With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, so too are holiday events in Portage County.
They include Thanksgiving walks and runs, a craft show, festivals, movie screenings, holiday lights, breakfasts with Santa and an Unsilent Night.
If you or your group are planning events that are not listed here, send details to Record-Courier staff writer Jeff Saunders at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
Elegant Illusions at Randolph Fairgrounds
The 2nd annual Elegant Illusions Drive Through will run Nov. 20 to Dec. 28 at Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds, 4215 Fairground Road.
The lights show will be 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays (including Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve); and 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Take Access Road next to Fairgrounds Road, follow the lighted pine trees to Gate 6. Look for the two large trees (white and Grinch-themed). Follow signs to the designated area to park.
New exhibits will be part of this year’s show, and Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, photo ops and treats will be at the end.
A food drive for Randolph/Suffield/Atwater Food Shelf is scheduled Dec. 4 and Dec. 11. Bring four non-perishable items, personal items, cleaning supplies or toiletries for a reward of $10 off the entry price.
Go to elegantchristmaslighting.com/elegant-illusions for more information, including tickets.
Tree City Turkey Trot in Kent
Tree City Turkey Trot, a family event with a 5K Run/Walk and Fun Walk/Run, is planned Nov. 27, Thanksgiving morning.
Registration is required prior to race day at tinyurl.com/2w7rsvxu. No race-day registration. This event sold out last year.
The Fun Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. and is less than 800 meters. The 5K Run/Walk starts at 9:15 a.m. Finish/awards is at 10:15 a.m. Early packet pickup and late registration is Nov. 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Kent Park and Rec Shelter House, 497 Middlebury Road. Race-day packet pickup will be 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Shelter House.
Fleece blanket or sweatshirt will go to first 700 registered. T-shirts will go to Fun Run participants. Medals will go to the top three overall male and female finishers and top three in each age group. Ribbons to all Fun Run participants.
Aurora’s Turkey Trot 5K & Mashed Potato Mile
The Turkey Trot 5K & Mashed Potato Mile will be Nov. 27, Thanksgiving morning, at Aurora High School, 109 W. Pioneer Trail.
Parking will be available at:
Ravenna Holiday Celebration and Mid-Night Madness
Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the Ravenna Holiday Celebration and Mid-Night Madness from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 28.
Ravenna Balloon A-Fair will kick off the event with the Light Up Parade that will bring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus into town to light the city’s Christmas tree. Holiday raffle tickets will be sold at the Chamber office, 135 E. Main St., and there will be vendors, crafts for kids, food, drinks, cookies and holiday festivities throughout town.
Kent’s Small Business Saturday and Festival of Lights
Small Business Saturday and Festival of Lights are planned from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29.
The events mark the official start of the holiday season with shopping, entertainment and community cheer. They will culminate in the lighting of a new, 20-foot Christmas tree and the arrival of Santa.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., pick up a free shopping tote, some with surprise gift cards inside, at Main Street Kent, 154 N. Water St. Enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar and photos with the Black Squirrel Elf. Grab an “Elf Hits Downtown Kent” contest card for Kent’s shops and eateries.
Water Street Tavern, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. will show Ohio State’s game against Michigan. Secure game squares in advance at square.link/u/GzkcvVNq for a chance to win $250 each quarter and gift cards to downtown businesses. The restaurant will offer $3 drink specials and a full menu, which can be seen at waterstreettavern.com/food.
Bundle up for outdoor screenings of “Elf” and the 1966 animated Grinch on a loop from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. under the string lights on Erie Street, between the PARTA deck and Kent State Hotel. A bar and hot chocolate station will keep spirits warm.
Festival of Lights will be 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Hometown Bank Plaza. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by carriage at 5:30 p.m. on Franklin Avenue., joining the mayor to light up downtown. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, children’s books and write a letter to Santa at the Gazebo at Main Street and Franklin. Carriage rides begin after Santa’s arrival, departing from The Loft.
Holiday lighting in Streetsboro
Santa Claus will join Streetsboro’s Lighting of the Square, where he and Mayor Glenn Broska count down the kickoff of the holiday season at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 4. Afterward, join Santa at the fire station for hot chocolate, cookies and photos and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus.
Grinch Movie Night in Brimfield
Brimfield Police Department’s Grinch Movie Night will include a festive dinner and “The Grinch” on a big screen at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Event on Sunny Brook at 3734 Sunnybrook Road.
