Christmas arrives a little early this year. Chillicothe lights its tree Friday evening as Nikolausmarkt opens in City Park, and the Chamber’s Holly Jolly Christmas parade steps off Saturday afternoon. Waverly holds its Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend the same days, with a quilt show, a variety show, and a parade of its own. Portsmouth’s library celebrates 120 years in its Carnegie building on Thursday, the Ross County Health District marks National Rural Health Day, and library programs fill the week across Ross, Scioto, Gallia, Highland, Pike, Vinton, and Jackson counties.
Saturday, Nov. 21
Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Chillicothe Chamber Christmas Parade. Saturday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m. This year’s theme is Holly Jolly Christmas, and the parade is the centerpiece of Nikolausmarkt weekend in Chillicothe. City calendar roundup
Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Nikolausmarkt (German Festival). Saturday, Nov. 21, City Park. Vendors and stage entertainment run 11 a.m.–6 p.m. The Optimist Club bake sale and toy drop runs 11 a.m.–4 p.m. next to the Town Theatre, the Rock Island Train Depot is open 11 a.m.–4 p.m., cookie decorating at Odie’s runs noon–2 p.m., carriage rides run 3:30–7:30 p.m., and pictures with Santa at the City Park stage and an old fashioned cake walk at the American Legion Pavilion both begin at 4 p.m. City calendar roundup
Why it matters: Between the festival and the parade, Saturday is the biggest Christmas kickoff day of the season in Chillicothe.
Pike County | WAVERLY: Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend Parade. Saturday, Nov. 21, downtown Waverly. The parade headlines Waverly’s Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend, which also brings a quilt show to the library on Thursday and Friday and a story time with Santa on Saturday morning. Event listing
Also this week
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: French 500 Flea Market & Craft Show. Final day Sunday, Nov. 15, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Gallia County Fairgrounds, 189 Jackson Pike. Free admission and parking, with antiques, collectibles, and handmade items from more than 150 dealers. CVB calendar
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Wander Women: Hike the Hoggard Trail. Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m., Buzzard’s Roost, 514 Red Bird Ln. Free. Women of any age are invited; the group hikes on the third Sunday of each month. Event listing
- Pike County | WAVERLY: Jingle Bell Quilt Show. Thursday, Nov. 19, and Friday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Garnet A. Wilson Public Library, 207 N. Market St. Part of Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend. Event listing
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: National Rural Health Day. Thursday, Nov. 19, noon–4 p.m., Salvation Army, Chillicothe. The Ross County Health District hosts an afternoon program marking National Rural Health Day.
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Holiday Gift Show Opening. Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Pump House Center for the Arts. Free. The annual holiday gift show opens Thursday evening and runs through Dec. 24. Event listing
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Carnegie Celebration. Thursday, Nov. 19, 6–7:30 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library, 1220 Gallia St. The library celebrates the 120th anniversary of its Carnegie building and Andrew Carnegie’s gift to the community. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Holiday Downtown Open House. Friday, Nov. 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., downtown Chillicothe. Free. Event listing
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Nikolausmarkt Opens and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Friday, Nov. 20, City Park. Vendors run 4–8 p.m., and the Christmas tree lighting ceremony is at 5:30 p.m. City calendar roundup
- Pike County | WAVERLY: Candy Cane Variety Show & Little Royalty Contest. Friday, Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., Waverly High School. Part of Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend. Event listing
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., Chillicothe Players Theatre at Shore Acres Clubhouse. City calendar roundup
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Friday Bingo at VFW Post 4999. Friday, Nov. 20, doors open 4:30 p.m., bingo starts 6:30 p.m. City calendar roundup
- Pike County | WAVERLY: Story Time with Santa & Gingerbread House Decorating Party. Saturday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m., Garnet A. Wilson Public Library. Part of Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend. Event listing
Also on the calendar
Ross County
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Wiggle Worms. Monday, Nov. 16, 10–11 a.m., Northside Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Community Arts & Crafts Supplies Swap. Monday, Nov. 16, 4–6 p.m., Northside Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: The Bee Mobile Library on Toledo Street. Monday, Nov. 16, 4:15–5:15 p.m., Serenity Wellness Center, 901 Toledo St. Catch the Bee, the library’s bookmobile. Library event page
- Ross County | KINGSTON: Coffee Filter Turkeys. Monday, Nov. 16, 5–6 p.m., Kingston Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | FRANKFORT: Affirmation Art. Monday, Nov. 16, 5–6 p.m., Howard S. Young (Frankfort) Branch Library. Explore the power of positive self-talk and make art that celebrates what makes you special. Library event page
