Christmas and the holiday season offer a gamut of entertainment options throughout the Canton area in December.
Live theater, concerts, the local orchestra, shopping, movies and more. Entertainment writer Ed Balint runs down a list of activities coming to Stark County and Northeast Ohio:
1. ‘The Nutcracker’
The Canton Ballet — celebrating its 60th anniversary this year — will present the full-length production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Canton Palace Theatre.
The Nutcracker will feature 180 performers from the ballet’s school and pre-professional divisions, as well as professional guest artists, live musicians and choral ensembles.
The show includes live music provided by the Canton Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Doug Droste and a choral performance by the Summit Choral Society.
Performances are set for:
- Dec. 5 – 7 p.m.
- Dec. 6 – 2 and 7 p.m.
- Dec. 7 – 2 p.m.
Tickets start at $28 (including handling fees) and are available at https://cantonballet.com or by calling 330-455-7220. .
2. ‘A Christmas Carol’
Players Guild Theatre will present “A Christmas Carol” on the campus of Kent State University at Stark in Jackson Township.
Performances will be:
- Dec. 5-6 − 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 7 − 2 p.m.
- Dec. 12-13 − 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 14 − 2 p.m.
- Dec. 19-20 − 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 21 − 2 p.m.
Tickets, $25 to $45, can be purchased at https://playersguildtheatre.com. The box office can be reached at 330-244-3224. Performances will be at the Mary J. Timken Theatre on the Kent Stark campus, 6000 Frank Ave. NW.
3. ‘Elf Jr.’ in North Canton
North Canton Playhouse will stage “Elf Jr.” from Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14.
The musical is based on the popular 2003 holiday film, “Elf.” Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased at northcantonplayhouse.com. Show times are 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14. Other performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13.
4. MajesticVoice Chorus at Cultural Center
Community choir MajesticVoice Chorus will perform the Christmas musical “Prince of Peace” Dec. 6.
The show is 4 to 6:15 p.m. at the Cultural Center for the Arts Theater, 1001 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton.
Formed in 2009 and boasting nearly 80 voices, the choir features all non-professional musicians who have a passion for singing, according to the group’s website.
Tickets are limited and cost $25; they can be purchased at https://culturalcenterforthearts.com.
5. Irvin Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ in Alliance
Carnation City Players will perform “Irvin Berlin’s White Christmas” on weekends from Dec. 5 to 14.
Based on the 1954 film, the musical transports the audience to the snowy, post-World War II landscape of Vermont, the theater said.
The show features the songs, “Blue Skies,” “Sisters” and “White Christmas.”
Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 2:30 p.m. There’s also a 2:30 p.m. performance Dec. 13.
Tickets, $13 to $15, can be purchased at https://carnationcityplayers.org, and by calling the box office at 330-821-8712.
6. Mount Union Concert Choir
The Mount Union Concert Choir will perform during the 2025 Winter Festival.
The show, “Out of the Darkness, Shining,” will be at Brush Performance Hall in the Giese Center for the Performing Arts, 67 W. Simpson St.
Shows will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and Dec. 6. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and veterans.
Additionally, the Mount Union Alliance Chorale will hold its winter concert, “Yule Blessings” at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Brush Performance Hall. Tickets cost $10.
7. Hall of Fame City Ice Rink
Hall of Fame City Ice Rink opens for public skating Dec. 5 in downtown Canton.
Those age 18 and over must sign a waiver to skate, and anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver with their name added.
The rink is at 215 Tuscarawas St. W, next to the Stark County Courthouse. Weather dependent, the hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Unlimited skating costs $4; skates can be rented for $3. For more information, go to https://www.hofcityicerink.com.
8. Christmas with Akron’s Big Band
Christmas with The Akron Big Band will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Lions Lincoln Theatre, 156 Lincoln Way E in downtown Massillon.
The Akron Big Band is a 19-piece group playing music from the 1920s through modern times. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at lionslincolntheatre.org. The box office can be reached at 330-481-9105.
9. Ohio Christmas Factory
The Ohio Christmas Factory offers 60,000 square feet of holiday fun for all ages.
The attraction features a light show, life-size gingerbread house, indoor snowball fights, more than 100 decorated Christmas trees, a mirror maze, costumed actors, an illuminated tunnel, North Pole Tavern and other bars, Santa, photo ops and more.
Located at the site of Factory of Terror, 4125 Mahoning Road NE, the Ohio Christmas Factory will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21, as well as on Dec. 22-23. For tickets, hours and more information, go to https://ohiochristmasfactory.com.
10. New Berlin Symphonic Winds
New Berlin Symphonic Winds will perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Malone University at the Johnson Center for Worship and the Fine Arts, 2600 Cleveland Ave. NW in Canton.
