Northeast Ohio Holiday Events Planner

Through January 3
Deck the Hall, 5-8 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy one of Ohio’s largest and most spectacular holiday celebrations. Deck the Hall features a fantastic light show animated to music and (new this year) is Gingerbread Land in Playgarden. Stan Hywet Halls & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

Through January 4
Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay in Wheeling, W. Va. – This holiday tradition has grown into one of the nation’s largest light shows, covering more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive. Viewable Sunday-Thursday until 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m. There is no admission fee to the festival but a per car donation is requested. Oglebay, 800-624-6988, oglebay-resort.com

December 1-21
The Polar Express, 7 p.m., matinee offered Saturday and Sundays at noon. The award-winning book comes to life on this magical journey to the North Pole and back. Elves will read the story to you on the way to the North Pole to pick up Santa. While Santa visits each car, elves will lead you and your family in Christmas Carols and spread merriment. As in the story, everyone is encouraged to wear his or her pajamas on this special journey. All passengers will enjoy hot cocoa and a cookie. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence and Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron, 330-439-6163, cvsr.com

December 1-23
2014 Holiday Traditions, Holly Hall & Chagrin Falls Ornament, Saturdays, Sundays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Township Hall on historic Main Street will be transformed into Holly Hall featuring visits from Santa, cocoa and cookies, caroling, a festival of mini-trees for silent auction, Santa’s gift shop, along with horse-drawn carriage rides. Free. Chagrin Falls Township Hall, 83 N. Main St., 440-247-0900, chagrin-falls.org

December 1-25
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake, 6-9 p.m. Experience the 2014 festival of lights, sights and memorable beauty at Lake Shore Park. In its ninth year, the event has become a family tradition for many. $5 per car. 1700 E. 1st St., Ashtabula, 440-993-1051, aclotl.com

Glow – Cleveland Botanical Garden, times vary daily. This winter spectacular is one of Cleveland’s most celebrated holiday traditions. Tickets are $16/non-member adult and $12/non-member child. Free for Garden members. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

December 1-29
International Trees & Model Trains Display, open Fridays, 5-9 p.m. Saturdays, 4-9 p.m. and Sundays, 3-7 p.m. International and themed Christmas trees on display. Large model train display includes nine trains on a multi-track system and four smaller train displays. Free to the public, donations appreciated. Black River Transportation Center, Black River Lane, Lorain, 440-244-6503, loraingrowth.com

December 1-31
Lights on the Lake, 6 p.m. Drive through Lakeview Park to view the twinkling holiday lights and displays. Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, 440-458-5121, visitloraincounty.com

Holiday Lights, 6-9 p.m. Visit the 1-mile looped trail decorated by local companies and organizations with holiday lights and decorations. Enjoy snacks, hot chocolate, games and crafts. Admission is one canned good. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, 440-458-5121, metroparks.cc

Holiday Market, Fridays, 4-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays, 12-6 p.m. Find unique handmade gifts, including local, independent products and ones from Germany, including hand-blown glass. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-7676, downtownakron.com

December 3-20
Holiday Tours of the Perkins Stone Mansion, Wednesdays-Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Completed in 1837, the Perkins Stone Mansion was built by Colonel Simon Perkins, son of Akron’s founder General Simon Perkins. 550 Copley Road, Akron, 330-535-1120, summithistory.org

December 3-23
Holiday at Finwood, 6-9 p.m. Visit with Santa, have refreshments, and enjoy the lights and displays. Outside lights will remain on until Jan. 2 at Finwood Estates, 799 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-326-1500, visitloraincounty.com

December 4

The May Dugan Center Neighborhood Tree Lighting Ceremony, 5-7 p.m. Festivities include a performance by the Urban Community School student choir and holiday crafts for children. The ceremony is free and open to all. 4115 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-5800 ext. 124

Chardon Square Christmas Lighting Ceremony, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Main Street and the park are decorated for the holiday with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, complete with musical entertainment and a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Short Court St., Chardon, 440-285-3519, chardonsquareassociation.org

