Holiday happenings

DANCES

USA Dance Snowflake Ball: 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, Avon Oaks Ballroom, 1401 N. State St., Girard. Includes a special dance performance by Katy Photopoulos and Tony Scheppler. Advance ticket sales only. Limited number of tickets available through Nov. 30; go to usadance2015.com.

MUSIC

Annie Moses Band Christmas concert, featuring Joshua Carswell: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, W.D. Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave., Warren. 330-841-2931 or warrencivicmusic.com.

B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave., New Castle, Pa. Tickets $30-$45; contact Heinz Hall box office at 800-743-8560, or go to pittsburghsymphony.org.

Big Band Jingle Bell Swing: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. “The Big Band Sound of Packard” with vocalist Helen Welch. Free; 330-841-2619 or wdpackardband.com.

Boardman Middle Schools Holiday Concerts: 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11, Boardman High School Performing Arts Center, 7777 Glenwood Ave. Dec. 10 concert features 5th/7th-grade bands and Center/Glenwood 7th-grade jazz ensemble. Dec. 11 concert features 6th/8th-grade bands and Center/Glenwood 8th-grade jazz ensemble. Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for students, free for seniors and children under 10.

David Phelps Christmas concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Orr Auditorium, Westminster College, 319 S. Market St., New Wilmington, Pa. 724-946-7534 or westminster.edu/celebrity.

Canfield Community Concert Band concerts: 7 p.m. Dec. 1, Crestview Performing Arts Center, 44100 Crestview Road, Columbiana and 5 p.m. Dec. 6, Columbiana Church of the Nazarene, 330 N. Elm St. Both concerts free, but donations accepted at the Crestview Concert to benefit Crestview Music Boosters. Mix of traditional and modern holiday tunes. canfieldccband.org.

Chords of Christmas Live: 8 p.m. Dec. 11, Ford Family Recital Hall, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Concert raises funds for Project: Feed Our Valley to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. Cost is $20 plus box office fees; youngstownsymphony.com or 330-744-0264.

Christmas Children’s Concerts: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. The Packard Band. Free. 330-841-2619 or wdpackardband.com.

Carols and Cocoa: 7 p.m. Dec. 2, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. Dana School of Music at YSU will present its annual Carols and Cocoa holiday music extravaganza in the Stambaugh Ballroom. It will feature seasonal favorites, culminating in a holiday sing-along. Dana students bring cookies to share, and complimentary cocoa will be available.

Featured groups are Trombone Ensemble, guest conducted by Dr. Michael Crist; Dana Clarinet Ensemble, directed by Dr. Alice Wang; Dana Early Music Ensemble, directed by Dr. Randall Goldberg; Dana Flute Ensemble, directed by Dr. Kathryn Umble; University Chorus, Dana Chorale and the Stambaugh Chorus, directed by Dr. Hae-Jong Lee; and the YSU Barbershop Quartet, directed by Dr. Hae-Jong Lee.

After a brief intermission, guests are invited upstairs to the Concert Hall where the Dana Holiday Concert will be presented featuring Vivaldi’s Magnificat; Handel’s Hallelujah chorus; Shaw’s Many Moods of Christmas, Suite I; and Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas from “Home Alone” by John Williams.

Additional featured groups include The Dana Brass Quintet, directed by Dr. Stacie Mickens; YSU Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Kent Engelhardt; and Dana Symphony Orchestra, directed by Dr. Stephen L. Gage. Vivaldi’s Magnificat will be performed by the Dana Symphonic Choir, Stambaugh Chorus and Dana Symphony Orchestra. The high-school guest ensemble is the Austintown Fitch High School Concert Choir, directed by Bill Klein.

Organist Kathy Davison Miller will provide an organ postlude on Stambaugh’s E. M. Skinner pipe organ.

Tickets available in advance at the box office, at 330-259-0555 or at stambaughauditorium.com; tickets also available at the door. Cost is $10 ($5 for students from other schools and senior citizens, and free for children under 12 and YSU faculty, staff and students with a valid YSU ID).

The holiday concert will be live-streamed at ysu.edu. In addition, Armstrong Cable will rebroadcast the concert at various times throughout the holiday season.

YSU’s student Internet radio station, Rookery Radio, will rebroadcast the concert Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and on Christmas Eve at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; and on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. To hear this concert rebroadcast, go to rookeryradio.com and click on the link under “Listen Now.”

