December fun calendar: Lots to do in the Beaver Valley & beyond

There's fun to be found before the calendar flips to 2022.

Here's a handy calendar of December events in the Beaver Valley, with some nearby concerts, too.

DEC. 1

•Winter Story Time for children, 11 a.m. Chippewa Branch Library. Register at 724-847-1450. beaverlibraries.org

•Stephen Pearcy, "The Voice of Ratt," Jergel's Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. jergels.com

DEC. 2

•Chris Jamison from NBC's "The Voice" in "Christmas With Chris," 7 p.m. Strand Theater, Zelienople. thestrandtheater.org

Miracle on Main Street, 4 to 8 p.m., Zelienople with free horse and carriage rides, a live Nativity, live reindeer, Christmas cookie decorating, light-up Christmas tree, Christmas parade, and Santa’s arrival. visitbutlercounty.com

•Sebastian Maniscalco, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh. ppgpaintsarena.com

•Frank Caliendo, Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Munhall. eventbrite.com

DEC. 3

•"Make 'Em Laugh," two one-act comedies and cabaret songs open at the Iron Horse Community Theatre, Ambridge. (Repeat performances on Dec. 4, 10-12, 17-18.) ironhorsetheatrecompany.org

•"All Is Calm" opens at the BlackBox Theater of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. Continues Dec. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19. LincolnParkArts.org

•The Genevans annual free Christmas Concerts, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, 1103 Eighth Ave. The organ prelude begins at 6:30 p.m. During intermission, a love offering will be received. geneva.edu

•Beaver Valley Figure Skating Club Holiday Show, 6:30 p.m. at the Bradys Run Ice Arena, Brighton Township, skating to classic Christmas movies, with guest skaters, raffles, hot chocolate, cookies, walking tacos, popcorn and so much more. bcfsc.org

•Christmas on Merchant Street Live, 6 p.m., Ambridge. ambridgeregionalchamber.org

•Ellwood City Light-Up Night, 5:30 to 8 p.m. ellwoodcity.org

•Midland Light-Up Celebration, 6 p.m., with entertainment, food trucks and the Lincoln Park tree lighting.

•"A Novel Noel Benefit," Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls, with complimentary bar, appetizers, live music from City Sounds, local authors and a Christmas tree raffle. beaverlibraries.org/beaverfalls.asp

•Chris Jamison from NBC's "The Voice" in Christmas With Chris, 7:30 p.m. Strand Theater, Zelienople. thestrandtheater.org

•Sewickley Borough Light Up Night, 5 p.m. sewickleyborough.org

•Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Shazier signs his new book, "Walking Miracle," 5-7 p.m., Penguin Bookshop, Sewickley. eventbrite.com

•Shakey Graves, Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks. shakeygraves.com

DEC. 4

Monaca Borough Hometown Christmas, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. with parade, food vendors, lighting of the borough Christmas tree, nutcracker displays, caroling by R-ACT Theatre and music from DJ Ziggy and the Beaver County Brass Band.

•Wassail Walk benefitting New Brighton Public Library, 5:30 p.m. downtown New Brighton. newbrightonpa.org

•Christmas in The Park, 5-8 p.m. Townsend Park, New Brighton with tree lighting and live music. newbrightonpa.org

•"A Very Merry Christmas in Chippewa," 4-8 p.m. Wright Fields at Veterans Park, Chippewa Township. A new walk-through Christmas event with visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus, vendors, food, live music and light displays. chippewa-township.org

•A Holly Jolly Christmas Concert with Bailey Taylor, Hermie Granati, Rick Witkowkski and other friends and family of B.E. Taylor, 7 p.m., Hopewell Area High School.

