‘Christmas in the Valley’ celebration set for Dec. 13-14

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Valley as preparations are in full swing for the community’s beloved annual holiday celebration. Held each year on the second Sunday of December, this year’s event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14, with festive activities kicking off throughout the weekend.

For weeks, volunteers have been busy decorating the town, including a new addition: holiday lights adorning the bridge welcoming residents and visitors into Valley City. These lights join the many other displays and decorations the Valley City Community Group is putting up throughout town. Downtown businesses and residents have also joined in the fun by participating in the “Light Up the Valley” decorating contest, with winners to be announced during the event.

The celebration begins Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. with a community sing-along hosted by Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 6656 Center Road. All are invited to lift their voices in Christmas carols alongside local choirs.

Activities resume the next morning as Route 303 closes at 10 a.m. for the day’s festivities. (For those traveling through town, there will be a clearly marked detour.) The day begins with a 5K run and 1-mile fun walk, where participants are encouraged to don their most festive holiday attire. Awards will be presented not only for race categories, but also for Best Dressed Runner and Best Dressed Pup — as furry friends are welcome to join in the fun.

Free parking is available around town, and shuttle service from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1377 Lester Road, begins at 11:30 a.m.

At 12:30 p.m., the annual Christmas in the Valley Parade steps off downtown, featuring festive floats, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus. The parade will proceed east along Route 303 toward the train depot. The Buckeye Marching Band will escort Santa along Center Road, delivering him to the Depot Museum, where the Liverpool Township Historical Society has arranged for Santa to hear children’s Christmas wishes from 1 to 4 p.m. The historic train behind the depot will also be open for children to explore.

Families will find plenty of activities throughout the day, including a dedicated kids zone at the VFW Hall with games, crafts and hands-on fun. In the old Valley City Town Hall, Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories to children throughout the afternoon.

The Fire Station will host the always-popular chili cook-off, where guests can sample entries and vote for the People’s Choice winner. Three independent judges will also select the recipient of the Judges’ Trophy Award. The Fire Station will also have a beer tent, basket raffles and multiple chances to win great prizes.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can browse the holiday markets, located throughout the downtown area and featuring arts, crafts and food items perfect for holiday shopping. Market hosts for 2025 include Coffee in the Valley, Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Samosky’s Pizza, Valley City Supply and Amy’s Rustic Event Center. Food trucks and open local restaurants will ensure nobody goes hungry while exploring the festivities.

“We believe in the magic of Christmas,” said organizers from the Valley City Community Group. They noted they are deeply grateful not only to this year’s Christmas in the Valley event sponsor, Titan Construction and Repair, but to numerous other generous sponsors who contribute annually to this community tradition. A full list of sponsors, the complete schedule and an event map are available at valleycity.org.

The Valley City Community Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Liverpool Township (Valley City) and supporting continual improvements to the community. Proceeds from VCCG events benefit local initiatives including scholarships for graduating Buckeye students, community recreation facilities, the township park and other nonprofit organizations serving Liverpool Township residents.