Santa Claus is coming
The Welcome Santa Holiday Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Saturday in downtown Akron. The parade features more than 75 units including marching bands, floats, costumed characters, dance groups and area organizations. Santa’s float will stop in front of the stage on Main Street and greet kids at Lock 3.
‘Nutcracker’ is dancing
Ballet Theatre of Ohio is the first local Nutcracker to hit the stage, with performances at the Akron Civic Theatre at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, as well as next weekend. Tickets are $34-$46 at www.akroncivic.com. See the Beacon Journal and Ohio.com on Sunday for a list of Nutcracker productions around the area this season.
Hynde is singing
Chrissie Hynde brings the current incarnation of the Pretenders to E.J. Thomas Hall at 8 p.m., touring behind a new album produced by Dan Auerbach — a double dose of Akron music cool. Tickets are $37 to $75 at Ticketmaster.com or box office.
Wine is flowing
The Galaxy Restaurant in Wadsworth will host its Premier Holiday Wine Festival featuring more than 100 wines from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Food stations and cooking demonstrations are included. Tickets are $75 at www.galaxyrestaurant.com or call 330-334-3663. And if you indulge a bit too much, be smart and take advantage of the hotel packages available at the nearby Holiday Inn Express (330-334-7666) and Comfort Inn & Suites (330-336-7692).
Barberton is celebrating
The Barberton Christmas Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. offers music, pop-up markets, artists, food, a performance by Magical Theatre, lights around Lake Anna and much more. Bring canned goods to donate to Barberton Area Community Ministries. Find a full schedule at www.BarbertonAreaJaycees.com.