Peninsula Candlelight Walk, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the heart of the holidays with a traditional Candlelight Walk throughout the Village of Peninsula. Shops, organizations, churches, museums and restaurants will greet you with festive holiday treats, music, special events, goodwill and cheer. Main Street, Peninsula, 330-657-2788, explorepeninsula.com

December 4-6, 11-14, 18-21
“The Santaland Diaries,” produced by Cleveland Public Theatre, best-selling author David Sedaris’ story of an out of work actor taking a job as Crumpet, a Macy’s Christmas elf, in 1989. Tickets start at $30. Outcalt Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Warehouse District, 216-640-8669, playhousesquare.org

December 5-7
Holiday Arts & Crafts Show – This beautiful handcrafted show has become a tradition in Akron for nearly 30 years. The show features artisans from across the country as well as locally respected ones. Admission for adults is $4.50; seniors 62+ $4; and children 12 and younger, free. E.J. Thomas Hall – The University of Akron, 198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7570

December 5-7, 12-14
Olmsted Performing Arts’ “The Nutcracker,” times vary. Welcome the holidays with this family-friendly, not-to-be-missed, gem of the season. Tickets begin at $13. 6941 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-6722, olmstedperformingarts.com

Short and Sweet Holiday Shop – This year’s shop will again feature handmade items by local artists and artisans within a two-mile radius of Art House. Entry is free; items available for sale. Art House Inc., 3119 Denison Ave., Cleveland, 216-398-8556, arthouseinc.org

December 5, 12, 19
An Evening of Holiday Magic – A fantastic way to celebrate the holidays with family, friends or colleagues during the holiday season. Bring your special someone for a memorable night out. Or bring the whole office and make “Holiday Magic” your party. Call to reserve your time. Stan Hywet Halls & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

December 5-21
“A Christmas Carol,” adapted from the book by Charles Dickens, this is a traditional, yet inventive, telling of the holiday classic is one of the most captivating versions that you’re likely to ever see on stage. Most enjoyed by families ages 6 and up. Magical Theatre, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org

December 6
Holiday Breakfast & Celebration, two seatings: 8 and 9:30 a.m. Bring your little ones to a yummy breakfast and a chance to see Santa. The “Decorate Your Waffle Breakfast” is back. Then visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Medina Funtastic Toyz. Special gifts for the kids. $10 per person. $1 will be donated per ticket purchased to Feeding Medina County. Tickets must be purchased in advance, call 330-725-6830. Miss Molly’s Tea Room, 140 W. Washington St. #6, Medina, missmollys.net

Santa on the Green, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Rotary Club of Hudson brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Green. Gazebo Green, N. Main St. (Rt 91), Rt. 303 and Aurora St., Hudson, hudson.oh.us

Elyria Festival of Lights and Holiday Parade, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Arts, crafts, caricatures, an ice sculptor, entertainment, music, giveaways and gifts, as well as reindeer and/or live holiday petting zoo. The day culminates in the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of Ely Square. Ely Square, 131 Court St., Elyria, 440-326-1500, cityofelyria.org

Christmas on the Canal, noon-8 p.m. Stroll through the streets of Historic Downtown Canal Fulton. Visit Santa Claus, enjoy Christmas shopping, an electric lights parade, tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas caroling, children’s activities, prizes and much more. 125 Tuscarawas St., Canal Fulton, 330-854-6835, cityofcanalfulton-oh.gov

December 6-7
Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents “The Nutcracker,” 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This classic has become a treasured holiday tradition for families of all ages. Tickets begin at $22. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron,330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

An Old-Fashioned Williamsburg Christmas Celebration, 3 p.m. Sleigh bell wagon rides, piñata, ice sculpture, early games, caroling, make an ornament, gingerbread house contest, Christmas stories, 3-5 p.m. at the historic Jefferson Depot Village. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 147 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, 440-812-1100, jeffersondepotvillage.org