Elegant String Quartet holiday Concert: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19, St. James Meeting House in Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Free. Handmade decorations by the Holborn Herb Growers Guild will be displayed.

Holiday Concert of Giving: 4 p.m. Dec. 13, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. Stambaugh Chorus and Youngstown Community Concert Band perform in the concert that benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Offerings will be accepted. Cookie reception will follow the concert.

Jingle Jam: 11 a.m. Dec. 12, Eastwood Mall aquarium, 5555 Youngstown- Warren Road, Niles. KidZWorld at Grace Fellowship Church will perform “A Christmas Story Remix[ed].”

Kenny G Holiday Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. 330-259-0555 or stambaughauditorium.com.

Mahoning Valley Chorale “A Gospel Christmas” Concert: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown. A mix of familiar carols and original gospel Christmas songs. Will feature students from Southside Fine Arts Academy. Offering will be taken. Call the church at 330-743-1109 or director Kris Harper at 330-707-2144.

Michael Bolton greatest hits and holiday favorites concert: 8 p.m. Dec. 2, Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave., Warren; 800-745-3000.

Packard Band Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Packard Music Hall, 1703 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. Featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus with dancers. Free. 330-841-2619 or wdpackardband.com.

Piano Holiday Extravaganza: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Bliss Recital Hall, Youngstown State University. Free and open to the public.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops: 8 p.m. Dec.18, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave., New Castle, Pa. 800-743-8560 or pittsburghsymphony.org.

Project Feed Our Valley holiday concert: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 12, Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Sounds of the season performed by local school and community choirs as donations are collected for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Southern Park Mall Holiday Entertainment: Southern Park Mall (Sears Concourse), 7401 Market St., Boardman. Local groups will perform holiday favorites throughout the season. They include: Fitch Women’s Choir, 10 a.m. Nov. 30; Allegheny Wesleyan College, noon Dec. 5; William S. Guy Middle School, 10 a.m. Dec. 9; Struthers Show Choir, 4 p.m. Dec. 10; Boardman Center Middle School Choir, noon, Stambaugh Charter Academy, 2 p.m. and Sharon Mennonite Church, 6:30 p.m., all on Dec. 17; and South Range Jazz Band and Choir, 10 a.m. and Austintown Fitch Jazz Ensemble, 7 p.m., both Dec. 18.

Tuba Christmas: noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave., Youngstown. Tuba players perform Christmas carols. 330-259-0555 or stambaughauditorium.com.

Warren Civic Chorus/Warren Philharmonic Orchestra perform Handel’s “The Messiah”: 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6, Blessed Sacrament Parish, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren. www.WarrenCivicChorus.com.

Youngstown Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas on Broadway: 8 p.m. Dec. 12, Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will perform with Elizabeth Southard and Gary Mauer. YSU president Jim Tressel will narrate “Night Before Christmas,” and local celebrities perform “The Toy Symphony.” 330-744-0264 or youngstownsymphony.com.

ONSTAGE

“Christmas at the Pierce”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Area Community Theater of Sharpsville, Pierce Opera House, 100 N. Mercer Ave., Sharpsville, Pa. The production is a 1950’s style Christmas variety show. 724-815-4388 or actsharpsville.org.

“A Country Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, Salem Community Theater, 490 E. State St., Salem. 330-332-9688 or salemcommunitytheatre.org.

“Dove Tale”: noon Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 11, 12 and 13, Das Dutch Village Inn, 150 E. state Route 14, Columbiana. All shows are dinner theater. Tickets: 866-482-5050, ext. 310, or theater@dasdutchvillage.com.

“Greetings! Greetings!”: 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, Kent State Trumbull Campus, 4314 Mahoning Ave., Warren. 330-675-8833 or trumbullboxoffice@kent.edu.

“Holiday Special”: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13, Stage Left Players, Trinity Playhouse, 234 E. Lincoln Way, Lisbon. 330-831-7249 or stageleftplayers.org.

“How the Grouch Stole Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6, Penn State Shenango Auditorium, 147 Shenango Ave., Sharon, Pa.

“How the Drag Queen Stole Christmas”: 8 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12, presented by Rust Belt Theater Company, Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, 330-507-2358.

“In the Spirit of Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, Victorian Players Theater, 702 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, 330-746-5455.

“It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play”: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Dec. 4 and 5, and 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 5, Spotlight Theater inside Bliss Hall, Wick Ave., at Youngstown State University. 330-941-3105 or ysu.tix.com.

