Holiday Activities in Youngstown, Ohio

During the holiday season, Youngstown, Ohio, is transformed into a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow and filled with spectacular holiday lights and decorations. Besides fantastic photo opportunities, the city also offers an abundance of fun and festive activities for people of all ages. Whether you’re interested in Christmas light displays, live performances, or outdoor activities, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The following are the top holiday activities to enjoy in Youngstown:

Experience the Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill

Image via Flickr by EDrost88

The Olde Fashioned Christmas at Lanterman’s Mill gives you a rare opportunity to learn how Christmas was celebrated in the past. During this two-day event, you can watch artisans demonstrating their crafts, shop for unique handcrafted gifts, eat fire-roasted chestnuts, and enjoy a variety of festive performances. To share the spirit of Christmas with others, bring a new pair of mittens, scarf, or hat to donate to the “Giving Tree.” Donated items will help needy children stay warm this winter. 

Lanterman’s Mill will host the Olde Fashioned Christmas from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. It’s located on Canfield Road, just a few miles southwest of downtown Youngstown. 

Watch the Youngstown Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

The Youngstown Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting is the event that officially kicks off the holiday season in Youngstown. The parade will start at 6 p.m. on East Federal Street near Champion and finish at about 7:30 p.m. on West Federal Street at Symphony Place. The tree-lighting ceremony will commence immediately after the parade, followed by a fireworks display and photos with Santa. 

Throughout downtown Youngstown, many events will take place in conjunction with the holiday parade, such as the Youngstown Holiday Flea, Memories of Christmas Past, Phamily Fun Night with the Youngstown Phantoms, and The Nutcracker by the Ballet Western Reserve. Also, several major attractions will be offering free admission, including the OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology, Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center, and the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor. 

Take a Magical Drive Through the Joy of Christmas Holiday Light Display

Image via Flickr by Amer Khalid

If you enjoy admiring holiday lights, make sure you don’t miss the Joy of Christmas Holiday Light Display. With one million lights illuminating 75 holiday scenes, this drive-through light display is one of the grandest in the Youngstown area. In addition to dazzling lights, it also offers plenty of Christmas-themed attractions and activities. You and your family can take pictures with Santa at the Ice Castle and listen to Mrs. Santa’s stories while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate at the Gingerbread House. Other entertainment options include face-painting, arts and crafts, a coloring contest, and live music.

The Joy of Christmas Holiday Light Display will be held at Harvey S. Firestone Park on East Park Avenue in Columbiana, which is about 17 miles south of Youngstown. It runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday between Nov. 5 and Dec. 8 and every night from Dec. 12 to 26. Admission is free, but a donation of $10 per vehicle is requested.  

Catch the Miracle on Easy Street

If you’re a fan of musicals, make sure you set aside time to attend the Miracle on Easy Street this holiday season. Presented by local theater company Easy Street Productions, this Christmas spectacular has been a family holiday tradition in Youngstown for more than 30 years. Join Easy Street co-founders Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock and more than 150 singers, dancers, and child performers for an afternoon or evening of fun and excitement. 

The venue of the Miracle on Easy Street is the Powers Auditorium at DeYor Performing Arts Center, which is situated on West Federal Street. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, and 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 19. 

Attend the Annual American Holiday at The Butler Arts & Crafts Show

The Annual American Holiday at The Butler Arts & Crafts Show gives you a chance to view and purchase a wide selection of original artworks. More than 90 talented artists and artisans from across the country will be participating in this event, showcasing unique and handcrafted pieces that will impress anyone on your holiday gift list. Examples of items on display include paintings, prints, decorative art, pottery, jewelry, glassware, toys, and herbal products. 

This arts and crafts show takes place in the galleries of the Butler Institute of American Art, which is a nationally recognized historic structure and an architectural masterpiece. It’s a major fundraising event for the art museum, with proceeds supporting its year-round free admission and free public programs. 

The Annual American Holiday at The Butler Arts & Crafts Show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5. Admission is $7 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. 

Enjoy Winter Outdoor Activities at West Branch State Park

If you want to take a break from the holiday festivities and spend some quiet time with your family, consider going on a day trip to West Branch State Park. This state park comprises a 2,650-acre lake and more than 5,300 acres of woodlands and meadows, which provide an excellent backdrop for a wide range of outdoor activities. 

During winter, you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, camping, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are 14 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of snowmobiling trails for you to explore. If you want to spend the night, you can do so at the park’s large campground, which has over 200 campsites and plenty of amenities. West Branch State Park is situated about 27 miles west of Youngstown in Ravenna. Admission is free. Make sure you properly winterize your vehicle before you set off. 

So, that’s the list of the best holiday activities in Youngstown from the staff at Sweeney Buick GMC. If you need more suggestions, don’t hesitate to speak with our knowledgeable and helpful representatives. Contact us anytime during our business hours.