Our region will continue to revel in the magic of the Christmas season during the next couple of weekends.

From Wintersville to Chester, and many locations in between, this weekend will offer a wide variety of things to see, hear and do.

Thousands of residents from across the Tri-State Area are expected to pack the streets of downtown Steubenville at noon Saturday for the annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade. The parade will feature marching bands and cheerleaders, dancing groups, homecoming queens, colorful floats sponsored by community organizations and local businesses and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Roger Hilty and his wife, Linda, will serve as grand marshals for the parade. A retired teacher from the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School, Roger has served on the board of Friendship Park and the Kiwanis youth soccer program, while Linda has helped with the restoration of the Grand Theater and the improvements in Beatty Park.

The parade, which is sponsored by Doug Kessler of Steel Valley Tank and Welding in memory of his late wife, Betty, is just one of many things happening downtown. Already, thousands of visitors have viewed the more than 200 nutcrackers that make up Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village, enjoyed the Advent Market along Fourth Street and visited the Holiday Market and Christmas at the Fort at Historic Fort Steuben.

There is plenty to do at both attractions. The nutcracker village, for instance, offers a chance to participate in the Nutcracker Story Walk, view museum-quality Nativity scenes, see the trees that are part of the annual decorating contest, grab a beverage in the Gluhwein Garden, enjoy a hayride through downtown and be a part of other events, including tonight’s St. Nicholas Day Lantern Parade.

Saturday will feature many activities in addition to the parade. Christmas in Historic Beatty Park is set to begin at noon Saturday and will offer a taste of an old-fashioned Christmas. And, an open house will be held at the Grand Theater for the Performing Arts on Fourth Street.

Wintersville Winter Weekend returns with a full day of activities on Saturday, including food, vendors, live music and many activities. Luminaria that will line Main Street will be lighted at 5 p.m., with proceeds from their sale going to the Trinity Emergency Assistance Relief Fund, which helps patients at the Teramana Cancer Center.

Also on Saturday, Chester’s annual parade will begin at 3 p.m. and will come at the end of a full day of activities. At Brooke Hills Park, Simply Christmas, scheduled to run between noon and 4 p.m., will feature assorted vendors, contests and activities for children. And, Focus in Toronto will hold its Christmas Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Karaffa Recreation Center,

There will be more parades and holiday events on Sunday. Wintersville’s annual parade will begin at 4 p.m. in front of Ferguson’s House of Furniture. Focus in Toronto will sponsor the Gem City’s annual parade beginning at 5 p.m. on North Fourth Street.

On Monday, Mingo Junction’s Christmas light-up activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Aracoma Park.

Activities will continue next weekend — Dec. 14 will include parades in Richmond and New Cumberland at 5:30 p.m., and in Yorkville, Tiltonsville and Rayland at 6 p.m.

There will be, of course, many other holiday-related events happening all across the Tri-State Area as Christmas Day gets closer. Each presents a unique perspective of the community or organization that is behind them, and all are made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers — as well as the support of local businesses. They are designed to help bring the Christmas spirit to life. We hope you will participate in spreading that special feeling that comes with the holidays.