Entertainment writer Ed Balint runs down a list of fun things to do in late December, including events to ring in the new year.
1. ‘Countdown at the Tower’
Ring in the new year with style with a festive gathering at the Mills Historic Tower in downtown Canton.
Presented by Canton Marketplace, which is on the ground floor of Mills Tower, the ticketed event will feature a DJ, dancing, champagne upon arrival, unlimited chef-inspired appetizers, craft cocktails and drink specials, Ohio brewed beers, a full tap selection, and a wine list, plus a midnight champagne toast.
Tickets, $40 per person, can be purchased at Canton Historic Marketplace. Ticket buyers also will receive an exclusive link to book a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Canton.
Canton Marketplace, which features artisan vendors and McKinley’s Tavern, is at 101 Central Plaza downtown, across from the Stark County Courthouse.
2. Ring in the new year at Second April
Second April Studios, 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton, is a unique option to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
A curated space featuring 16 artists and vendors, including oddities, vintage clothing, books and photography, Second April Studios plans an event at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 featuring live music by Josee McGee and The Cranford Kings
“Perfect for an art gallery show, Josee McGee and The Cranford Kings play their original tunes with the same spark artists put into their paintings,” Second April Studios said.
McGee, a Canton native, will collaborate with Cleveland duo Anthony Papaleo and Ray Flanagan, playing blues, rock, folk and pop. The event also includes a comedy show and buffet-style dinner, provided by Arcadia Grille, a longtime downtown restaurant. Charcuterie boards also will be available, and cocktails and mocktails will be served.
Buffet service begins at 9 p.m., followed by a Canton Comedy Boom show featuring Tim Cornett, Elliot Jarrous and Eric M. Simons. A champagne toast and dance party also will take place.
During the event, attendees can visit artist and artisan boutiques and spaces spread over three floors. The gathering continues until 1:30 a.m. Jan. 1. Tickets cost $100 per person, or two for $180, and include the prime rib dinner, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and two drink tickets.
Attire is described as vintage festive chic, with creativity encouraged. Tickets can be purchased via https://www.facebook.com/SecondAprilStudios.
3. New Year’s Eve at The Still House
The Still House at Gervasi Vineyard will host a New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31.
Musician Stephan Cushman will perform 7 to 10 p.m. before DJ Reggie Fields plays music from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., with The Still House transforming into the Ultra Lounge. The event has no admission cost and is open to the public.
The night includes specialty cocktails and a “high-energy celebration,” Gervasi said.
Private rooms also can be reserved at Gervasi for groups of eight to 10 to gather and celebrate. Fine wines and crafted cocktails will be available. Reserved rooms include a bottle of champagne, sharable appetizers and Gervasi merchandise. Rooms can be rented from 7 to 10 p.m. Later time slots are sold out.
For rates and more information about reserved rooms, go to gervasivineyard.com or call 330-497-1000. Gervasi Vineyard is at 1700 55th St. NE in Canton.
4. New Year’s Eve at Krackpots Comedy Club
Laugh your way into 2026 at Krackpots Comedy Club in downtown Massillon.
Krackpots is hosting a New Year’s Eve party, featuring comedians Michael Cheselka, Emily Nulph, Trevor Scott and Shaon Simon with shows at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows. General admission tickets cost $44 and front row tickets are $65.75. Both ticket levels include party favors and a champagne toast.
Doors open one hour before showtime. Tickets are available at httpos://www.krackpotscomedyclub.com.
5. New Year’s Eve pajama party at The Auricle
A “Midnight Slumber Bash: NYE Pajama Party” is set for Dec. 31 at The Auricle Venue + Bar in downtown Canton.
“Ring in the new year in ultimate comfort and style,” the venue says.
The Auricle calls the first-time event a “New Year’s Eve pajama party for the ages.”
The night will include live music, dancing, late-night cocktails and surprises. Doors open at 8 p.m. The celebration is open to ages 21 and over. All pajamas are welcome − classic flannel, onesies, negligee and wild sleepwear.
The event is free to attend at The Auricle, 201 Cleveland Ave. NW.
6. Roh-ring ’20s New Year’s Eve party
Rohr’s Wine Room will host a 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve party at Pine View Acres in Lawrence Township.