“Miracle on Easy Street”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 19, and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20, Easy Street Productions, Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown. 330-743-8555 or easystreetshows.com.

“The Nutcracker”: 2 p.m., Dec. 6, presented by New Castle Regional Ballet, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave., New Castle, Pa. 724-658-7122 or newcastleregionalballet.org.

“Ugly Christmas Sweater Revue”: 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 19 and 20, presented by Rust Belt Theater Company, Calvin Center, 755 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, 330-507-2358.

“White Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 13, Crown Theater Productions, Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana. 330-482-9915 or crowntheaterproductions.org.

“A Youngstown Nutcracker”: 10 a.m. school performance Dec. 4, and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5, presented by Ballet Western Reserve, Powers Auditorium, 260 W. Federal St., Youngstown; 330-744-1934 or balletwesternreserve.org.

SALES, SHOWS

American Holiday Arts and Crafts Show/Sale: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Butler Institute of American Art, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Admission $5 per person, free for children under 12. 330-743-1107.

Artists of the Mahoning Commons and Friends Holiday Open Studio and Art Sale: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and Nov. 28 and 29, Mahoning Commons in the Ward Bakery Building, 1024 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown. Area artists will have working studio spaces open for viewing and shopping. amcytown.com.

Christmas on the Farm: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28, Molnar Farms, 3115 E. Western Reserve Road, Poland. A craft market will be offered as part of Small Business Saturday. Gift baskets and hand-crafted presents by local artisans will be for sale.

Holiday Art Hop: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, downtown Warren. Enjoy a holiday-themed storefront competition while shopping among local businesses. Trolley rides. Held in conjunction with the Trumbull County Historical Society. WarrenArtHop.com.

Holiday Boutique: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 12, Southern Park Mall, 7401 Market St., Boardman. Local artists, crafters and home-based businesses will sell goods, and holiday entertainment will be provided.

Small Business Saturday Holiday Extravaganza: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 28, downtown Sharon, Pa. Local stores will offer prizes. DownTown ShopAround starts at 10 a.m. with carolers, art and food vendors.

Trumbull Art Gallery Gift Shop Holiday Spree: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, Trumbull Art Gallery, 158 N. Park Ave., Warren. Artist displays, demonstrations and sales.

Special eventS

The Alien Who Stole Christmas: 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19, Ward Beecher Planetarium, Youngstown State University. There will be a tour of winter’s evening sky; Santa and Mr. Freep will explore the planets of the solar system and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants; wbplanetarium.org.

All Aboard the Polar Express!: 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Newport branch library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown. Come dressed in your pajamas for games, crafts and a viewing of “The Polar Express” movie. Hot chocolate and cookies provided. For the entire family.

Big Band New Year’s Eve: 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31, Das Dutch Village Inn, 150 E. state Route 14, Columbiana. Dinner, dancing and performance from Dave Banks Big Band featuring Michael Sonata, a Frank Sinatra tribute artist. Tickets: 866-482-5050, ext. 412, or tourcolumbianaohio.com.

Beatitude House Christmas at the Lake: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 13, Lake Club, 1140 Paulin Road, Poland. Includes brunch and kid’s buffet, live entertainment, crafts, holiday activities for children and ticket auction. Reservations required. beatitudehouse.com/events or 330-744-3147.

Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus: 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 28, Dec. 6, 19 and 20, Piccadilly Parlour, 114 S. Broad St., Canfield. A breakfast, with beverage included, $16.95 per child. Reservation required, 330-533-4749. Cameras welcomed.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 28, in the lobby of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E. Lincoln Ave., New Castle, Pa. Sponsored by the New Castle Regional Ballet and its Nutcracker Production. Cost is $12 for those 10 and younger and $15 for 11 and older. Reservations: 724-658-9176.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 5, Southern Park Mall at food court near Chick-fil-A, 7401 Market St., Boardman. Seasonal crafts, magic show, balloon artists and visit from Santa. Register in advance at Chick-fil-A.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 10143 Main St., New Middletown. The annual fundraiser benefits the Springfield Library. Tickets can be purchased at the door: children under 3 are free; children 3-10 years are $5; children over age 10 and adults are $7.

Breakfast with Santa: 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 12, Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Sponsored by Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley. Reservations required, 330-652-6980, ext. 31504. Cost is $3 for children and $5 for adults. Santa photos will at 10 a.m. in the mall’s center court.

