While we make every effort to ensure events are up-to-date, some may have been postponed or canceled. We recommend checking with the venue or organization before attending any of the following events.
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December 2026
Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s Nutcracker
This classic has become a treasured holiday tradition for families of all ages. Ballet Theatre of Ohio brings its Nutcracker to the Akron Civic Theatre for the 34th year, with dazzling dancers, stunning costumes and Tchaikovsky's score.There are six performances over two weekends. Shows are Saturday, Nov. 28, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. Families can also visit…
Find out more »Santa in the Cabin
Cozy visits with Santa in the Cabin and family portraits by the elves. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by firetruck at 9 a.m. and greet families until 3 p.m. in the restored Rotary Club of Hudson Scout Cabin, where portraits are encouraged in front of the glowing fireplace.Free tickets are required. To avoid long lines, only 20 families per hour can visit, and each family gets an assigned time. Just 120 tickets will be given out, first come, first served,…
Find out more »Ohio City Tree Lighting 2026
Get ready to kick off the holiday season at the Ohio City Tree Lighting 2026! Join us on December 5 from 4-7 PM at Market Square Park for a festive evening filled with holiday magic. Enjoy live Christmas music, hot chocolate, a holiday bar, festive characters, family-friendly activities, and the moment we've all been waiting for, the lighting of Ohio City's Christmas tree. Gather with friends, family, and neighbors as we celebrate the start of the season surrounded by twinkling…
Find out more »Light Up Lakewood
Celebrate the holidays with a festive afternoon of community activities and seasonal entertainment. Presented by LakewoodAlive and sponsored by First Federal Lakewood, this free celebration fills Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood, between Arthur and Marlowe Avenues, with live entertainment, local shopping and family activities. LakewoodAlive's event page lists a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, holiday train, ice carvings, children's games and food trucks as typical highlights.The event runs 4–8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, rain or shine, so dress for the weather.…
Find out more »Caring Santa
Children with special needs and their families can enjoy a sensory-friendly visit with Santa before the mall opens. Santa is located at the Dillard’s North Court. Photos will be available for purchase. Reservations are required for this private event. Visit simon.com to reserve your spot.
Find out more »Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes
Enjoy a festive family breakfast and hands-on holiday activities at the museum. Start in the Holiday Hotcake Hall with a hotcake buffet, toppings bar, coffee and drinks, then head into the museum for make-and-take holiday crafts, face painting, hands-on STEM activities and a meet-and-greet with Santa and friends. Timed-entry sessions: doors open at 9:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and noon; the museum closes at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12, with a $2 discount for members. Tickets are limited and may sell…
Find out more »Baby and Me Story Time
Enjoy a fun, interactive session with songs, rhymes, puppets and musical instruments. This weekly Monday story time is for babies from birth to 24 months with a caregiver. It meets from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Children's Activity Room at Wadsworth Public Library.A playgroup follows the story time at 10:30 a.m. Registration was not required for this program on the library's most recent program page. Visit wadsworthlibrary.com for details.
Find out more »Preschool Storytime
Children ages 3–5 can enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and activities that build early literacy and social skills. The program is designed to support reading readiness and the social and emotional skills kids need for kindergarten.Storytime meets Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 a.m. in the Children's Room at the Cleveland Public Library's Sterling Branch, with sessions listed through Dec. 29. Visit cpl.org for details.
Find out more »Little Learners
Children ages 3-6 can build kindergarten readiness skills through activities, games, songs and stories. The class helps kids practice being away from a caregiver, listening to a teacher and working in a classroom setting.Meets Thursdays from 10:30–11:15 a.m. on Nov. 5, 12 and 19 and Dec. 3 and 10. There is no program Nov. 26. Children attend without a caregiver, but caregivers must stay on the Children's Floor. Visit morleylibrary.org for details.
Find out more »Hansel and Gretel
A magical retelling of the classic fairy tale follows two siblings who must use courage and cleverness to escape a wicked witch. Talespinner Children’s Theatre presents this playful and just a little dark 60-minute production by Greg Banks, recommended for ages 6 and up and families. Performances at the LatinUs Theater in the Pivot Center: Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 13 at noon and 2…
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