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

From Cadiz to Chester, and many locations in between, you will be able to find 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.

The parade 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 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 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 planned for Saturday, including food, vendors, live music, nativities and many activities at the Center of Hope at Wintersville Methodist Church. Luminaria will line Main Street and 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. It’s all being coordinated by a team of volunteers led by local businessman Joel John.

Also on Saturday, Chester’s annual parade will begin at 3 p.m. and will be a part of the Chester Hometown Christmas Celebration. Those events will come after today’s light-up event at the Virginia Springs Pavilion. And, Follansbee will hold its annual light-up event at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Cadiz will hold its annual Christmas parade beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 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. In Toronto, meanwhile, Focus in Toronto will sponsor the Gem City’s annual parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. on North Fourth Street.

Activities will continue next weekend — Dec. 13 will include parades at 5 p.m. in Richmond and New Cumberland, and Yorkville, Tiltonsville and Rayland will hold their annual combined evening parade, which will conclude with the Christmas in the Park Event in the Warren Township Park.

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.