Boardman Community Christmas: 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Decorate pine trees with edible decorations for park animals at 4 p.m.; Santa will arrive at 4:30 by firetruck, and photos will follow in the gazebo; music and carols with the Boardman High School Band led by Linda Smrek in St. James Church also will be at 4:30, and lighting of community Christmas tree is at 4:45. Cookies and hot chocolate served.

Boardman Park Winter Wonderland: 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 6-Jan. 9, Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Fifteen elaborate light displays will be on display for families to enjoy, free, in a drive through the park.

Boar’s Head dinner: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12, Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NW, Warren. Songs and stories of the first Christmas with medieval-era instruments, songs, costumes, drama and food for the Madrigal celebration. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Reservations required. Order tickets by Monday and pay $30 per person or $220 for a table of eight. tapestriesofohio.net/dinner.html.

Caring Santa Photos: 8:30 to 10 a.m. Dec. 6, Southern Park Mall, 7401 Market St., Boardman. Mall will open early for children with autism and special needs to enjoy sensory-friendly activities and a photo with Santa. Reservations limited; go to simon.com/caringsanta.

Caring Santa Photos: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13, Eastwood Mall center court, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Mall will open early for children with special needs to enjoy a quiet environment to play games and get a photo with Santa. Reservations required; 330-743-9184, or visit autismohio.org/mv.

“Christmas in Youngstown” discussion: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Newport branch library, 3730 Market St., Youngstown. Event will include discussion, cookies, juice, presentation and a simple craft on the theme of Christmas in Youngstown. Bring memories and photos of Christmas traditions of the Valley. For adults.

Christmas on the Square: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Courthouse Square, Mercer, Pa. Free. Will feature the naming of an honorary elf, caroling, tree lighting, chili cook-off, craft vendors and the arrival of Santa by firetruck. 724-662-4185 or mercerchamber@zoominternet.net.

Cookies for Santa: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Children will make cut-out cookies and holiday waffles that they will decorate. Tickets $7 per child ($5 for Boardman residents).

Cortland Gingerbread Walk: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 28, downtown Cortland. Sales and deals offered at Cortland Specialty Shops, free carriage rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; gingerbread house contest, pop-up shops, and photo with life-size gingerbread house at the Cortland Opera House.

Christmas in Columbiana: A variety of events will be offered Friday and Saturday in downtown Columbiana. Friday events include: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sounds of the Season on the Square provided by Crown Theater Productions cast members; 6 p.m. light-up ceremony on town square; 6:30 p.m. Santa Christmas Parade on Main Street; 6 to 9 p.m. light-up at Firestone Park and official opening of Joy of Christmas Light Show; 8 p.m. Rockin’ Around Town Square concert at Main Street Theater; hot chocolate from Gamma Eta Sorority, Grace Church will be open for warming up, and merchant open houses also will be offered. Saturday events include: 8:30 a.m. Rebel Run 5K and Fun Walk at Crestview High School; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Jude Church craft show; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Meals on Wheels stuffed-potato luncheon at Firestone Park Pavilion #4, salad and soup for $7/person; 6 to 9 p.m., Christmas hayrides through light show. There also will be Rockin’ Around the Town Square performances at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. columbianachamber.com.

A Cortland Christmas: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Cortland Branch Library, 578 Lakeview Drive. Crafts, snacks, visit from Santa and performance from Lakeview High School madrigals.

Disney on Ice – Treasure Trove: 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 12; 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 13, Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St., Youngstown. Ticketmaster.

Dairy Queen Christmas events: Nov. 29 at Columbiana DQ, 241 E. Park Ave.; Dec. 4 at Cornersburg, 3555 S. Meridian Road; Dec. 11 at Austintown, 146 N. Canfield-Niles Road. At each location, Santa will arrive at 5 p.m., and reindeer will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. Free pictures with Santa and Curly the Cone, and roasting of chestnuts, hot dogs, and marshmallows by a fire, with hot chocolate. Live music will be provided by local schools.

East Palestine Christmas Parade: 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Parade line-up at 1 p.m. at East Palestine City Park.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tradition Story time: 11 a.m. Nov. 28, Barnes and Noble, 381 Boardman- Poland Road, Boardman. Story time, crafts and events based on “The Elf on the Shelf” by Carol Aebersold. 330-629-9436.