Conducted by Willow DiGiacomo, with assistant maestro Steve Grimo, the winter concert will be the group’s inaugural performance. The event is free and open to the public.
New Berlin Symphonic Winds was established in April as the next chapter of the Kent State University at Stark Concert Band.
11. ‘Christmas in the White House’
Janet Weir Creighton will share stories about holidays in the White House on Dec. 11 at the First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S in downtown Canton.
The presentation, “Christmas in the White House,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning and preparation for the holidays at the residence of the president and first lady.
Creighton, a Republican, is the former mayor of Canton and a former Stark County commissioner. She also served as a deputy assistant and director of intergovernmental affairs in the administration of President George W. Bush.
Doors open 30 minutes before the 6:30 p.m. program. Tickets can be purchased for $28.52 at https://firstladies.org. National First Ladies Library and Museum can be reached at 330-452-0876.
12. ‘A Christmas Carol’ in Sugarcreek
Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley in Sugarcreek will present “A Christmas Carol” in December.
Performances will be a Broadway-style adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic tale of holiday redemption.
Show dates are Dec. 6; Dec. 9-13; and Dec. 15-16. For show times and ticket information, go to Ohio Star Theater | Sugarcreek, OH. Tickets cost $43 to $62. Ohio Star Theater is at 1387 Old Route 39.
13. Holiday Lights at Stadium Park
Holiday lights are illuminated from 4 to 11 p.m. daily at Stadium Park in Canton through Jan. 9.
Stadium Park’s Christmas lights have been named one of the stops on the 2025 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail.
Around 60 light displays will adorn Stadium Park, including animated and sequential designs. Lights also will be posted in Waterworks Park and Monument Park.
14. Holiday fun at 1875 Winery
1875 Winery will be hosting a Sip, Shop and Jingle Pop-Up Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 13.
The winery is at 109 state Route 44 in Randolph Township in Portage County, just north of New Baltimore and the Stark County border.
The event will be in partnership with Heart & Home Handmade Market, featuring 22 unique vendors. The market will be under the winery’s covered pavilions, with outdoor heaters and an outdoor bar.
1875 Winery also will be having a Holiday Pop-Up Bar 6 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 19.
15. Vocal Fusion at Palace Theatre
Vocal Fusion will perform “Christmas at the Palace” Dec. 12 and 13.
The Stark County-based a cappella group will perform at 7 p.m. at Palace Theatre in downtown Canton, 605 Market Ave. N.
Tickets for the shows are limited and can be purchased at https://www.vocalfusion.org.
Founded in 2023, Vocal Fusion is also performing Dec. 6 at the White House as part of a holiday celebration.
16. Canton Symphony Orchestra pops concert
Canton Symphony Orchestra will perform its annual Holiday Pops show at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 3 p.m. Dec. 14.
The shows will be at Umstattd Hall at Zimmermann Symphony Center, 2331 17th St. NW.
Alison Norris will be conducting the concerts, which feature bass soloist Nate Lockwood and the Canton Symphony Chorus.
The shows also will include the full script and original music from the 1966 animated classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Tickets, $30 to $57, can be purchased at https://cantonsymphony.org. The box office can be reached at 330-452-2094.
17. SantaCon in downtown Massillon
The fifth annual SantaCon will be Dec. 13 in downtown Massillon.
The event is presented by Downtownhecks Tap Room, 43 Lincoln Way E, and The Sangria Stand, 39 Lincolnway E. During SantaCon, The Sangria Stand will host a holiday market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors, small businesses and artisans will sell goods and holiday gifts. There also will be photo ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a 1971 VW bus.
Santa costumes are strongly encouraged but not required. Other costume ideas include an elf and polar bear. Santas who donate food, coats or holiday gifts will receive secret route information before anyone else, access to exclusive parties and special gifts. Donations will benefit local charities, said Matt Heck of Downtownhecks.
Other businesses also will be participating, including Hideaway Lounge, The Alibi, Benders Food & Spirits, Smiley’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, Smitty’s Steak & Ale, Erie St Vinyl, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rockne’s, Rohr’s Wine Room, MIA Bella Salon and vintage store The Backroad.
SantaCon will continue at 7 p.m., including entertainment. The Buffalo Ryders, an Akron area rock band, performs at 8 p.m. Downtownhecks.
18. ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ in Minerva
Roxy Theatre in downtown Minerva will feature “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
The movie was released in 2000 and stars Jim Carrey. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Tickets cost $5 for children and $8 for adults. Roxy Theatre is at 120 Market Ave. N.
19. Holiday markets at Oakwood Square
720 holiday markets will be Dec. 6 and Dec. 12-13 at Oakwood Square, 2610 Easton St. NE in Plain Township.