- Ross County | BAINBRIDGE: Flower Pot Turkeys. Monday, Nov. 16, 5–6:30 p.m., Paxton (Bainbridge) Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | RICHMOND DALE: Felt Pie Slice Banners. Monday, Nov. 16, 5–6 p.m., Richmond Dale Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Children’s Clothing Bank. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 10 a.m.–noon, Main Library Annex. Operated by First Presbyterian Church of Chillicothe. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Budding Bookworms Storytime. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10–11 a.m., Main Library. Stories and songs that build early literacy skills. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Perler Bead Palooza! Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3:30–5 p.m., Main Library Annex. An 8-bit art creating extravaganza; all materials provided. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Nonfiction Book Club. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Ross County Historical Society. This month’s meeting explores engaging nonfiction, from recent releases to classics and biographies. Library event page
- Ross County | BAINBRIDGE: Seated Tai Chi. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Paxton (Bainbridge) Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Homeschool Teen Chill & Chat. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m.–noon, Northside Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Bundts, Boba, & Bedazzling. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Northside Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | SOUTH SALEM: Pumpkin Canvas Art. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4:30–6 p.m., South Salem Branch Library. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Movie Release Party: Sunrise on the Reaping. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Main Library Annex. Celebrate the newest Hunger Games film adaptation. May the odds be ever in your favor! Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Discovery Garden Family Playgroup. Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.–noon, Main Library Annex. Imaginative play, stories, games, art, and music, in partnership with Easterseals. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Game Cafe: Board Games, Video Games, and D&D. Thursday, Nov. 19, 3:30–5 p.m. and 5:30–7 p.m., Main Library Annex. Board games, retro video games, and beginner-friendly D&D. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Minecraft Club. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4–5 p.m., Main Library Annex. Build on the monthly theme in Creative Mode or create something of your own. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Explore More: Metahqua. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m., Metahqua, 3663 Walnut Creek Rd. Free. Hike one of Ross County’s hidden gems with the Ross County Park District. Event listing
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Dino Dance and Glow! Friday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.–noon, Main Library Annex. A glow-in-the-dark, dino-stomping dance party for kids. Library event page
- Ross County | KINGSTON: Money Smarts for Older Adults. Friday, Nov. 20, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Kingston Branch Library. Tips to help prevent frauds, scams, and elder financial exploitation. Library event page
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: LEGO Build Challenge! Saturday, Nov. 21, 2–3 p.m., Main Library. Who can build the tallest right angle tower? Practice problem solving and LEGO building skills. Library event page
Scioto County
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Dungeons & Dragons: Teen Campaign. Monday, Nov. 16, 2:30–4 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Epic adventures in the 5th edition of the popular role-playing game; all experience levels welcome. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Cookbook Club: Cooking Basics with the Kitchen Collective. Monday, Nov. 16, 5:30–7 p.m., the Kitchen Collective, 429 2nd St. Free. Learn to make a dish with Chef Julia Biggs. Library event page
- Scioto County | NEW BOSTON: Punch-Needle Coasters. Monday, Nov. 16, 6–7 p.m., New Boston Library. Adults learn the basics of punch needle embroidery; registration is required. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Teen Craft: Shrinky Dink Jewelry. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2:30–4 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Design your own jewelry and watch it come to life. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: DIY Fairy Wands. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 4–5 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Craft the perfect wand to take home. Library event page
- Scioto County | SOUTH WEBSTER: Adult True Crime Club. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6–7:30 p.m., South Webster Library. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Cinnamon Dough Ornaments. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. A scent-filled holiday craft for kids 12 and under. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Computer, Switch and VR Gaming. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2:30–4 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Gaming laptops, Nintendo Switch, and Oculus Quest systems. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Minute to Win It. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2:30–4 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Fast-paced games and competition, with prizes. Library event page
