Dec. 5 – Chillicothe 1st Grade Program – 6 p.m. at the PAC.
Dec. 6 – Kids Christmas at the Courthouse – 4-6 p.m. kids ages 4 to 14 will have the opportunity to shop for holiday gifts for their loved ones. Helper elves will be on-site to assist young shoppers, while local downtown merchants will offer specially priced gifts for under $15. In addition to shopping, children can create Christmas cards while their purchases are wrapped free of charge, making for a memorable experience.
Dec. 7 – Chillicothe Arts Council – Central Standard and Vocal Standard at 7 p.m. at the PAC
“Miracles on Main Street” Christmas Celebration on Dec. 7, from 1-5 p.m., in Brookfield. Starting at 1 p.m. visitors can enjoy wagon rides, mini train rides, and a chance to visit with Santa Claus. Businesses along Main Street will be open with treats for guests, and there will be opportunities for photos with the Grinch, a Christmas photo booth, kids’ crafts, holiday music, and more. Maps of all activities will be available at participating businesses.
At 5 p.m., the Christmas Parade will begin on North Main Street, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and holiday displays. The parade will conclude with a special tree lighting ceremony to officially kick off the holiday season. Parade participants will line up at 4:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church.
Fabric Chateau Winter Open House 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., discounted products and free gifts at the store on Main Street in Brookfield.
Dec. 8 – The Meadville Lions Club is hosting a special event Dec. 8 from 2-4 p.m. with a special visit from the North Pole. Cookies and Cocoa with Santa will be held at the Meadville Community Center located at 106 W. Crandall in Meadville. Families are invited to come drink cocoa and have a chat with Santa. The event is free and open to the public.
The Linn County Community Chorus is presenting ‘Christmas Around the World’ Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. This will be the 67th Christmas concert. The event is being held at the First Christian Church Sanctuary at 1416 North Main Street in Brookfield. The group has been practicing since October. Directed by Alicyn Ehrich, this is a Christmas program which uses both religious and secular tunes that reflect the theme and to celebrate the holiday season.
Want to dine with the big guy from the North Pole? The Chula Community Center is hosting a Breakfast with Santa event on Dec. 8 from 8:30-11 a.m. Pictures with Santa are available from 9-10:30 a.m. and individuals or families are invited to whisper to Santa what’s on the holiday wish list and to also take photos. Breakfast will consist of biscuits and gravy along with multiple breakfast casseroles. A free-will donation will be collected during the Sunday event with proceeds going to the Chula Community Center. Church services will then follow at 11 a.m. and everyone is welcome to attend. The event is held at the Chula Community Center at 625 Mansur Street in Chula.
Dec. 9 – Marceline K-5 Winter Program at 6 p.m., high school gym.
Dec. 10 – Chillicothe 3rd Grade Christmas Program at 6 p.m., at the PAC.
The Livingston County Library is bringing holiday magic to the community with its upcoming Teacup Gnome Craft Program, scheduled for Dec. 10. This festive event offers two crafting sessions, one at noon and another at 6 p.m., giving participants the chance to create their very own charming teacup gnome.
Perfect as a unique holiday decoration or gift, the Teacup Gnome Craft Program is ideal for those looking to add a personal and creative touch to their holiday season. The library will provide all the materials needed, so attendees only need to bring their creativity and holiday cheer.
Registration for the event is now open and spaces are expected to fill up quickly. To secure a spot, interested crafters can call the library at 660-646-0547 or visit the Livingston County Library at 450 Locust Street in Chillicothe.
Dec. 11 – Chula School Christmas Program at 6:30 p.m.
Southwest School Christmas Program at 6:30 p.m.
The Bosworth R-V School District is excited to announce the Holly Jolly Christmas Bus event, a magical evening of holiday cheer and entertainment, sponsored by the junior class. Set for Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 5-7:30 p.m. this family-friendly experience promises an unforgettable start to the Christmas season.
The evening will kick off in the school cafeteria with a delicious dinner featuring pork tenderloin, cheesy potatoes, green beans, a hot roll, and dessert upon return. After dinner, participants will board the Holly Jolly Christmas Express, a festively decorated bus. Guests will be greeted by a team of cheerful elves, who will provide lively entertainment, including jokes, Christmas karaoke, trivia, and fun games.
The bus will then travel to Carrollton for a tour of Christmas lights. Upon returning to the school, attendees will enjoy a cozy finish with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.
Tickets are $25 per person and must be prepaid to secure a spot, as only 40 seats are available. Children aged 4-12 must be accompanied by a parent. Reservations are first-come, first-serve, and can be made by calling the school at 660-534-7311.
Dec. 12 – Chillicothe High School Band & Choir Program at 6 p.m., at the PAC.
Bishop Hogan Christmas Program featuring grades K-3 at 6:30 p.m.
The Meadville R-IV School district invites the community to a festive evening celebrating the arts with its annual Holiday Music Program and Art Show. The event will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the Meadville R-IV gymnasium.
