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Entertainment writer Ed Balint runs down a list of fun things to do in late December, including events to ring in the new year.<\/em><\/p>\n Ring in the new year with style with a festive gathering at the Mills Historic Tower<\/a> in downtown Canton.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tickets<\/a>, $40 per person, can be purchased at Canton Historic Marketplace<\/a>. Ticket buyers also will receive an exclusive link to book a stay at DoubleTree by Hilton <\/a>in downtown Canton.<\/p>\n Canton Marketplace, which features artisan vendors and McKinley’s Tavern, is at 101 Central Plaza downtown, across from the Stark County Courthouse.<\/p>\n Second April Studios<\/a>, 324 Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton, is a unique option to celebrate New Year’s Eve.<\/p>\n 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 <\/a>and The Cranford Kings<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n McGee, a Canton native, will collaborate with Cleveland duo Anthony Papaleo and Ray Flanagan<\/a>, playing blues, rock, folk and pop. The event also includes a comedy show and buffet-style dinner, provided by Arcadia Grille<\/a>, a longtime downtown restaurant. Charcuterie boards also will be available, and cocktails and mocktails will be served.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> cost $100 per person, or two for $180, and include the prime rib dinner, hors d\u2019oeuvres, entertainment and two drink tickets.<\/p>\n Attire is described as vintage festive chic, with creativity encouraged. Tickets can be purchased via https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SecondAprilStudios<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Still House<\/a> at Gervasi Vineyard will host a New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The night includes specialty cocktails and a “high-energy celebration,” Gervasi said.<\/p>\n Private rooms<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n For rates and more information about reserved rooms<\/a>, go to gervasivineyard.com<\/a> or call 330-497-1000. Gervasi Vineyard is at 1700 55th St. NE in Canton.<\/p>\n Laugh your way into 2026 at Krackpots Comedy Club in downtown Massillon.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Doors open one hour before showtime. Tickets <\/a>are available at httpos:\/\/www.krackpotscomedyclub.com.<\/a><\/p>\n A “Midnight Slumber Bash: NYE Pajama Party” is set for Dec. 31 at The Auricle Venue + Bar<\/a> in downtown Canton.<\/p>\n “Ring in the new year in ultimate comfort and style,” the venue says.<\/p>\n The Auricle calls the first-time event a “New Year’s Eve pajama party for the ages.”<\/p>\n 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 \u2212 classic flannel, onesies, negligee and wild sleepwear.<\/p>\n The event is free to attend at The Auricle, 201 Cleveland Ave. NW.<\/p>\n Rohr’s Wine Room<\/a> will host a 1920s-themed New Year’s Eve party at Pine View Acres<\/a> in Lawrence Township.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> of Massillon.<\/p>\n Admission is $100 per person and tickets<\/a> must be purchased in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. The party is 5:30 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31.<\/p>\n North Canton Skate Center will be having its annual New Year’s Eve Party<\/a> Dec. 31.<\/p>\n The event begins at 8 p.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.<\/p>\n Tickets<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n North Canton Skate Center is at 5475 Whipple Ave. NW in Jackson Township.<\/p>\n Dave and Buster’s<\/a> at Belden Village Mall in Jackson Township will be among the locations celebrating New Year’s Eve<\/a> on Dec. 31.<\/p>\n The event<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 4 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets<\/a>, go to the Dave and Buster’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Jason Goodwin and his band Goody & the Gospel<\/a> will play their smoldering, soulful style of old school rock Dec. 27 at The Auricle Venue<\/a> + Bar in downtown Canton.<\/p>\n The longtime local musician<\/a> is both a vocalist and guitarist with influences ranging from blues to classic rock to indie.<\/a> Songs include “The Blame,” “Show No Mercy,” “Now You Got Worry,” “The Villain” and “Going Down.”<\/p>\n Special guests will be Flock of Moons and Piranha Piranha.<\/p>\n Doors open one hour before the 8 p.m. concert. Tickets<\/a> cost $10 in advance and can be purchased via https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/theauricleoh.<\/a> Tickets cost $15 day of the show.<\/p>\n “The Man Who Fell to Earth,” featuring David Bowie, will be shown at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Lions Lincoln Theatre<\/a> in downtown Massillon.<\/p>\n Released in 1976, the science fiction film<\/a> 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\u00a0novel\u00a0by\u00a0Walter\u00a0Tevis.<\/p>\n All seats cost $10, and tickets will be sold at the venue, 156 Lincoln Way E.<\/p>\n “Are You Ready For It: A Taylor Swift Experience<\/a>” will entertain Swifties at 7:30 p.m. Jan 8 at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Tickets<\/a> range from $24 to $44 and can be purchased at kent.edu\/tuscpac.<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n First Friday<\/a> will be celebrated 5 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 2 in downtown Canton, with a theme of “Have an Ice First Friday.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n 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 <\/a>Friday and will follow the live ice sculpting and speed sculpting event.<\/p>\n Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint<\/em>.<\/p>\n1. ‘Countdown at the Tower’<\/h2>\n
2. Ring in the new year at Second April<\/h2>\n
3. New Year’s Eve at The Still House<\/h2>\n
4. New Year’s Eve at Krackpots Comedy Club<\/h2>\n
5. New Year’s Eve pajama party at The Auricle<\/h2>\n
6. Roh-ring ’20s New Year’s Eve party<\/h2>\n
7. North Canton Skate Center NYE party<\/h2>\n
8. Dave and Buster’s NYE party<\/h2>\n
9. Goody & the Gospel<\/h2>\n
10. David Bowie movie in Massillon<\/h2>\n
11. Taylor Swift tribute at KSU Tuscarawas<\/h2>\n
12. Canton First Friday and ‘Frozen’<\/h2>\n