Area Happenings: Christmas and New Year's festivities

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 5 p.m. Sunday, Wooster United Methodist Church. Service will feature the WUMC Colla Voce Choir. Parking is available behind the church.

New Year's Eve Dinner, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, Octagon House, 10095 Wadsworth Road, Marshallville. Dinner with Gen. Sheridan and Libbie Custer. History of the house will be given with appetizers. A seven course dinner with all authentic 1860s-80s recipes. Victorian entertainment and a midnight toast. $100 per person suggested donation. Event serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit's "Roof Preservation Project" preserving the original 1883 Russian Tin Roof. Register right from the website. Seating is limited. There is no set end time to this event. Stay as long as you like.

Polar Bear Dip, 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 1, Charles Mill Lake. Relay for Life of Ashland County-Mid Ohio will host the annual event. A $35 donation to dip and get a T-Shirt helps raise money for the American Cancer Society. For more information on the dip follow visit Facebook at Polar-Bear-Dip-Cold-for-the-Cure.

Contra Dance, 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2411 Shreve Road, Wooster. Instruction included. It's aerobic and social; no partner necessary. Recommended for all ages. Celtic music with Pocketful o' Gimmick, calling by Susan English. Suggested donations are $7 adults, $5 students. Carry clean shoes and personal water bottle. More information and videos at https://www.woosterdance.com and on Facebook at Wooster Dance. Future dates are Feb. 3, March 2, April 6, May 4.

Rural Youth Square Dance, 7-10 p.m. Jan. 13 and Feb. 10, Wayne County Fair Event Center. Lessons 6:45-7 p.m. Live band and caller - Mel Stocksdale band with Dave Kick calling. Open to all ages. No experience necessary. Admission $5. Free refreshments.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Here's a guide for what to do in Ashland, Holmes and Wayne counties