Tickets are on sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Brimfield Police Department or by calling 330-673-7716. Tickets are $10 each, with children ages 2 and younger joining for free.
There will be a special visit from Santa and photo opportunities with all of the kids. Wear Christmas sweaters and pajamas. Dinner is sponsored by Mike’s Place and US Foods. The menu includes chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, green beans and dinner roll.
All proceeds benefit the Brimfield Police Shop With a Cop program.
Renaissance in Lights in Windham
The Renaissance in Lights annual Christmas dinner and auction fundraiser will be 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Renaissance Family Center, 9005 Wilverne Drive in Windham.
The event includes a live auction, 50/50 raffle and basket raffles. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased in the main office.
Main Street Kent Holiday 5K
Main Street Kent plans its 5th annual Holiday 5K on Dec. 6.
The non-competitive fun run/walk begins and ends at Bell Tower Brewing Co., 310 Park Ave in Kent, and takes place on Portage Hike & Bike Trail. Participants will receive a race bib, commemorative beer glass, beer or non-alcoholic beverage, and a $10 gift card to use at participating downtown businesses.
Registration, at tinyurl.com/ys4knnba, is $30. There is also an optional add-on MSK Holiday 5K hat for $15 (hat orders accepted through Nov. 23).
Check-in will be at Bell Tower Brewing at 9:30 a.m. Participants will then walk as a group to the start line at 10 a.m. This is an all-weather event, and registration is non-refundable.
Light Up Night in Rootstown Township
Rootstown Township’s Light Up Night will be 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the township center.
The tree lighting will be at 6 p.m., with additional activities including Santa, a piano concert, kids crafts, cookie decorating and face painting.
Admission, hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate are all free. New this year is the Trail of Trees outside the Rootstown Town Hall, 3988 State Route 44. Each tree will be decorated by a community organization.
Light Up Rootstown can be found on Facebook at tinyurl.com/4zvbanuk.
Breakfasts with Santa and Oogie Boogie
Children’s Christmas party in Ravenna Township
Karing Hands Inc., The Beloved Community, Upward City Church and Ravenna High School National Honor Society will play host to a children’s Christmas party from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at King Kennedy Community Center, 6660 Garfield Road in Ravenna Township.
The event will include food and games.
For more information, call 330-296-9957 or 330-297-0192 or email msanders@axessfamily.org or skeels@axessfamily.org.
Parade of Lights in Windham
Village of Windham Parade of Lights will be Dec. 7. Lineup will be at the old hardware store on North Main Street, and the parade will start at 5:30 p.m. The parade ends at the Windham Community Center, 9647 E. Center St., where festivities will run until 8 p.m.
Santa in the Village
Stop by the Green Space in downtown Mantua and tell Santa what you want for Christmas from 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Make a craft and have a treat. Sponsored by Mantua-Shalersville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night in Kent
The 3rd annual Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night, sponsored by Woodsy’s, is a unique mobile sound sculpture beginning at 6:15 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hometown Bank Plaza.
The community is invited to meet at 5:45 p.m. for free hot cocoa and glow items (while supplies last), and be ready to depart 30 minutes later.
“Unsilent Night” is an original composition by Phil Kline, a native of Stow and Silver Lake, written specifically to be heard outdoors in the month of December.
Participants are encouraged to download the free “Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night” app before arriving for the performance. Arrive between 5:45 and 6:15 p.m., and dress in festive attire. Holiday lights are strongly encouraged.
Participants can bring portable Bluetooth speakers or boomboxes. Those without devices are still encouraged to attend and enjoy the event. Speakers will be set up in Hometown Bank Plaza, and those who do not wish to participate in the promenade can enjoy it in place, weather permitting.
Santa Claus is coming to Town in Ravenna
The public is invited to celebrate the magic of Christmas with Santa and the recovery community at 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at OUR Place-Open United Recovery, 260 W. Main St. in Ravenna.
The event, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, includes photos with Santa, with every child choosing a special gift under the tree after visiting Santa. In addition, there will be a fantasy photo setup – a whimsical backdrop for the whole family – and cookies, cocoa and a holiday meal.
Enjoy festive music, laughter and joy in a welcoming, recovery-friendly space. This event is for anyone in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply spreading holiday cheer. Free and open to everyone.
Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Holiday celebrations set in November, December around Portage County
Reporting by Jeff Saunders, Ravenna Record-Courier / Record-Courier
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