MANSFIELD, Ohio — Visions of holiday events dance all over the calendar in north central Ohio during the next several weeks.
The following events are located in local communities.
Mansfield’s holiday celebration begins with the 13th annual holiday parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is currently the featured show at The Renaissance Theatre. TGhe show opened Nov. 14 and 15 and continues this weekend, Nov. 21 and 22. This production is part of the Richland Bank Broadway Series with tickets ranging from $27 to $34. For more information or to buy tickets log on at www.mansfieldtickets.com or call 419-522-2726.
A local production of the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street will be featured at the Mansfield Playhouse, Dec. 4 and 5, 11, 12 and 13. To purchase tickets or for more information log on to the website or call 419-522-2883. Tickets range from $7 to $12. The playhouse is located at 95 E. Third St., Mansfield.
The third annual Ashland Railway Polar X-press and the S.A.B.G.’s Moments of Christmas Magic highlight Shelby’s holiday celebration on Nov. 22. Families are invited to meet and greet Santa, 11 different Christmas characters and several elves who will be working non-stop for children to take free pictures. B and businesses in downtown Shelby will have their doors open with numerous free activities from 1 to 6 p.m.
Children will be especially entranced around 5 p.m. when the Ashland Railway’s Polar X-press pulls into the Shelby Train Depot. With the massive display of a beautifully, hand-painted locomotive train, a boxcar, and a caboose, this event can create lasting impressions while leading into the Christmas season. Be sure to check out the SABG facebook page for updated information. The Central gym will open at 3 p.m. after the Moments of Christmas Parade for the PCTC free activities.
The 34th annual Light Up Lexington event will take place on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Last year’s show included Santa Claus, a couple of live reindeer, and a live Nativity Scene. The Lexington High School band and choir added to the atmosphere by providing holiday music. In addition, a bus was set up for residents to drop off toys in support of Toys for Tots, and the Salvation Army accepted donations, too.
Richland Academy dancers will perform three shows of The Nutcracker at Shelby High School: Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets went on sale starting Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. and can still be purchased online.
One of the area’s longest-running standards is Christmas at Malabar Farm, scheduled Dec. 4 through 6 and Dec. 11 through 13. Louis Bromfield’s showpiece, the site of Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart’s wedding, is transformed into a destination station with old-fashioned decorations and carolers.
Malabar’s Candlelight Holiday Tours takes guests throughout the home and end in the kitchen, with wassel and cookies. Tour tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. For more information and specific hours call 419-892-2784, or check out the website.
This year the Herlihy Christmas House will again be on display. Every other year Terry Herlihy and the family open their home to the public for one of the most popular holiday tours in the region.
The event takes place Dec. 10 through 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. More than 30 trees and over 1,000 ornaments were featured at the last showing, in 2013. The extensive display includes decorated trains, villages, and a number of trees — topped by a pine tree that eclipses 20 feet in the center of the home. For more information visit their site.
Perhaps the most historic home in Mansfield opens its doors for the season, too. Oak Hill Cottage offers a Christmas Tour each Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. starting Nov. 29 and running through Dec. 27. This classic home on the city’s near-north side sits majestically atop a gentle bluff and contains a classic feel inside and out, punctuated with older decorations that evoke a days-of-yore aura. For more information call 419-524-1765.
Christmas at Kingwood presents Holiday Magic from Nov. 28 through Dec. 27, every Thursday through Sunday from 3 to 8 p.m. Kingwood Center will feature a towering 20-foot Christmas tree decorated in red and chartreuse. Rooms will be adorned with holiday ornamentation and design centered around youthfful inspirations.
New this year are the Christmas Tree Walk, focusing on the display of 25 trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. There is also a Gingerbread Village, featuring life-sized gingerbread men, giant candy, giant gingerbread houses, etc. Admission is $5 per person, and children 6-and-under are free. Parking is free in the main Trimble Road entrance parking lot.
Christmas at Kingwood is closed to the public on Dec. 5 for a members-only event, as well as on Dec. 24 and 25.
The 11th annual Christmas Time in the City celebration is slated for Friday, Dec. 4. Revelers are encouraged to enjoy the holidays in downtown Mansfield with carolers, reindeer and the popular Tiny Tim Shoppe (geared specifically toward children). The Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m. There will also be horse-drawn sleigh rides. Downtown businesses will have special hours for holiday deals.
In Bellville, the holidays are highlighted beginning Dec. 3 with the traditional Yule Log Lighting at the bandstand. Music, wassail, hot chocolate and cookies will be available. On Dec. 4 the Candlelight Christmas Concert features the Jimmy Warner Band and 450 luminary bags, colored by Bellville Elementary students, will be lit. On Dec. 5, the traditional Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m. with sleigh and carriage rides available from 11:30 to 2 p.m.
In Lucas, the holidays kickoff with the Village Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, Dec. 7. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for those participating. On Dec. 12, the fifth annual Lucas Lions and Leo Christmas Craft and Vendor Bazaar takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the high school. Santa will be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for pictures with the kids. All proceeds will benefit the local food pantry.
Ontario‘s holiday celebration takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 8 with the lighting of the city’s Christmas Tree. Santa will also be at the Community Room in the Municipal building and light refreshments are available.
On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra presents the Holiday Pops Concert at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre.