December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21
Visit Santa in the Wolf Wilderness Lodge, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Souvenir photos will be available for $5 with proceeds going to the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Call 440-572-9990. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 6, 13, 20, 21
Breakfast with Santa, 11 a.m. Tickets available by calling or during regular rink hours of operation. Walk-up tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-7676, downtownakron.com

December 6-23
Holiday Lantern Tours, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a 90-minute, lantern-lit tour of the grounds at Hale Farm. Learn about the historic holiday traditions of the Hale family, enjoy holiday treats and sing Christmas carols in the Meetinghouse. Reservations are required. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org

December 7
Seven Hills Christmas Party & Craft Fair, 10 a.m. A fundraiser for the Salvation Army. Enjoy free cookies and drinks at the children’s party, a visit from Santa, dance exhibits and handmade Christmas arts & crafts. Seven Hills City Recreation Center, 7777 Summitview Drive, Independence, 216-524-4421

Wildwood Cultural Center 35th Holiday Display & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, purchased refreshments and a huge variety of fine arts and crafts at this unique holiday show. Set in the grandeur of the Wildwood Cultural Center, you’ll find many holiday items for sale from over 25 vendors, including wreaths and swags, gingerbreads, live greenery, baked goods, ornaments, stockings and more. Admission $1. Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road, Mentor, 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

Hudson Holiday Walk, noon-5 p.m. First and Main sponsors horse and carriage rides on the First and Main Green. Hudson merchants will have refreshments, drawings, giveaways and more. First and Main Green, Hudson, hudson.oh.us

21st Annual Holiday CircleFest – Western Reserve Historical Society, noon-5 p.m. Experience Cleveland’s cultural treasures free of charge. 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, universitycircle.org

 December 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
Breakfast with Santa and the Animals, 9-11 a.m. This holiday tradition includes feeding the penguins, visits with Santa, enrichment “presents” for the animals and a gift bag for each child. Enjoy a full breakfast buffet, live music and decorate sugar cookies to get in the holiday spirit. Akron Zoo, 504 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

December 7, 14, 21
Breakfast with Santa at Punderson Manor, 7:30-11 a.m. Treat your children to one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Punderson Manor. Its famed holiday decorations and Sunday breakfast, serves as a backdrop for creating rich childhood memories. Reservations are recommended. 11755 Kinsman Road, Newbury, 440-564-9144, pundersonmanorstateparklodge.com

December 11
Light up Vermilion for Shopping, 5-9 p.m. All shops and restaurants are open late and the downtown sparkles with lights. Stop into the Main Street Office for the annual holiday Open House. Liberty Avenue and Main Street, Vermilion, 440-963-0772, mainstreetvermilion.org

December 12
“Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical,” 7:30 p.m. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Tickets start at $25. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Holiday Gala at The Hickories Museum, 5-8 p.m. Toast the holiday at the Lorain County Historical Society’s 1895 seasonally decorated historic mansion. Hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, holiday sweets and music. $27.50 per person. Reservations required, call 440-322-3341. Hickories Museum, 509 Washington Ave., Elyria, lchs.org

December 12, 13
Santa’s Wild Workshop in the Woods, 7-9 p.m. Start a new holiday family tradition at Wildwood Cultural Center. See Santa’s live reindeer in an interactive display and don’t forget to bring your camera. Make a toy in Santa’s workshop with the Wildwood elves. Help Mrs. Claus decorate cookies in the kitchen and stick around for games and a visit from the big guy himself – Santa Claus. Space is limited so sign up early. Children 2 and under free. 440-974-5735, cityofmentor.com

“A Christmas Cabaret,” Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. This delightful show, featuring Nancy Maier, Scott Posey, Bill Rudman and Sandra Simon, has become a perennial holiday favorite. $15 adults, $10 LCCC students with valid ID and children ages 12 and younger. Stocker Arts Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-366-4040, lorainccc.edu

December 13 & 20
Polar Express Pajama-rama Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon. Add some sparkle to your holidays. Take a magical journey to the North Pole with your family while watching this beloved holiday classic in the OMNIMAX Theater. Kids can come dressed in their favorite Christmas pajamas. Enjoy a breakfast buffet and hot cocoa bar. Tickets $27 ($22 members). Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

