20, Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana. (330) 482-9647.

Holiday concert with Kennedy Catholic High School, 12:30 Dec. 22, Mercer County Courthouse Rotunda, 138 S. Diamond St., Mercer, Pa. Performances are approximately 25 minutes and seating is available. (724) 662-3800.

Celebrate the Season with Seraphim, noon Dec. 26, Mary, Mother of Hope Catholic Church, 124 N. Beaver St., New Castle, Pa. (330) 707-2144.

MUSEUMS

Deck the Hall, 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 19-22, 27-29, Dec, 3-6, 10-13, 17-20, 22-23, 26-27 and 29-30, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 North Portage Path, Akron. Christmas Collections are the focus this year and 25 rooms in the Manor House will be decorated to create a warm and inviting setting. Ranging from snow globes to gingerbread houses to Christmas quilts to doll collections, the Manor House will feature a different assemblage in each room. A collection of nutcrackers is on display in the Corbin Conservatory, where children up to age 17 will receive a complimentary gingerbread cookie. Musical entertainment, as well as ice sculpting demonstrations on select evenings round out the holiday festivities. The Carriage House Museum Store is stocked with unusual and exclusive items for sale, and the Stan Hywet Cafe services hot chocolate, cookies and other holiday fare. (330) 836-5533 or www.stanhywet.org.

Holiday in Motion, Dec. 5-Jan. 10, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Features working Lionel train displays, animated German tick-tock figures, a vintage nativity set and other religious artifacts, a room of Santa Claus figures dating mid 1800s to present; 1950s era Christmas trees with period lighting. Activities and crafts for children in Anne Kilcawley Christman Hands-On History Room. Hours: 1-5 Tue.-Sun., 10-5 Dec. 5, 1-5 Dec. 6, 1-8 Dec. 9, 16. Cost: $4 adults, $3 for senior citizens (60+) and $2 children, 3 and under free. (330) 743-2589.

NIGHTLIFE

Christmas Party with Rudy & the Professionals, 9 p.m. Dec. 23, The Fireplace, 2075 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland. (330) 757-4043.

New Year’s Eve Party with Smokehouse, 9 p.m. Dec. 31, The Fireplace, 2075 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland. (330) 757-4043.

New Year’s Eve with Hern Brothers, Dec. 31, Hotel Conneaut, Conneaut Lake Park, Pa. Admission and midnight buffet, $10 per person; Dinner, midnight buffet, $35 person or $60 per couple; Dinner, midnight buffet and hotel accommodations, $150 couple; $75 single. (814) 213-0120.

New Year’s Eve Party with Mario Cafarelli, dinner 7 p.m., entertainment 9-midnight Dec. 31, L’uva Bella Winery, 6597 Center Road, Lowellville. $99 per couple for sit down prime rib dinner with bottle of wine, dessert, coffee and a champagne toast. Cash bar. Reservations must be prepaid. (330) 536-6450.

ONSTAGE

Radio City Rockettes in “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” Nov. 19-Dec. 6, Benedum Center, 719 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. (412) 456-4800.

“The Nutcracker,” 1 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. (330) 259-0555.

“Mrs. Bob Crachit’s Wild Christmas Binge,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 19, and 10:15 p.m. Dec. 18, Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Age 13 and up. (330) 836-2626.

“A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. Dec. 6, 13, Salem Community Theater, 490 E. State St., Salem. (330) 332-9688.

“How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St., Youngstown. (330) 746-0404.

“Farndale...Christmas Carol.” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11,12; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 13, Firehouse Theater, 450 E. Market St., Alliance. (330) 921-8712.

Miracle on Easy Street, 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 19; 2:30 Dec. 19, 20, Ford Family Recital Hall at DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. (330) 744-0264.

“Nativity,” 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, Fairview Arts & Outreach Center, 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road, Youngstown. By Top Hat Productions. (800) 838-3006.

