Good morning, Canton.

Calvary Chapel in Jackson Township is set to host its long-running live Nativity for Dec.

6-7 and Dec. 13-14 at 8151 Stuhldreher St. NW — a cherished holiday tradition drawing over 2,000 visitors last year — with more than 80 church members portraying biblical characters in a replica Bethlehem.

Canton celebrated the Light Up Downtown Canton Holiday festivities on Wednesday, Dec.

3, with Mayor William V. Sherer II lighting the city’s Christmas tree at Central Plaza. Local groups and performers added extra cheer to the festive season.

A winter warming shelter opened Monday, Dec.

1 at St. Paul AME Church (1800 Tuscarawas St. East) where city officials provided food, water and free transit via Route #107 on a first come, first served basis.

Canton home cooks can celebrate National Cookie Day today by trying a new Eggnog English Toffee Cookie recipe from McCormick and Company and chef Christina Tosi.

The recipe (which blends cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla with a limited edition english-toffee finishing sugar) offers a festive twist for holiday baking.

The state championship game between Avon and Cincinnati Anderson will be held at 7 p.m. today at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, with Avon predicted to win 35-28.

This matchup follows strong playoff runs from both teams as they vie for the title.

Brian Hartline — a Canton native and former GlenOak standout — is set to be named head coach at South Florida according to reports, replacing Alex Golesh.

He spent years on Ohio State’s coaching staff, including as wide receivers coach under Ryan Day.

On Dec. 3, Stark County high school football players signed NCAA Division I letters of intent — Ben Congdon and Jack Ziarko joined Miami while Preston Dazey, Samuel Dossous, Lennox Lemon and Ja'Dyn Williams committed to Toledo, Bowling Green, Kent State and Indiana.

Coach Brian Gamble resigned as head football coach at Sandy Valley yesterday after a winless season, with school officials noting his prior 9-2 records; he will remain a teacher while the district seeks a new coach and the team readies for a renewed rivalry with Malvern next season.

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.

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.

A Christmas Carol Performance

2-5 p.m. — Players Guild Theatre — Tickets start at $95 — Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life on stage.

Natures A-Glow

5-9 p.m. — Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve — General Admission $17, Members $8.50 — Experience a winter wonderland with over 500,000 lights and hands-on activities.

Family New Year’s Bash at Dave & Buster's

11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Canton — Ticket required — Celebrate the New Year early with games, food, and family fun in a festive atmosphere.