Youngstown Holiday Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting, more events happening this weekend

Downtown Youngstown comes alive this week, highlighted by the Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday. From classic concerts and planetarium shows to family favorites at local museums, the season is officially underway.

The City of Youngstown, Youngstown CityScape, the Downtown Youngstown Partnership and title sponsor WesBanco kick off the season Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with the 2025 Holiday Parade, Sparkle Light-up Night and Flea on Phelps.

Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with more than 75 vendors at the Youngstown Flea on Phelps. Central Square will feature music, holiday displays and the grandstand sponsored by #1 Cochran Chevrolet Buick GMC, with WFMJ covering all the highlights.

The parade steps off at 6 p.m. and ends with a special appearance by Santa Claus. The community Christmas tree lighting will follow at about 7:15 p.m.

OH WOW! Children’s Center will offer free admission from 3 to 6 p.m. Santa’s Workshop will be open on the center’s third floor from 3 to 8 p.m., with free photos with Santa available until 6 p.m

.Visitors can also enjoy commemorative mugs sponsored by PLATT Insurance with drink specials across downtown, plus the Pop-up Library and more throughout the evening.

A special edition of the Youngstown Flea runs concurrently on the Phelps Street Gateway. Shoppers can return for the full Holiday Flea on Saturday and Sunday at 365 E. Boardman St.

There are plenty of other activities, including:

Friday

Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti brings his signature sound to the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St., at 8 p.m.

The Ward Beecher Planetarium will host a family-friendly holiday show filled with music and colorful visuals at 8 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior. Admission is free and seating is first come, first served. The show returns 8 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday

The 14th annual Santa Shuffle runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting and ending at the Draught House, 219 W. Federal St. Tickets are $10 and benefit a local charity.

A 2 p.m. matinee at the Ward Beecher Planetarium takes families on a tour of the winter sky alongside Saint Nick and Mr. Freep. Admission is free. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

The Youngstown Phantoms take on Team USA at the Covelli Centre at 6:05 p.m. for Y-Town Night.

Ballet Western Reserve presents “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m. at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, 260 W. Federal St. The production continues Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

The Holiday Flea, 365 E. Boardman St., opens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with dozens of local vendors, handmade goods and holiday gifts.

Sunday

The Holiday Flea continues from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

YSU’s Dana School of Music presents the Youth Orchestra Concert at 4 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society continues its 17th annual Memories of Christmas Past exhibit at the Arms Family Museum on Wick Avenue. Open through Dec. 31, the historic home is transformed into a holiday wonderland filled with vintage décor, ornaments and toys. Museum hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on select dates. Admission includes same-day entry to the Tyler History Center.

The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, a partner in advancing downtown redevelopment, stated it continues to help connect businesses and organizations so local retailers, restaurants and bars can prepare for the city’s growing schedule of events.