•The Genevans annual free Christmas Concerts, 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Falls, 1103 Eighth Ave. The organ prelude begins at 6:30 p.m. During intermission, a love offering will be received. geneva.edu

•Kids Christmas Town, 9 a.m. to noon, and 18th annual Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., both at Chippewa United Methodist Church. The kid-friendly Christmas experience with craft-making, a pancake and sausage breakfast with Santa ($5 per person; children under 3 free) and Santa's Gift Shop where children can shop for their family. The bazaar brings more than 55 vendors. chippewaumc.org

•Christmas at The Vicary Mansion, 2 to 8 p.m., Freedom, celebrating an old-fashioned Christmas with candlelight tours and trees adorned with decorations of different historical eras. bchrlf.org

•Handmade Arcade Holiday Market, David Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, featuring 200 local, independent makers selling one-of-a-kind practical objects, crafts and art. handmadearcade.org

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

•Community Christmas Carol Sing With Santa, 2 to 4 p.m., Rochester Area High School, outside auditorium entrance on Reno Street lawn featuring the Beaver Valley Choral Society. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to Families Matter food pantry. rasd.org

•3rd annual holiday craft show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Western Beaver Jr/Sr High School.

•Santa at The Log Cabin, beside a crackling fireplace, 1 to 4 p.m. in the historic McCoy Log Cabin, Route 168, Darlington Township. Repeats same hours Dec. 5. littlebeaverhistorical.org

•Christmas at River Valley, 6:30 p.m. at River Valley Community Resource Center, in the former Pulaski Elementary School, Pulaski, featuring live music by pianist Irina Trenga, drummer Joey Commisso, and Joe Bandi's Singing Group with dinner served by Kissed the Cook catering company. rivervalleycomplex.com

•Andrea Bocelli, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh. ppgpaintsarena.com

Pittsburgh's largest holiday mart, Handmade Arcade, features crafters and artisans from Beaver County, Allegheny County and beyond.
Pittsburgh's largest holiday mart, Handmade Arcade, features crafters and artisans from Beaver County, Allegheny County and beyond.

•Christmas at The Village, 2 to 9 p.m. at Old Economy Village in Ambridge, with a candlelit cobblestone street, local choirs, children's crafts, Belsnickel (Pennsylvania Dutch Santa Claus), and vendors selling unique handmade items. oldeconomyvillage.org

DEC. 5

•Christmas Tea, 1-4 p.m. Merrick Art Gallery, New Brighton with catering by Felicity Farms, mimosas, the Cranberry Men's Chorus and Chinese auctions. merrickartgallery.org

•Girls Gone Shopping, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a 14th annual holiday show with 80 crafters and vendors at a new location, Monaca Turners Club, 1700 Old Brodhead Road, Center Township.

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

•Christmas at The Village, 2 to 7 p.m. at Old Economy Village in Ambridge, with a candlelit cobblestone street, local choirs, children's crafts, Belsnickel (Pennsylvania Dutch Santa Claus), and vendors selling unique handmade items. oldeconomyvillage.org

•Playboi Carti, UPMC Events Center, Moon Township. upmceventscenter.com/events

DEC. 6

•REO Speedwagon, Palace Theatre. thepalacetheatre.org

DEC. 7

•REO Speedwagon night two, Palace Theatre thepalacetheatre.org

•Jason Isbell, UPMC Events Center, Moon Township. upmceventscenter.com/events

•Dokken and George Lynch reunion, Jergel's Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. jergels.com

•Evening Story Time, 6:30 p.m. Chippewa Branch Library. Register at 724-847-1450. beaverlibraries.org

DEC. 8

Free holiday concert, presented by the Beaver County Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Monaca Cornet Band, 7 p.m., CCBC Golden Dome, Center Township.

DEC. 9

"The Nutcracker" opens at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. LincolnParkArts.org

DEC. 10

•Blackhawk High grad Vanessa Campagna joins the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for the Highmark Holiday Pops concert series, Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh. Shows continue Dec. 11-12, 17-19. pittsburghsymphony.org

•“Home for the Holidays,” a Christmas Musical Revue by Center Theatre Players, 7:30 p.m., Rochester Borough Theater Complex, 350 Adams St., centertheatreplayers.com or showclix.com/event/ctp-christmas

•Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's “The Nutcracker” opens and runs through Dec. 29 at the Benedum Center. pbt.org

•"The Nutcracker," at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. LincolnParkArts.org

•Drive-through Nativity, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mount Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2720 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, with live actors and animals. mtcpc.org

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker."
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre presents "The Nutcracker."