Family Holiday Extravaganza: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5, Liberty Branch Library, 415 Church Hill-Hubbard Road, Youngstown. The Youngstown Connection will begin the festivities with a performance, followed by refreshments and visit from Santa.

First Night Youngstown 2016: 4 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31, downtown Youngstown. Family-friendly events to ring in 2016 at a variety of downtown venues. Fireworks at 9 p.m. and again at midnight, with the ball drop at the Covelli Centre, 229 E. Front St.; firstnightyoungstownoh.com.

First Night Canfield 2016: 6 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31, downtown Canfield. Family-friendly events to ring in 2016 at a variety of Canfield venues. Expanded children’s activities and entertainment offered. Fireworks at midnight. firstnightcanfield.org or 330-533-2290.

Front Porch Storytellers with Regina Rees: 10 a.m. Dec. 19, Kravitz Deli meeting room, 3135 Belmont Ave., Liberty. William Holmes McGuffey Historical Society will welcome Rees, YSU professor emeritus, to share alternative and ancient Christmas stories. Free admission and refreshments. Reservations encouraged, call 330-726-8277, but walk-ins are welcome.

Gingerbread House Holiday Program: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Poland branch library, 311 S. Main St. Guests will enjoy hot chocolate and holiday music as they build miniature gingerbread houses. For children of all ages. Registration required, 330-744-8636.

Hermitage Historical Society Festival of Trees Christmas Tours: 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13, and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11, Hermitage Historical Society, Stewart House, 5465 E. State St. The 150-year-old brick Victorian house and home of the Hermitage Historical Society will be decorated for the holidays in a “Christmas favorites” theme. Free tours. Donations accepted. 724-962-3266 or 724-854-0712.

Hermitage Holiday Light Parade: 6 p.m. Saturday, E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. Decorated floats travel down East State starting at Kraynak’s and continuing to the Shenango Valley Mall. 724-981-0800.

Holiday Lights: 8 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 18 and 19, Ward Beecher Planetarium, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown. The planetarium’s annual holiday program combines lights, music and visual effects with the wonders of the winter season and outer space. 330-941-1370.

Holiday Nature Crafts: 10 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Pioneer Pavilion, Mill Creek MetroParks. Children 7 to 12 will create holiday crafts made of natural materials. Register/pay at Ford Nature Center by Dec. 15.

Holiday Open House: 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10, Liberty branch library, 415 Church Hill-Hubbard Road. Guitarist Tyler Guerrieri will perform, and cookies and punch will be served.

Holiday Story Time with Mrs. Claus: 11 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24, Eastwood Mall center court aquarium, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Free. Mrs. Claus reads a story and provides tickets for a free train ride. 330-652-6980, ext. 31504.

Holiday Traditions lecture: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St. Christopher Kenney, director of education at McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, will explore the history of traditions and symbols of the holiday season. Registration required, salem.lib.oh.us or 330-332-0042.

Holiday Workshop: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 12, Boardman Library, 7680 Glenwood Ave., Boardman. All day the library will be transformed into a DIY holiday workshop with numerous crafts, ornaments or gifts for kids to make and take. For children of all ages.

Homemade Candy Cane Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 12, Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, 325 W. Federal St., Youngstown. Participants will make candy canes and take their work home. $3 per person. Registration, lrich@mahoninghistory.org. Limited to 50 participants.

How to Catch a Santa Story time: 11 a.m. Dec. 19, Barnes and Noble, 381 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Story time and activities featuring How to Catch Santa.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Story time: 11 a.m. Dec. 5, Barnes and Noble, 381 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman.

Joy of Christmas Holiday Light Show: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays Nov. 20-Dec. 13, and open every night Dec. 17-30, Firestone Park, 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana. One million Christmas lights in 60 animated holiday light scenes. Visit Gingerbread House and Santa’s Ice Castle after the drive for more events. $8 per car. tourcolumbianaohio.com.

Kraynak’s Santa’s Christmasland: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31. Kraynak’s, 2525 E. State St., Hermitage, Pa. Free. 724-347-4511 or Kraynaks.com. A 300-foot-long avenue of trees and animated figures. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas; open Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Let it Snow – Holiday Music Magic”: 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12, Westminster College Planetarium, New Wilmington, Pa. Christmas songs will be accompanied by full-dome animations, including a tour of winter constellations in Western Pennsylvania. Rooftop stargazing will follow each show, weather permitting.

