Oil City’s Christmas Past events starts Thursday and continues until Sunday, Dec. 3. It is presented by the City of Oil City’s Community Development Department and the Oil City Main Street program.
This traditional holiday celebration officially kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Thursday with a tree lighting ceremony at the Town Square followed by live music from 7 to 9 p.m. at Karma Coffee with a $5 cover and a Christmas concert at the Free Methodist Church with donations accepted.
Family-friendly activities begin at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, with the Oil City Rotary Club’s chili cook-off and other activities in the Oil City Library, plus Santa, children’s fun and more at Christ Episcopal Church and Central Avenue Plaza.
Festivities on Saturday, Dec. 2, include the Jingle Bell 5K, two breakfast events, multiple craft and vendor shows, live entertainment and a Community Christmas Tree Display at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry.
The weekend wraps up at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, with a piano concert by Dennis Geib at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry.
“Oil City’s Christmas Past is an annual tradition that is the result of many different individuals and groups working on their own event, and wrapping it together into one big package,” said Kathy Bailey, Main Street Manager.
“We thank the many volunteers and folks behind the scenes and the sponsors that help to support the event … we encourage everyone to come downtown that weekend to enjoy the festivities, and support your local downtown businesses as well,” she added.
For a detailed schedule, people may visit the Events and News page of the Main Street website at www.oilcitymainstreet.org.
Thursday
Noon to 6 p.m. — 180°Art presents Eclectic Expressions, Graffiti Gallery, 206 Seneca St.
Noon to 7 p.m. — Transit Fine Arts Gallery open, 206 Seneca St.
5:30 p.m. — Christmas tree lighting and caroling, Town Square
6 to 8 p.m. — Hope 21 offers clothing free of charge; 206 Seneca St.
7 p.m. — Christmas concert at Free Methodist Church, 206 Wilson Ave.; donations accepted.
7 to 9 p.m. — Max Schang and Charlie Barath with special guests Hanna Williamson and Schick at Karma Coffee; $5 at the door
Friday, Dec. 1
Noon to 7 p.m. — Transit Fine Arts Gallery open, 206 Seneca St.
6 to 7:30 p.m. — Paws 4 a Cause therapy dogs and student art show at the Oil City Library, 2 Central Ave.
6 to 8 p.m. — South Side Neighborhood Association selling hot dogs, popcorn, hot cocoa and coffee sales, Central Avenue Plaza.
6 to 8 p.m. — Chili cook-off, basement meeting room, Oil City Library, 2 Central Ave.
6 to 8 p.m. — Santa’s Playland at Christ Episcopal Church hall, 16 Central Ave.; includes children’s activities, crafts and games, pictures with Santa and the Youth Philanthropy bake sale.
6 to 8 p.m. — Outdoor games, Central Avenue Plaza; weather permitting.
6:15 p.m. — Santa arrives at Christ Episcopal Church, 16 Central Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 2
8 to 10 a.m. — Victorian Christmas breakfast at Grace United Methodist Church, 100 Central Ave.
8:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Breakfast with Santa, crafts and activities at St. Stephen School, 241 Reed St.
9 a.m. — Jingle Bell Run, 5K run/walk, starting at Town Square
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — YWCA Sweet Treats, cookie sale, craft show and lunch, 109 Central Ave.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Holiday Happenings, 22 craft vendors at Belles Lettres Club, 405 W. First St.,
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Hope 21 offers free clothing, 206 Seneca St.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Vendor and craft show at the Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry, 270 Seneca St.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Transit Fine Arts Gallery open, 206 Seneca St.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Victorian Christmas Bazaar at Oil City Knights of Columbus, 111 Petroleum St.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Victorian Christmas Bazaar Too at Grace United Methodist Church
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Community Christmas display at Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry, 270 Seneca St.
10 a.m. 6 p.m. — Christmas at the Pointe, fundraiser and holiday shopping event, 259 Seneca St.
Noon to 5 p.m. — Artist open studios at the National Transit Building, 206 Seneca St.
2 to 5 p.m. — Ornament painting at Oil Creek Earthworks Pottery Studio, Transit Annex, 210 Seneca St.
Sunday, Dec. 3
3 to 4 p.m. — Holiday music with Dennis Geib at the Venango museum; $5; light refreshments served.