DEC. 11

•“Home for the Holidays,” a Christmas Musical Revue by Center Theatre Players, 7:30 p.m., Rochester Borough Theater Complex, 350 Adams St., centertheatreplayers.com or showclix.com/event/ctp-christmas

•Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, free concert 7:30 p.m., St. Kilian Catholic Church, Cranberry Township. themendelssohn.org

•Drive-through Nativity, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mount Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 2720 Brodhead Road, Aliquippa, with live actors and animals. mtcpc.org

•"The Nutcracker" at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. LincolnParkArts.org

•Beabadoobee, Stage AE, Pittsburgh. promowestlive.com

•All Them Witches, Mr. Smalls Theatre, Millvale. ticketweb.com

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

DEC. 12

•Tree lighting at the Darlington Gazebo with the Mt. Pleasant Church Choir singing Christmas carols from 6-7 p.m. Free hot chocolate.

•Christmas performance by the Ring Pittsburgh handbell choir, 4 p.m., Merrick Art Gallery, New Brighton. merrickartgallery.org

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

•"The Nutcracker" at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. LincolnParkArts.org

Vanessa Campagna will perform at Heinz Hall for the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops holiday shows.
Vanessa Campagna will perform at Heinz Hall for the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops holiday shows.

DEC. 13

•Genesis, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh. ppgpaintsarena.com

•Lindsey Stirling, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. trustarts.org

Genesis entertains at PPG Paints Arena.
Genesis entertains at PPG Paints Arena.

DEC. 14

•Evanescence and Halestorm, Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh. peterseneventscenter.com

•Straight No Chaser, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. trustarts.org

DEC. 15

•"Christmas Brasstacular" with the River City Brass at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. LincolnParkArts.org

•"Polar Express" free screening for children, 5 p.m. Merrick Art Gallery, New Brighton. Refreshments by Quality Time Carryout. Free event but RSVPs required. merrickartgallery.org

•Marie Osmond with symphonic orchestra, Palace Theatre, Greensburg. thepalacetheatre.org

DEC. 16

•Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh with replicas of popular landmarks including Primanti Bros., Forbes Field, Kaufmann’s Department Store and clock, and this year’s new addition, Gus & YiaYia’s ice ball cart. (Runs through the holidays.) carnegiesciencecenter.org

DEC. 17

•“Home for the Holidays,” a Christmas Musical Revue by Center Theatre Players, 7:30 p.m., Rochester Borough Theater Complex, 350 Adams St., centertheatreplayers.com or showclix.com/event/ctp-christmas

•Bully, Club Cafe, Pittsburgh. ticketweb.com

•"Pittsburgh Plays Fleetwood Mac" with popular regional musicians playing a tribute to the classic-rock band, Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh. etix.com

DEC. 18

•“Home for the Holidays,” a Christmas Musical Revue by Center Theatre Players, 2 p.m., Rochester Borough Theater Complex, 350 Adams St., centertheatreplayers.com or showclix.com/event/ctp-christmas

•Night Two of "Pittsburgh Plays Fleetwood Mac" with popular regional musicians playing a tribute to the classic-rock band, Thunderbird Cafe, Pittsburgh. etix.com

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

•Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with Ellwood City band Wine & Spirit, 8 p.m. The Tee Box, 630 Beaver Ave., Ellwood City.

DEC. 19

•Beaver County Model Railroad & Historical Society open house, noon to 5 p.m., 416 Sixth Street, Monaca. bcmrr.railfan.net

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

DEC. 20

•"The Polar Express" 3D screening 5:30 p.m. in The Rangos Giant Cinema, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh. Also screens Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 21–23. carnegiesciencecenter.org

•North Park Holiday Drive-in Laser Show, a 45-minute light show synchronized with holiday music that families enjoy from their own vehicle, Allegheny County's North Park. (Timed hours Dec. 1-22.) alleghenycounty.us

See "Polar Express" in 3D and on Pittsburgh's biggest screen at the Carnegie Science Center.
See "Polar Express" in 3D and on Pittsburgh's biggest screen at the Carnegie Science Center.