Vendor Village will be at Plain Township Amphitheater and the adjacent Oakwood Square Plaza. Entertainment also will be provided, and Oakwood Square businesses will participate in the holiday markets.
Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 6; 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 12; and noon to 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
For more information, go to https://eventsby720.com.
20. Christmas tribute to the Eagles in Massillon
Lions Lincoln Theatre in downtown Massillon will host a Christmas tribute to the Eagles on Dec. 13.
The show will be at 7:30 p.m. at the theater, 156 Lincoln Way E. Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased at https://www.lionslincolntheatre.org. The venue can be reached at 330-481-9105.
21. The Doo Wop Project Christmas
The Doo Wop Project Christmas will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
The Doo Wop Project will be performing holiday and Christmas classics, including The Drifters’ version of “White Christmas,” The Temptations’ version of “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and other songs. Performers include Broadway entertainers.
Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.kent.edu/tuscpac and by calling the box office at 330-308-6400. The box office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE in New Philadelphia.
22. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at KSU Tuscarawas
Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis will be performing Dec. 17 at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.
Davis, a percussionist and composer, created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics, a news release said. Fifteen musicians will be playing more than 20 instruments amid a backdrop of multimedia effects.
Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.kent.edu/tuscpac and by calling the box office at 330-308-6400.
23. The Prophecy Show in Sugarcreek
The Prophecy Show will pay tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Dec. 17 and 18 at Ohio Star Theater at Dutch Valley in Sugarcreek.
Classically trained musicians are featured, as well as costumes, choreography, music, lasers and fog.
To purchase tickets and for performance times, go to the theater’s website or call 855-411-2275. Ohio Star Theater is located at 1387 Old Route 39 NE.
24. Oak Ridge Boys in Canton
The Oak Ridge Boys will perform Dec. 19 at Canton Palace Theatre as part of their “American Made Christmas Tour.”
Members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the group will sing both contemporary and traditional holiday songs, as well as selections from their Christmas albums.
Tickets for the 7:15 p.m. concert can be purchased through https://cantonpalacetheatre.org and Ticketmaster.
25. ‘A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play”
Stardust Dinner Theater will perform “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.”
The play takes place in 1945 in New York City, where six actors are snowed in at a local radio station.
The show is at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at Tozzi’s on 12th in Canton. Tickets include dinner and can be purchased at Eventbrite. The theater also can be reached at 330-327-2087 and via email at [email protected].
26. Christmas Carols on strings in Massillon
Christmas carols will be played under the glow of candlelight Dec. 19 at Lions Lincoln Theatre in downtown Massillon.
Performed with a string quartet, songs will include “12 Days of Christmas,” “Away in a Manger,” “Deck the Halls,” “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night.”
Shows will be at 6:15 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets, from $17 to $30, can be purchased at https://www.lionslincolntheatre.org.
27. Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute
First Snow will perform a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Lions Lincoln Theatre in downtown Massillon.
“First Snow focuses on musical and vocal precision, with an elegant rock show that includes a professionally produced stage set of lights and video,” the theater said of the family friendly concert.
Tickets, $25 to $35, can be purchased at https://www.lionslincolntheatre.org and by calling 330-481-9105.
28. PB&J Christmas recital in Canton
The MacDowell Music Club of Canton will present “PB&J Christmas Recital” at 3 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Cultural Center for the Arts in downtown Canton.
Musicians Paige Burris, soprano, and Jacob Jaworsky, guitar, will be performing with students. The concert will be in Cable Recital Hall at the Cultural Center, 1001 Market Ave. N.
MacDowell Music Club supports young musicians through college scholarships and performance opportunities.
The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, go to https://culturalcenterforthearts.com.
29. Ralphie from ‘Christmas Story’
Peter Billingsley, who portrayed Ralphie Parker in the holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” will be a special guest Dec. 21 for a special screening of the movie at Canton Palace Theatre.
Billingsley will participate in a conversation and question-and-answer session after the film, which begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets, from $34 to $78, can be purchased at https://cantonpalacetheatre.org.
30. Holiday Snow Ball in Massillon
The Massillon Woman’s Club will present the Holiday Snow Ball from 6 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 27.
The event will be at Five Oaks Mansion, 210 Fourth St. NE in Massillon. Savoy Big Band will play classics from the 1920s through the 1940s.
Attire is semi-formal or period dress. Cost is $60 per person and $100 for club seats. The event is open to the public. To make reservations, call the Massillon Woman’s Club at 330-833-4896.
31. ‘Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown’
“Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown” is on exhibit at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum in Canton until Jan. 26.
The traveling exhibition is being organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and examines the making of the animated classic, the museum said.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://mckinleymuseum.org. Tickets cost $15 for children ages 3 to 18 and $17 for adults.
Reach Ed at [email protected]. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cantonrep.com ’