Light the Village Poland: 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at and around Poland Village Hall. Scheduled events include: 5:30, tree lighting at Peterson Park; 5:30 to 7, crafts; 6:15 to 6:45, songs and stories; and 5:30 to 7, half-price Friends of the Library book sale, all at Poland Library. At Village Hall, Santa arrives at 6; carols by the Holy Family Youth Choir, Poland Seminary Singers and PSHS Brass Band at the gazebo from 6 to 7; village hall tree lighting at 7; cookies and hot cocoa served, carriage rides courtesy of Rotary Club of Poland (reserve in advance), and music and carols also will be offered. Kravitz Deli in the Poland Library will be open and offer cookies and hot cider while supplies last; cookie decorating at Wittenauer’s Cafe from 5:30 to 6:30. Sponsored by Poland Junior Women’s Club and community organizations. www.pjwc.org/lighting-of-the-village.

Lunch with Santa: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5, Arlington Heights Recreation Center, 903 Otis St., Youngstown. The lunch and photo with Santa is free for all children under 10. Sponsored by Youngstown Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Youngstown Parks and Recreation and Buckeye Health Plan. 330-550-9996.

“Memories of Christmas Past” exhibit: Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, and noon to 7 p.m. Thursdays, from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown. Seven 1905-era period rooms of the Arms Family mansion display vintage holiday decorations that include ornaments, lighting, trees, toys and trains. For information, prices and special events, go to memoriesofchristmaspast.com/events or call 330-743-2589.

Model Railroad Association Open House: Noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6, 751 N. Four Mile Run Road, Austintown. Holiday and train displays. Cost is $4 per person. Youngstown Model Railroad Association, www.ymra.org.

A McKinley Christmas: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 5, traveling between McKinley Birthplace Home, McKinley Memorial Museum/Library and Ward-Thomas House (Niles Historical Society), Main St., Niles. A Mill Creek MetroParks trolley will first provide transportation to the three locations for tours. Entertainment, crafts, visits with Santa and refreshments provided by Salvation Army canteen. Free.

“Mystery of the Christmas Star”: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 12, Westminster College Planetarium, New Wilmington, Pa. The show will offer a scientific explanation of the bright star the wise men followed to find baby Jesus on Christmas night. Rooftop stargazing will follow each show, weather permitting.

Museum Merrymaking fundraiser: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5, National Packard Museum 1899 Mahoning Ave., Warren. There will be a display of trees decorated by community organizations and service agencies, a buffet dinner and music by Take II Band. Cost is $25. Reservations, 330-394-1899 or packardmuseum.org.

Night of Lights: 6 p.m. Nov. 28, downtown Sharon, Pa. Musical and dance performances, refreshments, horse-drawn sleigh, ceremonial lighting of the tree and Christmas Cherub and fireworks.

Noel Night (Light Up Night): 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4, 550 Main St., Volant, Pa. Sample hors d’oeuvres in village shops. Special offers in Main Street shops and views of the village lit for the holidays. Rick Bruening, folk singer and storyteller, will perform inside Volant Mills. Free. 724-533-3272.

“Noon” Year’s Eve Party: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 31, Warren branch library, 444 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. Celebrate the New Year a little early with music, games, crafts, snacks and a countdown to the noon ball drop. Fancy dress is encouraged; registration required, 330-399-8807, ext. 206.

Olde Fashioned Christmas at the Mill: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29, Lanterman’s Mill, 980 Canfield Road, Youngstown. Enjoy the mill decorated in holiday finery. Activities include chestnut roasting, wish lists for Santa, weaving, pottery and wood-carving demonstrations with local artisans, unique gifts for sale and musical entertainment. Donate hats, scarf or mittens to a Giving Tree to keep others warm.

Pet Photo Night: 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and Dec. 13, Southern Park Mall, 7401 Market St., Boardman. Pet owners are invited to bring their pets for a special photo session with Santa.

Polar Express Story time: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, Barnes and Noble, 381 Boardman- Poland Road, Boardman. There will be a pajama party in celebration of the 30th anniversary of “The Polar Express.”

Polish Happy Hour Christmas Party: 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 10, Magic Tree Pub and Eatery, 7463 South Ave., Boardman. PolishYoungstown will host the Happy Hour that will feature caroling, food and vodka specials, and performance from Kolendowanie with special guest Chardon Polka Band. 330-333-9724.

