SHARON The Shenango Valley is launching its holiday season this weekend with a trio of festive events, beginning tonight, Friday, Nov. 21, with the "Night of Lights: Tree Illumination" in Sharon, and continuing through the weekend with the annual holiday parade and Small Business Saturday.

These festivities are part of the broader Shenango Valley Weekend of Lights celebration, bringing together the communities of Sharon and Hermitage.

Night of Lights: Tree Illumination (Sharon)

The holiday weekend kicks off tonight, Friday, Nov. 21, on the green along the Shenango River in downtown Sharon from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The main attraction is the annual Christmas tree lighting, featuring the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to illuminate the tree, followed by a fireworks display.

The event will also include a reindeer petting experience, holiday musical entertainment, and various local food options. Food trucks include Haitian Sensation, along with hot apple cider from The Boar's Head & Yule Log Festival performers, kettle corn from Lieutenant Kernel Kettle Corn, LLC, chocolate from Daffin's Candies, and s’mores.

27th Annual Hermitage Holiday Light Parade (Hermitage)

The celebration shifts to Hermitage on Saturday, November 22, 2025, evening with the highly anticipated parade.

The parade schedule is: 5:40 p.m. – Fireworks, 5:50 p.m. – “Merry Christmas Mile” foot race, and 6:00 p.m. – Parade begins.

The parade starts at the Hermitage Towne Plaza (North Kerrwood Drive), travels east along East State Street, turns north onto North Hermitage Road (SR 18), and concludes near the Shenango Valley Mall Property at Indian Run.

Road Closures and Traffic Impacts

Motorists should plan for heavy congestion and delays and use alternate routes when possible. Heavy pedestrian activity, including many children, is expected.

Road closures will begin as early as 4:30 p.m., with most major roads closing by 5:15 p.m.

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic: East State Street from Buhl Farm Drive to the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62), North and South Hermitage Road (SR 18) from Highland Road to the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62), and all side roads connecting to East State Street between Highland Road and the Shenango Valley Freeway (SR 62).

Traffic Hotspots: Heavy congestion is expected near the Shenango Valley Mall Property and Hermitage Towne Plaza.

Suggested Detours: Recommended alternate routes include Highland Road, Buhl Farm Drive, Lamor Road, the Shenango Valley Freeway, and East State Street (SR 62) between the mall and North Keel Ridge Road.

Small Business Saturday

While the main shopping event takes place the following weekend, the spirit of local commerce is encouraged throughout this weekend.

Downtown Sharon, Hermitage, and other areas across the Shenango Valley will feature local shops, restaurants, and makers offering unique gifts and special promotions. The city encourages residents to show their support to help local businesses "shop, sparkle, and shine" this holiday season.