Just Like You & Me is celebrating everyone’s favorite tradition of opening presents on Christmas morning. But here, the real gift is YOU! By unwrapping powerful stories about people who beat the odds, they inspire us all to dream, believe, and exceed — giving the gift of hope to anyone who needs it.

They believe every journey holds the power to encourage another, showing us that we’re capable, connected, and never alone. Just Like You & Me fosters inclusion, breaks down barriers, and celebrates the power of the human experience.

Vocal Fusion is Northeast Ohio’s premier a capella singing sensation, and they are gifting us with their own unique take on some classic holiday songs. They share their music throughout Stark County and beyond through immersive experiences and educational outreach, creating harmony in our community — one note at a time.

The Vocal Fusion Youth Choir is serving up some musical hot chocolate for your enjoyment! Funded by ArtsinStark, the program helps these young singers develop their musical abilities, but also teaches life skills such as discipline, creativity, and collaboration to empower the next generation of vocal talent.

Son of a nutcracker! These kids have passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest and the sea of swirly, twirly gumdrops, and they’re coming to us now by way of the North Canton Playhouse! Elf Jr. is just one of the many extraordinary shows these young thespians get to perform in each Broadway-packed season. NCP provides entertainment, enrichment, education, and encouragement for the theatrical arts in our community and Northeastern Ohio. As they head back to the North Pole, remember that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!

All aboard the Wishes Can Happen Magical Train as we embark on a thrilling adventure to make dreams come true! Just like the Polar Express transported kids to their greatest desire of meeting Santa, these children, all decked out in their PJs, have their own wishes granted entirely through the generous support of compassionate donors and volunteers. Wishes Can Happen gives these brave children facing life-threatening illness the chance to dream, smile, play, travel, and laugh despite their challenges. They hope Santa’s bell will always ring for you, as it does for all who truly believe.

“The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” This Christmas mantel sure has some big stockings to fill! The wonderful volunteers at Caravan of Love freely deliver the gifts of showers, food, clothing, medical and mental health care, employment assistance, and more, to all who need it — providing life-changing human services on wheels. Caravan of Love has served thousands of people across Northeast Ohio, and soon, just like jolly ol’ St. Nick, the shower bus will be traveling across the country to make even more people feel seen, valued, and supported.

When Santa needs help navigating a snowy Christmas Eve, we all know who he relies on! Rudolph is the ultimate accessibility helper, and he’s here guiding the sleigh through the Grand Parade’s first-ever Christmas Eve snowstorm! Santa and Mrs. Claus are up on the housetop with a giant bag of gifts and a spotlight on accessibility. Stark A11y’s mission is to make Stark County barrier-free for people with disabilities, including physical spaces, events, and digital ecosystems. They strive to make Stark County one of the most accessible and inclusive places to live, work, and play.

The Philomatheon Society of the Blind promotes the welfare of the blind in Stark County. Their success rests on their determination to help blind and visually impaired men, women, and children be productive citizens of our community. They offer a range of services to help overcome barriers and challenges across everyday living and achieve self-sufficiency.

Triad Deaf Services ensures equal access for deaf, hard of hearing, or deafblind individuals through interpreter services, youth programs, ASL classes, and advocacy. They are committed to removing language barriers and fostering a more inclusive community free from barriers where inclusivity and accessibility are standard for everyone.