COLUMBIANA, Ohio – Two Mahoning Valley locations are listed on TourismOhio’s 2025 Holiday Lights Trail.

They are the Joy of Christmas drive-through light show at Firestone Park in Columbiana and Light Up the Square light show on Courthouse Square in Warren.

This year’s list includes 70 of the state’s most spectacular light displays, ranging from small-town downtowns to major attractions. It can be found HERE.

The Columbiana attraction is open from 6-9 p.m. on select nights through Dec. 28. Go to TourColumbiana.org for hours and fees.

Holiday Weekend Events at Mill Creek Park

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The holiday weekend at Mill Creek Park will begin Nov. 28 with the Black Friday sale at the Mill Creek Golf Course Golf Shop, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Festivities will continue with Christmas at the Mill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 29-30 at Lanterman’s Mill. The historic mill will be decorated in traditional holiday decor for this family-friendly, free admission event. Attendees can enjoy roasted chestnuts, festive entertainment, handcrafted holiday gifts and concession stand treats for purchase. Santa Claus will make a special appearance from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Visitors are encouraged to bring a new hat, scarf or pair of mittens to decorate the Giving Tree. Donated items will benefit local children and adults in need during the winter season.

Youngstown’s Christmas Tree Arrives

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The city’s Christmas tree was delivered to its site on Central Square on Thursday morning, where it was mounted for the season and decorated.

It was donated by Lloyd Mims Jr. and the Hyshaw family on Catalina Avenue.

‘Lone Soldier’ in Israeli Army to Speak at JCC

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mark Liner will speak at the Jewish Community Center, 505 Gypsy Lane, at noon Dec. 2.
He is a lone soldier, meaning he serves in the Israeli Defense Force without immediate family in Israel.

The cost is $5. A light lunch will be served. Contact Nancy at nsentelik@jewishyoungstown.org to register. The event is presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

Liner arrived in Israel during the Covid lockdowns, leaving college to work on kibbutz farms, and later made Aliyah (immigration to Israel).

He was drafted into the Golani Brigade in August 2023 and was still in basic training when the war began Oct. 7. He went on to serve as a combat soldier on the front lines, spending nearly a year on the northern border with Lebanon before completing his service on the Gaza border.

Downtown Sharon Will Ring in Holiday Season

SHARON, Pa. – Downtown Sharon’s annual Night of Lights celebration will take place from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, along the Shenango Riverfront.

The evening will feature live entertainment, family activities, local food and treats and the lighting of the community Christmas tree by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The festivities will begin with performances by the Salvation Army Brass Band, the Buhl Club Dancers, musician Steve Vuich, the Buhl Club Preschool Carolers and emcee Tom Roberts. At 6 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive to light the tree with the help of Pyrotecnico. Horse and carriage rides and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will continue until 7 p.m.

This year’s event includes several family-friendly options:

  • Reindeer petting (free), courtesy of Hanggi Farms.
  • Horse and carriage rides (donations accepted for the Sharon School Pantry).
  • Touch an illuminated firetruck.
  • S’mores and hot chocolate (donations accepted for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign).

Free Turkeys and Pies for Veterans 

WARREN, Ohio – The Cover Down Fund will distribute free turkeys and pumpkin pies to local veterans at noon Saturday, Nov. 22, in the parking lot of the Trumbull County Veteran Service Commission, 253 E. Market St. Items will be distributed while supplies last.

Veterans wishing to participate must present proof of military service, which may include a current military identification card, a VA identification card, a county veteran identification card or an Ohio driver’s license with the Armed Forces designation.

St. Columba Choir to Sing Antiphons

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Healey Willan’s setting of The Great “O” Antiphons will be sung at St. Columba Cathedral by its choir at 7 p.m. Nov. 30.

Dating back to the eighth century, these are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer. Willan’s prayerful and darker setting of these antiphons will complement the many bold and colorful anthems sung by the choir. 

Admission is free and open to the public. A reception will follow the event.

A Vision of Advent Improvisation Concert by Carlo Massimo will take place at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the cathedral.

It will be the U.S. debut performance of Massimo. This event is free, but a free-will offering will be accepted to benefit the cathedral music program.