Youngstown's 'Christmas in the Village' includes visits with Santa, crafts, gifts & more

Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

“Christmas in the Village” returns Saturday, Dec. 10, to Youngstown, with plenty of holiday merry-making activities in store. It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Youngstown Red Brick School Village Center, 240 Lockport St., and throughout the village. The Village of Youngstown presents the event with assistance from the Youngstown Business and Professional Association and local merchants.

Visitors can look forward to a day of holiday crafts, basket raffles, visits with Santa for the little ones, carriage rides and much more throughout the afternoon.

“We are getting excited about ‘Christmas in the Village!’ ” Mayor Rob Reisman said.

He reported the holiday fun gets underway at 11 a.m. in the Red Brick with a craft and artisans show in the gym. Look for a number of holiday gift ideas, including tons of Christmas crafts; ornaments, jewelry, blankets, candles, wreaths, gnomes, home décor, cookies, bread, cards, honey, skin care, bows and clothing. At the Youngstown Free Library, check out some treats and sweets, plus a book about a bunny – including a signing by the local author. There will be craft making and a basket raffle with a drawing set for 3 p.m.

Santa Claus will visit in the Cora Gushee Room. The “man in red” will share a special Christmas story from 1-3 p.m., and there will be holiday craft-making offered in the community room.

Other activities include the Town of Porter Historical Society open house, from noon to 3 p.m. in the museum. There, visitors can meet with the society’s board of directors and explore the museum’s many offerings. Also, join in holiday crafts, check out the trash and treasure sales, and a 50/50 raffle.

The society said there are a number of volunteer opportunities now available for interested community members. For more information, call 716-745-3081 or 716-745-1271.

“We will have free popcorn and hot dogs from the Youngstown Lions. Take a stroll with the free horse and carriage ride, visit with Santa, and make a visit through our business district,” Reisman said.

This and much more is just waiting in the village, where some great holiday gift-buying options will be found at merchants including Sister and Brother children’s apparel, Barker Outdoors, Anchor Spirits, Everything Youngstown and Victoria’s Hair Care along Main and Lockport streets, as well as food and drink available at such establishments as The Ontario House (Jug), the Village Diner, the Youngstown Marketside Café and Hill of Beans Coffee Shop.

Looks like a good day to spend in Youngstown.

For more information, visit Village of Youngstown and YBPA pages on Facebook.