As we enter the winter season, Ashland is snowballing into its “most Hallmarkiest time of the year,” or so claims Ashland Main Street.
With events for all ages, Ashland is preparing for one of its most festive times of the year.
On Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m., the Guiness World Record recipient, Ashland’s Candy Cane Trail, lit up its path once again. On Dec. 13, Santa will be visiting with popcorn and hot chocolate. On Dec. 16, 17 and 18 the trail will host rides for those with accessibility concerns. All are welcome to walk through this interactive exhibit of lights from 5 to 10 p.m. through Jan. 5.
Starting a new tradition this year, the Ashland County Fairgrounds will be hosting “Holiday Lights and Delights” throughout December. Members of the Ashland community may pay $10 to $50, vehicle depending, to drive through the Christmas light display. The grounds will be open Thursday through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Twisted Ivy Designs will be hosting a cookie decoration class on Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This class will include all needed utensils as well as cookies and icing. The class costs $50 per person.
On Dec. 6, Ashland Main Street will host their annual Christmas parade. This year’s theme is “Make Ashland Sparkle.” While this is a parade, no candy will be thrown this year to try and keep the little ones safe from running out into the street. After the parade, Mayor Matt Miller will be lighting the Ashland Christmas tree with fireworks following.
Starting Dec. 12, Corner Park will be hosting its “Ashland Christmas Village.” While the village is open, members of the community may enjoy multiple activities free of charge. The Ashland Express will be giving rides through town while children can meet with reindeer as well as Mr. and Mrs. Clause for story time and photos. For parents, there will be cookies and hot cocoa provided, just make sure to plan around the closure of the parking lot behind Corner Park. The Christmas Village will be open from Dec. 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Freer home will be open on Dec. 12 through the 14th and 19 through the 21st from 6 to 10 p.m. with hot chocolate and historical lessons. The house will be full of decorations for all to enjoy without spending any money.
Members of the community are encouraged to join Santa for breakfast at Uniontown Brewery on Dec. 13 from 8 to 10 a.m. The whole family can enjoy nice warm meal while children may write letters, color, make crafts and get photos with the big man himself.
Later that evening, the Ashland Theater will be hosting their “Heart of Christmas Celebration.” At 6:30 p.m. the Circle of Friends will be joined by the Kessee Family and Justin Crank to worship Jesus Christ through music. This event has no admission fees.
On Dec. 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. the Calvery Baptist church will be hosting a night of music. During their “Heaven’s Greatest Gift – A Multi-Generational Night of Christmas Music,” all are welcome to celebrate the reason for the season.
Beyond Measure Market will be hosting a “Cookie Walk” on Dec. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With over 800 dozen cookies in 15 flavors, participants can make their own cookie tray for the holiday.
Adding a historical touch to the traditional Christmas spirit, the Ashland County Historical Society will be dressing up the Mannor House in Victorian era decorations. Open on Dec. 12 and 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to walk through this touch of history. At 6 p.m. there will be caroling for those who enjoy singing winter tunes.
The society will also be hosting a Victorian lantern tour on Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. They will be giving an after-hour tour in the dark, except for the lanterns of the Victorian style interior for anyone who pays $5.
Lastly, on Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the community are invited to make tree ordainments out of “tree cookies” or round slabs of a tree branches. This creative spin on decorations will be located at the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center.