The event will feature a speakeasy vibe and wine. Guests are encouraged to wear their best flapper dresses and pinstripe suits “and party like it’s 1929.” A live band and DJ will provide entertainment. A catered dinner is included, along with photos. Beer will be provided by Paradigm Shift Brewing of Massillon.
Admission is $100 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The party is 5:30 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31.
7. North Canton Skate Center NYE party
North Canton Skate Center will be having its annual New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31.
The event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.
Tickets include a hot dog or slice of pizza, small drink, and hat and horn to celebrate the new year. Tickets can be purchased via the skate center’s Facebook page.
North Canton Skate Center is at 5475 Whipple Ave. NW in Jackson Township.
8. Dave and Buster’s NYE party
Dave and Buster’s at Belden Village Mall in Jackson Township will be among the locations celebrating New Year’s Eve on Dec. 31.
The event features premium drinks and a champagne toast at midnight. Food options include a chef-curated banquet with mini pretzel dogs, churros, smashburger sliders and other items. The event is family friendly, featuring refillable soft drinks, a ginger ale toast and video ball drop before midnight. There also will be a later video ball drop.
The New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 4 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to the Dave and Buster’s website.
9. Goody & the Gospel
Jason Goodwin and his band Goody & the Gospel will play their smoldering, soulful style of old school rock Dec. 27 at The Auricle Venue + Bar in downtown Canton.
The longtime local musician is both a vocalist and guitarist with influences ranging from blues to classic rock to indie. Songs include “The Blame,” “Show No Mercy,” “Now You Got Worry,” “The Villain” and “Going Down.”
Special guests will be Flock of Moons and Piranha Piranha.
Doors open one hour before the 8 p.m. concert. Tickets cost $10 in advance and can be purchased via https://www.facebook.com/theauricleoh. Tickets cost $15 day of the show.
10. David Bowie movie in Massillon
“The Man Who Fell to Earth,” featuring David Bowie, will be shown at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Lions Lincoln Theatre in downtown Massillon.
Released in 1976, the science fiction film features Bowie as an alien named Thomas Jerome Newton who comes to Earth seeking water for his dying planet. Considered a cult classic, the movie is based on a 1963 novel by Walter Tevis.
All seats cost $10, and tickets will be sold at the venue, 156 Lincoln Way E.
11. Taylor Swift tribute at KSU Tuscarawas
“Are You Ready For It: A Taylor Swift Experience” will entertain Swifties at 7:30 p.m. Jan 8 at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
“Are You Ready For It” is a nationally touring Taylor Swift tribute that recreates the pop star’s record-setting Eras Tour, featuring family-friendly musical performances from every stage of Swift’s career and corresponding costume changes.
Tickets range from $24 to $44 and can be purchased at kent.edu/tuscpac. The venue can be reached at 330-308-6400. The Performing Arts Center is at 330 University Drive NE on the campus of KSU Tuscarawas in New Philadelphia.
12. Canton First Friday and ‘Frozen’
First Friday will be celebrated 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in downtown Canton, with a theme of “Have an Ice First Friday.”
Festivities will include ice carving and sculptures, and free horse and carriage rides 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with pickups at Centennial Plaza, 301 Market Ave. N along Court Avenue NW near Arcadia Grille. Carriage rides will travel throughout downtown and feature most of the ice sculpture locations.
Live ice sculpting takes place 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Silo Arts Studio, Second April Studios and Juilliard Arts Center (across from Canton Palace Theatre). A speed sculpting event will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Plaza.
Ice sculpture locations also include Grapes in a Glass, Finney’s Arcade, Carpe Diem, Just Imagine by TWi, Mills Historic Tower, District One Eleven, George’s Lounge, Fronimo’s, Culture Lounge, 2 Scoopz, Fromage du Monde, and the Fourth Street Collective (Deli Ohio, Mike’s Pizza and Woodshop).
The Disney movie “Frozen” will be shown for free at Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N. The movie will be shown in conjunction with First Friday and will follow the live ice sculpting and speed sculpting event.
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Let’s party! Things to do. New Year’s Eve bashes, Canton First Friday
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
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