DEC. 21

•Winter Story Time for children, 6:30 p.m. Chippewa Branch Library. Register at 724-847-1450. beaverlibraries.org

•Miniature Railroad & Village at the Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh with replicas of popular landmarks including Primanti Bros., Forbes Field, Kaufmann’s Department Store and clock, and this year’s new addition, Gus & YiaYia’s ice ball cart. (Runs through the holidays.) carnegiesciencecenter.org

DEC. 22

•Zoo Lights Drive-through, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Timed ticketing (throughout the holidays) at pittsburghzoo.org

•Live Nativity outside First Baptist Church, 301 Adams St., Rochester from 6-8 p.m., with the Fellowship Hall offering coffee, hot cocoa, light snacks, children's activities, candy canes, and Christmas ornaments.

DEC. 23

•Live Nativity outside First Baptist Church, 301 Adams St., Rochester from 6-8 p.m., with the Fellowship Hall offering coffee, hot cocoa, light snacks, children's activities, candy canes, and Christmas ornaments.

•Joy of Christmas Light Show drive-thru holiday display with 80 displays, 6-9 p.m., Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park, 298 E. Park Ave., Columbiana. Runs through Dec. 26.

DEC. 24

•Laser Holiday Magic, a festive laser featuring traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh. carnegiesciencecenter.org

•Kennywood’s 10th Annual Holiday Lights Spectacular, Kennywood Park, West Mifflin. kennywood.com

DEC. 25

•Merry Christmas

DEC. 26

•Sixth Annual Holiday Model Railroad Open House, noon to 4 p.m., Rochester Area Heritage Society, 350 Adams St., Rochester.

•Holidays in the Garden" opens at The National Aviary, Pittsburgh. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m., Dec. 26-29, including a tropical walk through habitats at night, where beautiful birds roost in the lush tree canopy all around, with festive lights, holiday décor, family-friendly activities, live music, hot chocolate, hot apple cider plus a seasonal menu and cocktails. aviary.org.

The National Aviary has family oriented holiday fun this month.
The National Aviary has family oriented holiday fun this month.

DEC. 27

•Shadrack Christmas Wonderland drive-through, two miles of custom light displays twinkling in synchronization with festive music, runs 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 2 at the Big Butler Fairgrounds in Butler County. shadrackchristmas.com

•The Nerd Herders/The Power Hour Band with Brighton Township native/social media star Ali Spagnola, Club Cafe, Pittsburgh. ticketweb.com

DEC. 28

•Winter Warmup Hike, hosted by the Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail, Darlington Trailhead, 3403 Old Darlington Road, Darlington Township. northcountrytrail.org/trail/pennsylvania/wam/

•Clinton Park Christmas Lights Show, 600 Clinton Park Drive, Findlay Township. (Open 5 to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 3. christmaslightup.com

DEC. 29

•Trans-Siberian Orchestra, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh. ppgpaintsarena.com

DEC. 30

•Laser Holiday Magic, a festive laser featuring traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes, Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh. carnegiesciencecenter.org

DEC. 31

•New Year’s Eve party with Concrete Soul at Frank's Original Grill, Beaver Falls. bandsintown.com

•First Night Pittsburgh, downtown New Year's Eve celebration with live entertainment firstnightpgh.trustarts.org

•Elmoz Fire band and New Year's Eve party, The Tee Box, Ellwood City. theteebox.golf

Scott Tady is the local Entertainment Reporter for The Beaver County Times and Ellwood City Ledger. He's easy to reach at stady@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @scotttady.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: December filled with fun ideas in the Beaver Valley & Pittsburgh