- Scioto County | SOUTH WEBSTER: Tween Friendship Bracelet Making Workshop. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4–5 p.m., South Webster Library. Library event page
- Scioto County | WHEELERSBURG: Turkey Lantern. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4–5 p.m., Wheelersburg Library. Kids turn jars and autumn colors into a Thanksgiving lantern. Library event page
- Scioto County | NEW BOSTON: Player One Gives Thanks. Thursday, Nov. 19, 4:30–5:30 p.m., New Boston Library. Gaming and gratitude dice you design yourself. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Learn to Crochet or Knit with the Yarnaholics. Thursday, Nov. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Learn to make a hat or scarf this season. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Free Day Friday. Friday, Nov. 20, 2:30–4 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Crafts, card and board games, and computer/VR games. Library event page
- Scioto County | PORTSMOUTH: Snoopy’s Kids Table. Saturday, Nov. 21, noon–1 p.m., Portsmouth Public Library. Celebrate Thanksgiving like the Peanuts gang, with a toast craft, themed sensory bins, and jelly beans to take home. Library event page
Gallia County
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Storytime. Monday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Stories, songs, crafts, and games for ages 3–6. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Yoga. Monday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Start the week with a relaxing evening session. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: In-B-Tween Club. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Crafts and games for ages 7–9. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Lapsit. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m., Bossard Memorial Library. For ages 0–3. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Needlework Circle. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Dungeons & Dragons. Thursday, Nov. 19, 3:30 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Teen program, ages 12–18. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Evening Storytime. Thursday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. For ages 3–6. Library event page
- Gallia County | GALLIPOLIS: Medicare and Marketplace Assistance. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Bossard Memorial Library. Free, unbiased help with Medicare options, by appointment only. Library page
Highland County
- Highland County | LYNCHBURG: Chess Club. Monday, Nov. 16, 5:45–7 p.m., Lynchburg Branch Library. Beginners and experienced players alike will find a game. Library event page
- Highland County | LEESBURG: Lego Club. Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Leesburg Branch Library. All ages welcome. Library event page
- Highland County | HILLSBORO: Trivia Tuesday. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m., Hillsboro Public Library. This week’s theme is sci-fi. Library event page
- Highland County | GREENFIELD: Knitting and Crocheting. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6–6:50 p.m., Greenfield Branch Library. An informal group; all skill levels welcome. Library event page
Pike County
- Pike County | PIKETON: Vintage Journaling Monthly Meet. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 1 p.m., Piketon Branch Library. Library calendar
- Pike County | PIKETON: Book Trivia Night. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4 p.m., Piketon Branch Library. Library calendar
- Pike County | PIKETON: Teen Craft. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m., Piketon Branch Library. Library calendar
- Pike County | PIKETON: Baby Storytime. Thursday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m., Piketon Branch Library. Library calendar
Vinton County
- Vinton County | McARTHUR: Fitness with Melissa. Monday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library. Free. Equipment is provided and no registration is required; all fitness levels welcome.
- Vinton County | McARTHUR: Bedtime Yoga with Ellie. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library.
Jackson County
- Jackson County | JACKSON: Children’s Storytime. Monday, Nov. 16, and Thursday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m., Jackson City Library.
- Jackson County | JACKSON: Roblox Night. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., Jackson City Library.
- Jackson County | JACKSON: Pokémon Day. Saturday, Nov. 21, Jackson City Library.
Meetings and notices
- Pickaway County | CIRCLEVILLE: City Council Meeting. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, 127 S. Court St. City calendar
- Ross County | CHILLICOTHE: Library Board of Trustees Meeting. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Culp Trustee Room, Main Library. The library’s monthly board meeting. Library event page
- Jackson County | JACKSON: Jackson City Library closes early. Thursday, Nov. 19. Plan ahead if you need the library that evening.
- Pickaway County | CIRCLEVILLE: Curbside leaf pickup continues. Running through Dec. 31. Leaves can also be dropped off at the city Service Garage, 150 Highland Ave. City calendar
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