“The Nutcracker,” 7:30 Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat. & Sun. Dec. 4-20, Ashtabula Arts Center, 2928 W. 13th St., Ashtabula. (440) 964-3396.

“In the Spirit of the Season,” 3 one-act plays, 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5, 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana. (330) 482-9647.

“It’s a Wonderful Night!” dinner 6:30, show 7:30 Dec. 5, 11, 12 and dinner 1 p.m., shows 2 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6, First United Methodist Church, 237 W. Silver St., Sharon, Pa. Social hour before dinner for all shows. Cost: $20. Call (724) 983-0200 9 - 4 p.m. Tue.-Th. and 9 a.m. - noon Fri. for reservations.

“Miracle on 34th Street,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18, 19; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 20, Youngstown Playhouse, 600 Playhouse Lane, Youngstown. (330) 788-8739.

“Victorian Holiday” 7:30 and 11 p.m., Dec.11, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Hiram College, 6832 Hinsdale Road, Hiram, Hayden Auditorium, (330) 569-5196.

“A Holiday Memory,” 7:30 Dec. 11 and 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 12, New Castle Playhouse, Augustine Auditorium, 212 E. Long Ave., New Castle. Second annual holiday variety show. (724) 657-9369.

Svjaty Vechur/velija: A pageant of the customs and traditions of Christmas Eve, 4 p.m. Dec. 12, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, 2053 North Road, Warren. Performed by the Carpatho-Rusyn Society and will include a dinner consisting of 12 traditional foods. Special entertainment provided by the Balalaika Ensemble from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Mogadore. Will also include a gift table of ethnic items and the singing of Christmas Carols. Door prizes. Adults $15; children, $7.50. St. Nicholas will give golden coins to attendees. For more information please call President Jim Basista at (330)544-0107; Vice President, Robert Democko at (330) 758-1287; Treasurer, Tom Maley at (330)530-5028; or Secretary, Michael Vasilchek at (330) 755-6883.

“The Cricket on the Hearth,” 8 p.m. Dec. 26 and 27, Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana. (330) 482-9647.

OUTDOORS

Christmas at the Mill hike, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 29, Meet at Scholl Recreation Area, Mill Creek Park. Join naturalist emeritus Bill Whitehouse for a leisurely hike to Lanterman’s Mill and back. Moderate difficulty, 2 miles.

Gardens by Candlelight, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 13, Fellows Riverside Gardens, Mill Creek Park. Twinkling lights and luminarias will brighten the frosty night as families enjoy a walk through the gardens. Complete the evening by warming up in the Davis Center with music, cocoa and sugar cookies. Please share the joy of the evening with others in the Valley by bringing a nonperishable food item to donate to the housing programs at the YWCA of Youngstown. (330) 740-7116.

Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk, 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Ford Nature Center. Celebrate the arrival of winter with a candlelit walk through time. We will honor the roots of our modern celebrations, many derived from Egyptian, Druid, Roman, Viking and other traditions, through poetry, storytelling and music. Easy rating, under 1/2 mile. Call (330) 740-7107 by Dec. to register.

PARADES

Holiday Parade, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Newton Falls. Begins at Andretti Ford, south on Canal St. to Broad St., east to Center St., north on Center and ends at Cadle parking lot. Tree lighting and caroling will follow at Four Corners Park. (330) 841-0142.

POP, ROCK, JAZZ

Kenny Rogers, 8 p.m. Dec. 15, Covelli Center, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown. (330) 746-5600 or (866) 448-7849.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild & Swingin’ Holiday Party, doors open 7 p.m. Dec. 15, House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. (216) 274-3326.

SALES, SHOWS

Christmas By the Lake, 8-5 Nov. 21, 10-4 Nov. 22, Lake Placentia, 3300 Westville Lake Road, Beloit. Antique and craft show that includes: face painting for children, Santa’s arrival at noon Sat. and Sun., win a live Christmas tree from Sanor Trees. Proceeds of food sales will benefit Eighth grade West Branch Cheerleaders. (330) 525-7652.

