If your family is in the mood for some early festive fun, you’re in luck. Plenty of early holiday happenings are taking place throughout November and into early December in the greater Cleveland/Akron area.
November 2-30
Crafty Kiddos: Holiday Gift Creations. Little ones and caregivers enjoy crafting colorful, gift-inspired projects to celebrate the season of giving. Mondays at 9:30 a.m. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org
November 6
Disney’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Follows Jack Skellington as his attempt to take over Christmas creates holiday chaos. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
November 6-7
Christmas in the Woods. More than 100 craft vendors, unique gifts and a visit with Santa. Maplewood Career Center, 7075 State Route 88, Ravenna, maplewoodcareercenter.com
November 13
Santa Parade & 50th Anniversary Celebration. Welcome Santa with live entertainment and family-friendly holiday festivities. 5:30-7 p.m. Great Northern Mall, 4954 Great Northern Blvd., North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com
November 13-14
Christkindl Markt. Shop fine arts, handcrafted gifts, jewelry, pottery and holiday décor. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Canton Museum of Art and Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N., cantonart.org
November 13-December 22
The North Pole Adventure. 26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, cvsr.org
November 14-15
Nature Art Fest. Find one-of-a-kind, nature-inspired artwork and handmade gifts from professional artists. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Township, medinacountyparks.com
November 14-22
Holiday Tree Festival. Celebrate the season with beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and holiday displays benefiting Akron Children’s Hospital. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron, akronchildrens.org/treefestival
November 15-January 15
Holiday Lights. Enjoy twinkling lights and festive holiday displays while shopping and dining. 4:30-10 p.m. Eton Chagrin Boulevard, 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com
November 20
Painesville’s Spirit of the Season. Celebrate the season with the official tree lighting, Santa’s workshop, horse and carriage rides, and more. 5-8 p.m. Painesville Square, painesville.com
November 20-21
Cleveland Christmas Connection. Shop for holiday gifts and decorations, explore festive displays and enjoy family-friendly attractions. I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, clevelandchristmasconnection.com
November 20-22
Medina Candlelight Walk. Celebrate the holidays with a community tree lighting, parade, fireworks, Santa photos and festive family activities. Medina Public Square, mainstreetmedina.com
November 20-December 27
Wild Lights. Celebrate 10 years of Wild Lights with dazzling displays, festive treats, warm beverages and holiday activities throughout the zoo. 5-9 p.m. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., akronzoo.org
November 21
Tree Lighting Ceremony. Crocker Park will welcome back the 50-foot Christmas tree with its annual tree-lighting ceremony. 7 p.m. 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com
Light Up the Park Holiday Celebration. Enjoy a festive afternoon of live reindeer, ice sculptures, crafts, holiday shopping, carols and more. 3-6 p.m. Veterans’ Memorial Park, 32756 Lake Road, Avon Lake, avonlake.org
November 21-January 3
Tropical Holiday. Explore lush tropical plants, island-inspired adventures, a festive marketplace and holiday surprises throughout the gardens. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, holdenfg.org
November 27-December 20
A Christmas Carol. Open your heart to Charles Dickens’ classic tale of one man’s ultimate redemption. Mimi Ohio Theater, Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
November 27-December 30
Deck the Hall. Experience the estate illuminated with sparkling holiday lights and beautifully decorated rooms. 3-9 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org
November 27-28, December 18-23
Holiday Ice & Lights Festival. Bundle up for a festive outdoor celebration featuring holiday lights and seasonal activities. 4-9 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
November 28
Christmas Lighting of the Square. Colorful lights, live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 6:30-8 p.m. Chardon Square, chardonsquareassociation.org
Historic Zoar Village Christmas Tours. Learn about the rich history of German and American Christmas customs while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Zoar’s charming, historically preserved village. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 198 Main St., Zoar, historiczoarvillage.com
Holiday Tree Lighting Festival. Enjoy food trucks, live performances, a trackless train, s’mores roasting, a Santa meet & greet, and more. 4:30-7 p.m. Bicentennial Park, 115 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, auroraoh.com
November 28-29, December 5-6
Ballet Theatre of Ohio Presents “The Nutcracker.” This classic has become a treasured holiday tradition for families of all ages. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., ballettheatreohio.org
November 28-29, December 5-20
Breakfast with Santa. Enjoy breakfast, a winter wagon ride and witness a holiday-themed equine presentation. 9 or 10:30 a.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
November 29
Jingle Bell Pops. Kick off the holiday season with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra’s annual holiday concert, a cherished local tradition that brings the magic of the season to life. 2-4 p.m. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandpops.com
Brecksville Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade. A festive Christmas parade and community tree lighting. brecksville.oh.us
Tallmadge Tree Lighting Ceremony. Celebrate the holiday season with a festive community tree lighting. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tallmadge Circle, tallmadgeoh.gov
December 4-20
A Night of Holiday One Acts. “Santa Claus Might Not Be Coming To Town” and “Suzie Scrooge.” The Stow Players, 5238 Young Road, Stow, stowplayers.net
December 4-27
Country Lights Drive-Thru. Enjoy the festivities from the warmth of your own vehicles. 6-8:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
December 5
Light Up Lakewood. Celebrate the holidays with a festive afternoon of community activities and seasonal entertainment. 4-8 p.m. Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, lakewoodalive.org
Santa in the Cabin. Cozy visits with Santa in the Cabin and family portraits by the elves. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Scout Cabin, 2 W. Streetsboro St., hudson.oh.us
December 6
Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes. Enjoy a festive family breakfast and hands-on holiday activities at the museum. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org
December 12
The Holiday Hangout. Celebrate the season at The Holiday Hangout with festive crafts, holiday photos, sweet treats, visits with Santa and favorite costumed characters, and fun for the whole family! Legacy Village, 25001 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst, legacy-village.com
December 20
Holiday Movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Bring the whole family to the beautiful and historic Canton Palace Theatre and get in the festive spirit. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; movie begins at 7:30. 605 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org
