The holiday season is just around the bend, and fun celebration plans are in place. Don’t miss holiday shopping, visits with Santa, live entertainment, the annual Christmas parade, tree lighting and much more.

The Grove City community is invited to celebrate a full weekend of holiday spirit at the Grove City Christmas Celebration and Mistletoe Market, 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4, in historic Town Center. Activities are sponsored by the City of Grove City and Heart of Grove City.

Photos with Santa is sponsored by TWIG 184, 3-6:30 p.m, Friday, Dec. 3 and 2-6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4 in the Mistletoe Market tent. Take photos on your own or purchase a photo to benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital for $5 each.

View and scroll through the GIS Christmas map to find the weekend activities. Schedule your COTA//Plus on-demand ride to the Grove City Mistletoe Market and all Christmas events until 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4. Visit the COTA//Plus web page to learn more and establish an account.

The City of Grove City and Heart of Grove City holiday activities open with the fifth annual Nutcracker Hunt. Beginning Saturday, Nov. 27, find all 47 nutcrackers for a prize or a chance to win the grand prize holiday basket.

Drop your child’s wish list in Santa’s mailbox in front of the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum, then shop at Town Center businesses and Mistletoe Market at Town Center Park, 3359 Park Street, holiday shopping for seasonal, creative gift items, artwork, decorations, delicious treats and food trucks to enjoy or share with others while strolling through town.

The Grove City Community parade steps off at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3 and winds through the Town Center along Wilbur Avenue, Columbus Street, Broadway and Park Street. Santa, Mayor Stage and City Council members will lead the annual tree lighting countdown, following the parade. Traffic restrictions begin at 6:30 p.m., visit the Road Closures web page for details.

The Southwest Franklin County Historical Society and the City of Grove City invite you to an afternoon of old-time holiday fun at the Christmas Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec.4, visiting Century Village, 4185 Orders Road; the Grant-Sawyer Home, 4126 Haughn Road; and the Grove City Museum, 3378 Park St. Enjoy vintage Christmas traditions, seasonal displays and decorations, visits with Saint Nick, tasty treats and festive carols. Docents in period costumes share stories of holiday celebrations of the past at all three sites. At the Grant-Sawyer Home, listen as the Grove City Chamber Singers perform festive music and take photos at the Relieffe-Grant Barn, behind the house.

The Gardens at Gantz volunteers have decorated five trees with the theme “Treats for Wildlife,” at Gantz Park, 2255 Home Road. Stop by to appreciate the natural beauty throughout the season.

New this year, participate in the 2021 Christmas Lights Tour, add your decorated home to an interactive map for all to enjoy.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Christmas movies at the Evans Center have been canceled.

Share your holiday fun using the hashtag #GroveCityChristmas. For additional information, call the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department at 614-277-3050.