Santaland Brunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6, Vernon’s Cafe, 720 Youngstown Road, Niles. The 29th annual event to benefit Niles Community Services features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves and friends, and a door prize and raffle. Cost is $14.50 for adults, $9.50 for children 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and under if reserved and paid before Dec. 4; at the door, cost will be $15, $10.50 and free, respectively. 330-652-1381.

Santa Pet Photos: 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Eastwood Mall center court, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, Niles. Pet owners are invited to bring their pets for a special photo session with Santa.

Santa Shuffle: Noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 5, downtown Youngstown. Starts and ends at Draught House; Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts, O’Donold’s, V2, Avalon Downtown, Tap House and Los Gallos will be stops. A portion of $10 entry fee will be donated to a local charity. Call 330-550-4000 for information.

Santa’s Winter Barn: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 29, Mill Creek MetroParks Farm, 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Road, Canfield. Welcome Santa and his animal friends, such as camels and yaks, at the farm. Holiday pictures in Santa’s sleigh.

Santa’s Workshop: 2 p.m. Dec. 12, Warren branch library, 444 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. Children in kindergarten through grade 6 can make holiday presents in Santa’s Workshop. Registration required; 330-399-8807, ext. 206.

“Seasonal Style – A History of Holiday Fashion” lecture with Jessica Trickett: 2 p.m. Dec. 19, Arms Museum Carriage House meeting room, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown.

Story time with Mrs. Claus: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11, Piccadilly Parlour, 114 S. Broad St., Canfield. $12 per person. Drinks and sweets will be served. Reservation required, 330-533-4749. Cameras welcomed.

Story time with Mrs. Claus: 1:15 to 2:45 and 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2:30 to 4 p.m. Dec. 13 and group session 6 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Upton House, 380 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren. Pictures of each child with Mrs. Claus will be taken by a helper. A frame for the picture, as well as other crafts and a lunch will be offered. Cost is $12 per child. Reservations required by Nov. 29; go to uptonhouse.org.

Supper with Santa: 5:30 to 7:30 Dec. 8 and 9, Lariccia Family Community Center in Boardman Park, 375 Boardman-Poland Road, Boardman. Crafts and photos with St. Nick also offered. Reservations required. 330-726-8107.

Tea With Santa: Noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20, Piccadilly Parlour, 114 S. Broad St., Canfield. A lunch, served in a tea-party style, will be $16.95 per child. A fancier meal for adults will be $17.95 per person. Reservation required, 330-533-4749. Cameras welcomed.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3, Mastropietro Winery, 14558 Ellsworth Road, Berlin Center. Wear the ugliest Christmas sweater you own and take an appetizer to share; winery will supply plates, napkins and plastic-ware. Ugliest sweater prize will be awarded at 8.

Warren Tree Lighting and Victorian Christmas: 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, Courthouse Square, downtown Warren. Pictures with Santa, holiday music, hot-chocolate station, performances from Warren G. Harding High School Choir and Warren City Wide Youth Choir will be offered. Downtown shops, restaurants and galleries will be open, and a Victorian storefront winner will be announced.

Winter Celebration – The Forest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 5-Jan. 3, Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown. Attractions include “Electric Garden,” a display of twinkling lights throughout the Garden grounds on Saturdays and Sundays, and a holiday tree display.

“A Victorian Christmas” lecture with Traci Manning: 2 p.m. Dec. 26, Arms Museum Carriage House meeting room, 648 Wick Ave., Youngstown.

Vocal Christmas at Howland: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2, Howland branch library, 9095 E. Market St. Carols, crafts and refreshments. Santa arrives at 5:30 p.m., and Stephen Foster Chorus performs at 6:30.

Youngstown Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 4, downtown Youngstown. Activities begin at 4:30 at 20 Federal Place and Central Square with food, holiday vendors, caroling and entertainment; Federal Street parade, 5:30; and Santa’s arrival and a tree-lighting ceremony at Central Square at 6:30. Pictures with Santa will be at Central Square and 20 Federal after his arrival. Other activities include Dueling Pianos at Suzie’s Dogs and Drafts; Youngstown Phantoms Hockey YSU night; Oh Wow! Children’s Center will remain open; and downtown storefronts will be decorated for the season. For information, go to youngstowncityscape.com, youngstownohio.gov or facebook.com/YOholidayparade.