You can definitely tell Christmas is near in the Mid-Ohio Valley. If you haven’t caught the Christmas Spirit yet, I am ready to help you get on your way. There are lots of places to see and events to prepare for this Holiday Season. One of my all time favorite Christmas events is driving around looking at Christmas Lights. But where is a good place to start? Here is an online tour plan:

 

"City sidewalks busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style. In the air there's a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, People passing, Meeting smile after smile, And on every street corner you'll hear Silver bells silver bells. It's Christmas time in the city. Ring- a- ling hear them ring. Soon it will be Christmas day"

“City sidewalks busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style. In the air there’s a feeling
of Christmas. Children laughing, People passing, Meeting smile after smile, And on every street corner you’ll hear Silver bells silver bells. It’s Christmas time in the city. Ring- a- ling hear them ring. Soon it will be Christmas day”

  • Lighted Park. Located on North 7th Street in Marietta across from YMCA.

 

  • The Levy – Christmas Lights right next to the water fountain on Ohio Street.

 

  • Merry Etta – Downtown Shop Decorations. Front Street, Marietta, Ohio

 

  • Marietta’s Annual Christmas Tree – Located in front of the Armory on Front Street, Marietta, Ohio.

 

  • Belpre City Park Lights. Drive or walk through Belpre City Park.

 

  • Parkersburg Annual Holiday in the Park Exhibit Open Dark Until 11 P.m Last Day December 31st

Over course don’t forget to look at the houses on your way to these places. After seeing the Christmas Lights you surely will have caught the Christmas Spirit. But don’t stop there. There are still more things to do. Check out the events that are coming up in the next week. Don’t forget to check back for more events and have yourself a very Merry Christmas.

Other Upcoming Events:

Mount Vernon Church Preservation Society “Country Christmas Celebration”
December 19, 7:00 PM
Mount Vernon Church, Ohio 26, Rinard Mills; speaker, Erin Curtis; specials by members of the community; Holy Communion observed; refreshments; no electricity in church, service by candlelight; flashlights suggested; donation box for upkeep of the church.

Cookies and Story Time with Santa
December 20, 12:00pm-3:00pm
Jim Spence Center St Marys WV
A fun family event-cookies with Santa and reindeer games. There will be crafts for the children. Admission $7.00 per child All proceeds benefit Hearts forever Changed Missionary.
Heather Helmick 304-771-5010

Live Nativity Scene
December 20, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Stillwell Union Church, 2762 Stillwell Road, Davisville, WV
A Live Nativity Scene will be presented on the grounds surrounding the church
Pastor David Miller, 304-488-6457

Free Meal and Clothing Giveaway
Dec 20, 11am-1pm
Faith United Methodist Church, 503 Seventh St., Marietta
Good Samaritan free meal and clothing giveaway.
740-376-0105

Breakfast fundraiser
Dec. 21st, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beverly American Legion Post 389 Post Home, 5th street
Breakfast proceeds to go to the summer display of American flags in Beverly and Waterford. Adults $7.00, children $3.00, donations
Randy Trotter 740-538-7952

Benefit, Brunch with Santa
Dec. 21, 10 AM – 1 PM
Churchtown K of C Hall, Churchtown, OH
Ashley Hoff Benefit, Brunch with Santa – Pancake brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus joining in for pictures!
Professional photographer will be there for pictures.
Cost: donations at door.
Sheila Lovett: 740-374-5258; lovettcs@suddenlink.net

Sweetapple Farm’s Live Nativity
December 22, 6:20 PM and 7:20 PM
6:20 and 7:20 p.m., Dec. 22 and 23, Kestermeier Cattle Barn; free; preformed by The Living Faith Methodist Church on Dec. 22; Lighthouse Baptist Church on Dec. 23; if enough costumes guests may dress up and sing; box for donations to the Western Washington County Food Pantry; market open 5:30 to 8 p.m.; Santa and Mrs. Claus; crafts, T-shirts, grass fed beef, sausage, hot chocolate for sale; 678-7447.

Christmas music
December 22, 7:00 PM
Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Route 14 and TurkeyFoot Road, Mineral Wells, WV 26150
An Evening of Christmas: A Night of Music – An evening of Christmas music.
Patrick Heavner 304-210-1494, heavner95@yahoo.com

Christmas Day Breakfast
Dec. 25th, 9am – 11am
Evangelical Methodist Church, 1906 Gihon Rd. Parkersburg,WV 26101
Free Christmas Breakfast For All to Enjoy!!
Pastor Jeff Williamson 304-481-7745

Christmas Day Feast
Dec. 25th, 1-2 pm
1 to 2 p.m.; doors open at noon, First Presbyterian Church, Fourth and Wooster streets, Marietta; reservations required by Saturday, Dec. 20; open to the public; The Puls Family String Trio will perform; eat-in, carry-out, free delivery and transportation available; for information, reservations, delivery or transportation assistance call 373-7958.

Nineteenth Holiday Lights Bicycle Tour
Fri, December 26, 2014 @ 7:00PM
begins at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 232 Third St.; free; ride on Marietta’s River Trail and city streets; helmets and lights on bikes required; children under 14 must be accompanied by adults riding with them; registration before ride in church fellowship hall; videos of bicycle tours on C & O Towpath, Erie Canal Towpath, Natchez Trace Parkway and possibly, the Katy Trail across Missouri will be shown; refreshments provided, homemade cookies welcome; sponsored by Marietta Rowing and Cycling Club and Unitarian Church; 373-1784 or rogerkalter1@yahoo.com.