The special glow that comes with the Christmas season once again will be seen as communities across the Tri-State Area hold their light-up events.

Those evenings help to create a sense of joy and anticipation as they bring residents together to celebrate and enjoy a festive atmosphere where camaraderie always is on display.

Celebrations began on Nov. 13, when the Christmas tree in Weirton’s North End was lit.

That led up to Saturday’s Christmas on Main Street in Weirton. The annual event, presented by the Weirton Festival Committee, included vendors and family-oriented activities as well as live entertainment, an outdoor skating rink and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The evening ended with the lighting of Weirton’s Christmas tree in front of the Millsop Center and a fireworks display.

The Steubenville Nutcracker Village continues to grow, and returns for its 11th year Tuesday. Activities will begin at 5 p.m. and will include traditional German dancing, local vendors and the unveiling of the five additions to the collection of more than 200 life-sized nutcrackers, the largest of its kind. North Fourth Street will be closed to traffic during the evening, which will allow visitors to easily move among the nutcrackers and the many family-oriented activities that will be a part of the evening.

Also Tuesday, the Toronto Night of Remembrance will be held at 7 p.m. at the city’s gazebo.

Historic Fort Steuben Park at the corner of Third and Market streets in Steubenville will see the return of holiday magic Friday.

The city’s Holiday Market and displays will open at 3 p.m. as part of Steubenville Lights Up the Night activities. It’s a chance to visit the nutcrackers that have earned national acclaim, shop the various vendors that will be set up, take in performances by the Brenda Casey Dancers, the Honkytonk Sweethearts and the Ron Retzer Trio, see the light display at the Jefferson County Courthouse and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

It all will lead up to the official lighting of the city’s Christmas tree around 6:15 p.m., which will be followed by a fireworks display.

Toronto will be celebrating Saturday, when Inspire Toronto holds its Miracle on Toronto’s Fourth Street at the corner of North Fourth and Clark streets. Scheduled to run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will include vendors presented by Focus in Toronto as part of the Toronto Christmas Art Festival, activities for children, entertainment, a giant Christmas tree and, of course, Santa Claus.

Wintersville will light up on Dec. 6 as part of Wintersville Winter Weekend, which will include food trucks and a variety of activities at the Center for Hope and the village’s Christmas parade on Dec. 7.

And, Follansbee’s holiday light event also is scheduled for Dec. 6.

We hope you will participate in the festivities as our area once again shines with the spirit of the holidays.