December 14
Breakfast with Santa, at Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation from Cleveland Metroparks, 8-11 a.m. Two packages to choose from: a holiday crafters ticket at $18 per person or a toboggan time ticket at $25 per person. Both include a pancake breakfast, a visit from Santa, a craft and a photo. Toboggan ticket includes unlimited rides 8-11 a.m. Call 440-572-9990. 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, cleveland metroparks.com

December 15
Jingle Bell Jam, 6-6:45 p.m. Jingle all the way to the gallery for a holiday sing-along with Miss Misty and her guitar. It won’t be a “silent night” so be ready to shake your mistletoe and shout with glee. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, 440-933-8128, alpl.org

December 17
Christmas Roller Skating Party, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be there to celebrate the season with games, raffles and prizes. Skater’s admission is $5 and skate rental is available for $2. Mentor Skateland, 5615 Andrews Road, Mentor on the Lake, 440-257-3631, mentorskateland.com

Friends of the Maltz Museum Hanukkah Candle Lighting Ceremony, 5 p.m. Children of all ages and backgrounds are invited to sing songs, participate in a hands-on holiday activities and indulge in a sweet cookie reception. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575,

December 19

Holiday Kick-Off Party with Santa, 6-9 p.m. Celebrate the spirit of the season by bringing a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food bank or animal shelter and receive a $1 off toboggan admission, and receive an ornament to place on the Chalet’s community holiday tree. Chalet in Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 20
35th Annual Tuba Christmas, noon. Akron’s beloved holiday tradition returns for its 35th year conducted by founder Tucker Jolly. E.J. Thomas Hall – The University of Akron 198 Hill St, Akron, 330-972-7570.

 December 21
Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dress for the weather and help bring some light into the longest night of the year on this evening walk. Explore roots of our modern holiday celebrations derived from ancient traditions associated with the winter solstice and enjoy hot beverages and traditional holiday music by the accomplished Pilgrim Brass Choir and its sing-along opportunities inside the Nature Center. The West Woods, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org

December 25

Annual Chinese Food & A Movie Day, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Movie-goers will help the museum choose two films that celebrate diversity, identity and the beauty of the human spirit. They will be screened as part of a day of film, family fun and Chinese food. $25 general (ages 12 and up); $12 youth (ages 5-11); and children under 5, free. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org December 26

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The album’s (and stage production’s) narrative begins on Christmas Eve, when a young girl’s curiosity leads her to a night of mischief and magic. Tickets start at $32.50. Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court Cleveland, theqarena.com

December 26-30
December Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Whether you prefer the warmth of the tropics or an invigorating chill, you’re sure to enjoy Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s December Days. Enjoy special seasonal activities including holiday crafts, live music, cookie decorating and more. Free with zoo admission. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

December 26 through January 1
36th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, 7-8 p.m. It is a tradition of the nonprofit organization FCII of Ohio to invite people to learn and to celebrate Kwanzaa. A major element of the ceremonies includes upholding the seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kanisa House, 142 Cleveland St., Elyria, 440-366-3244, fciiohio.org

December 31
Noon Year’s Eve at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Festivities include kid-friendly activities the whole family can enjoy. Watch a crew of charismatic critters in a special Noon Year’s Eve Wild Animal Show. Make New Year’s ReZOOlutions and an eco-friendly craft. Other activities include music, dancing, an ice-carving demonstration, costumed characters and more. Zoo Admission includes event activities. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com

New Year’s Celebration, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Crafts, activities and refreshments will help us ring in the New Year. Take a hike while you’re there, then warm up by the campfire. Marshmallows are provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm / Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, 330-865-8065

Toast to the Town, New Year’s Eve Gala, 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and include food, beverages, silent auctions, live music, carousel rides and a great time., Merry Go Round Museum, 301 Jackson St., Sandusky, 419-626-6111, merrygoroundmuseum.org