This holiday tradition showcases the creativity and talent of students through captivating artwork and cheerful holiday music by students grades preschool through seniors. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a gallery of student art pieces made under the instruction of teacher, Charly Brewer, while then being serenaded by delightful performances of holiday songs.
Dec. 14 – Cookies with Santa from 9-11 a.m. Families are invited to join the festivities, enjoy sweet treats, and meet Santa Claus himself.
The event is open to both YMCA members and program participants. Tickets are priced at $3 for members and $5 for program participants, while adults accompanying their children may attend at no cost.
In addition to delicious cookies, attendees can enjoy professional photos with Santa, provided by Clicks by Charity Photography, creating lasting holiday memories for families.
Brookfield’s Reel Time Cinema Christmas Movie, noon, showing “Arthur Christmas”. Bring a canned good or toy for donation.
The Grand River Historical Society Museum, in collaboration with the Chillicothe Area Arts Council, is bringing the holiday spirit to life with an interactive event titled ‘Celebrate Christmas.’ This will take place on Thursday, Dec.14 at 3 p.m. at the Bethel AME Church located at the museum’s premises at 1401 Forest Drive, Chillicothe, this festive occasion promises an afternoon filled with music, camaraderie, and seasonal cheer.
This special event will feature a holiday sing-along led by an impressive lineup of talent. Dr. James Cockman III will grace the stage on piano, joined by vocalists Mary Lou Vandeventer, Jamie Pauls, and Linda Steward, a member of the museum’s Board of Directors. Attendees will have the opportunity to sing their favorite holiday classics in a warm and engaging setting.
Following the performance, the museum invites guests to tour its new holiday decor while enjoying refreshments, including punch and cookies, at the main building. The event is free to attend, though donations are welcome to assist with travel expenses for the performers.
The First Baptist Church of Chillicothe is inviting the community to experience the magic of Christmas with a live Nativity on Saturday, Dec. 14. The event will take place at the church’s location at 1601 Bryan Street, from 5-8 p.m.
This one-night-only event is designed to bring the Christmas story to life, offering a unique and immersive way to reflect on the true meaning of the season. Attendees can expect a recreation of the Nativity scene, featuring live performers and animals that capture the essence of that first Christmas night.
This is a chance to witness the timeless story of Christmas brought to life. For more details, call the church at 660-646-2834.
Dec. 16 – Bishop Hogan Christmas Program featuring grades 4-8 at 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Chillicothe Middle School Choir & Band Program at 6 p.m., at the PAC.
Marceline MS/HS Winter Concert at 6:30 p.m., in the high school gym.
Hale Winter Concert at 6 p.m., at the school.
Dec. 19 – The House of Prayer in Chillicothe is inviting the community to join them for a free Christmas meal from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The meal will take place at the House of Prayer Chapel located at 215 Henry Street and is part of the church’s ongoing mission to support those in need during the holiday season.
To make this event possible, the organization is seeking donations of essential items, including canned fruit, spaghetti sauce, spinach, evaporated milk, dinner rolls, butter, salad dressing, bottled water, and takeout trays.
Those who wish to contribute financially to support the meal and other initiatives can do so online at givesendgo.com/G21JN. Donations of time, resources, or prayers are all welcome, and anyone looking for more information or ways to help can reach out to the church directly.
Main Street Chillicothe Hot Cocoa Crawl, happening Thursday, Dec.19, from 1-6 p.m. This festive event combines holiday fun with community support, inviting participants to explore downtown Chillicothe while enjoying hot cocoa and holiday shopping.
The Hot Cocoa Crawl is a ticketed event, featuring exclusive 2024 downtown commemorative mugs available for purchase. Attendees can bundle up and visit local shops offering special treats and unique holiday finds, all conveniently mapped out for participants. It’s the perfect way to finish your Christmas shopping while soaking in the charm and history of Chillicothe’s downtown district.
Check-in for the event begins at 1 p.m. at 514 Washington Street, where participants will receive their wristbands and event maps. The crawl is held rain, snow, or shine, making it a delightful holiday tradition regardless of the weather.
The Brookfield Public Library invites families to a festive evening of Story Time and Crafts on Dec. 19 from 4:30-5 p.m. This special event, designed to spread holiday cheer, is open to all ages and join in the fun.
Dec. 20 – Cookies with Santa, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., at Brookfield’s Farm Bureau Office, 203 W. Helm Street. Submit letters to Santa (Dec. 2–20) and enjoy cookies and photos with Santa.
Dec. 21 – Lollipops and gumdrops! A Candyland event presented by the Brookfield Parks & Recreation will be held Dec. 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at #1 Center Drive in Brookfield.
Dec. 22 – The Brookfield Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary will host a Holiday Cookie Sale starting at 10 a.m. The event will take place in the basement of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School, located at 210 West John Street in Brookfield.