Christmasland, 9-9 Mon.-Sat., 10-5 Sun., through 5 p.m. Dec. 24, Kraynak’s, 2525 E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. More than 85 decorated trees and animated figures. Closed Thanksgiving Day. (724) 347-4511.

YSU Holiday Arts and Craft Sale, 10-5 Dec. 5; noon-5 Dec. 6; McDonough Museum of Art, 525 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Admission is free. Affordable and unique gifts available made by students, staff and alumni from the Dept. of Art at YSU. For more information, call (330) 941-1400.

Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten Annual Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, Ursuline Center, 4300 Shields Road, Canfield. Admission is free and ample parking is available. Features over 100 vendors selling unique holiday crafts and other creative items. Many raffles, homemade baked goods and candy and concession stands. (330) 792-4150.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Show: American Holiday, 10 to 5 Dec. 5, 10-4 p.m. Dec. 6, The Butler Institute of American Art hosts its annual holiday craft show. Proceeds from the event support Butler education programs and the Butler free admission policy. Call (330) 743-1107, ext. 112 for information.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Christmas in Columbiana, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, light up night on the square; CHS choir concert 5:45; piano concert at Roberta’s Gallery, 6:30-7. Nov. 20: Christmas Home Tours, 10-3 and 6-8, $6; Nov. 21: pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. Methodist Church; lunch available at First Presbyterian Church; home tours, 10-3; entertainment on the square, 11-5 and merchant open houses, 10-5. Nov. 22: merchant open houses continue, 1-5. (330) 482-3822.

Old Fashioned Christmas at the Mill, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29, Lanterman’s Mill, Mill Creek Park. Taste chestnuts roasted on an open fire, give Santa your wish list, purchase unique gifts, be entertained by a juggler, balloon artist, and many fine musicians. (330) 740-7126 for details.

Austintown Community Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6:45 p.m. Dec. 4, Wickliffe Circle Fire Station, 4102 Mahoning Ave., Austintown. Fitch brass band will play sing-a-long carols, Santa Claus will arrive on a fire truck, refreshments will be served. (330) 792-1129.

Festival of Lights, 6 to 10 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 6 to 9 Sun., Dec. 4-27, Conneaut Lake Park, 12382 Center St. (Route 618), Conneaut Lake, Pa. Winter Wonderland, thousands of lights, animated displays and scenes of Christmas from around the world. Conneaut Lake Park Tokens and season passes are not valid for Festival of Lights. (814) 382-5115.

Photography Workshop “Getting Ready for the Holidays,” 2-5 Dec. 5, Hoyt Institute of Art, 124 E. Leasure Ave., New Castle, Pa. Learn how to take that perfect holiday photograph with instructor Jeff Behm. Bring your digital camera and instruction manual. $55 for non-members, $45 for members. Please call to register. (724) 652-2882.

Winter Celebration: Home for the Holidays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Dec. 5-Jan. 3, Garden Cafe, Davis Center, Mill Creek Park. Play a child-sized version of Candy Land, view Lake Glacier, visit the Shop in the Gardens for holiday gifts. (330) 740-7116.

Holiday Gathering, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Liberty Township Administration Building. Santa arrives at 4 p.m. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa. Holiday music by students from Villa Marie Teresa Oblate Sisters. Refreshments.

Boardman Community Christmas, 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Boardman Park Gazebo. Music by Boardman High School Band and caroling by Linda Smrek. Santa arrives at 3 p.m. Boardman PTA will serve hot chocolate. Free. (330) 726-8107.

Holiday Light Display, 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6-Jan. 1, Boardman Park transforms into a Winter Wonderland starting with a “Seasons Greeting” at the front gate. Drive through and see lighted displays. Tour historic St. James Church, open during Community Christmas events.

Home 44444 the Holidays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Dec. 12, Ohio Army National Guard, Route 534 just north of Route 5, Newton Falls. Crafters, food, kid’s crafts, pictures with Santa, family photos and cookie contest. (330) 841-0142.