Good morning, Canton.

Light Up Downtown will return on Dec.

3 at Central Plaza with 14 blocks of free holiday festivities featuring reindeer, sleigh rides, Santa, Mrs. Claus and a live nativity. Mayor William V. Sherer II will light the Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m.—several streets will close from 3 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

The Canton Repository compiled community briefs highlighting local events across Stark County, including the Mount Union Alliance Chorale winter concert 'Yule Blessings' on Dec.

7 at Brush Performance Hall, an American Legion Pearl Harbor Remembrance event on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon, and an award for Michelle Neisel of Project KARE at a Volunteer Recognition Dinner—additional activities feature holiday giving trees at Belden Village Mall through Dec. 19, Small Business Saturday in Minerva on Nov. 29, North Canton library fine forgiveness on Black Friday, a record 4-H food drive, a Light Up Waynesburg parade on Nov. 29, a fundraising dinner for Wilmot Fire & Rescue on Dec. 14, and Christmas tours in Zoar with festive local traditions.

Columnist Charita M. Goshay argues that Americans should be thankful for their meals and not judge those who rely on SNAP—she reminds readers that even as Thanksgiving brings food to many tables, too many families still struggle to get a nutritious diet.

Monica Jones was named CEO of the National Inventors Hall of Fame in September and uses her background in education to lead STEM programs that have engaged over 4 million participants.

The CEO—who has spent nearly 15 years in Stark County—plans to forge deeper partnerships with schools and community groups to inspire young inventors.

Stark State College and community agencies provided about 80 Thanksgiving meal bags (each with a $40 gift card for a main dish) to enrolled students on November 19th during Stress Less Fest.

The program also connected students to resources for mental health, housing assistance and other essential services.

On Sunday, the Browns beat the Raiders by a score of 24 to 10 with 10 sacks, and rookie Mason Graham had his best game with five tackles while tight end Harold Fannin Jr. caught four passes; the Raiders struggled and the Browns were slowed by eight penalties for 70 yards — a point the team must improve.

29th Annual Perry Township Rotary Turkey Trot

7-11 a.m. — Canton Central Catholic High School — $22-$50 — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun-filled 5K run/walk in the heart of Canton, Ohio.

Holiday Market Weekend One

12-7 p.m. — Oakwood Square — Admission TBD — Experience an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of European Christmas markets with local shopping and festive activities.

720 Village of Shops

5:30-8:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown — Free entry — Explore local shops and enjoy refreshments during this festive pop-up market.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Ticket prices start at $99 — Experience a classic holiday tale brought to life on stage.

Elf Jr. The Musical

Elf Jr. is a heartwarming and hilarious musical based on the beloved holiday film which follows the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is raised at the North Pole as an elf until he finds out he is actually a human. Elf Jr. is filled with joyful songs, big laughs, and the true spirit of the season—the perfect holiday treat for the whole family!

North Canton Winterfest 2025

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Downtown Square — Free entry — Celebrate the winter season with tree lighting, Santa visits, and festive activities in the heart of North Canton.

A Christmas Carol

2-5 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets start at $99 — Experience the classic tale of redemption in a captivating performance.

Community Resource Fair

1-5 p.m. — The Goodwill Ken Weber Community Campus — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with local resources, crafts, and a chance to meet Santa.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience the timeless tale of Scrooge and his transformation this Christmas season.

A Christmas Carol

2-5 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets start at $114 — Experience the timeless holiday tale brought to life on stage.

A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Tozzi's On 12th — Cost info not provided — Experience the magic of a live radio play adaptation of A Christmas Carol amidst the holiday spirit.