This year, many communities are planning events to get residents and visitors into the Christmas spirit.
Here’s an overview of some of the celebrations scheduled throughout the Christmas season in Lake County and beyond.
concord township
The town will host a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas music, hot cocoa and cookies on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the gazebo of City Hall, 7229 Ravenna Street. You can also invite your family for free.
Fairport Harbor
Harbor Holidays and A Day with the Grinch will be held on December 2nd at 11am
The Grinch will make special appearances throughout the village. At 5:45 p.m., Fairport, at Second and High Streets, he will climb to the top of the Harbor Lighthouse and read Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
A tree lighting ceremony will be held at Veterans Park at 6 p.m., followed by a visit from Santa until 7 p.m. Veterans Park is located on Third Street between Plum Street and Eagle Street.
madison township
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Madison Township Park, located at Hubbard and Lake streets, will be held on Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at the park at 6 p.m.
The festivities are part of a larger event hosted by BrewStreaks Bar & Restaurant, 6710 Lake Road in Madison Township. The BrewStreak celebration begins at 4 p.m. and includes cookie and ornament decorating, hay rides, letters to Santa, and more.
You can also bring in new, unwrapped Christmas toys to donate to children in need.
Madison Village
Christmas at Madison Village Park is scheduled for December 2nd. The event will be held in and around Madison Village Park at West Main Street and River Street.
Activities include:
• 4:30 to 7 p.m. — Chili Cook-Off at Duffy’s Tavern, 60 W. Main St.; Proceeds will benefit the Madison Joint Recreation District’s Oktoberfest and Light Up the Park events.
• 5:30 p.m. — Annual Christmas Parade. It begins in the South Elementary School parking lot at 92 East Main Street in the village and ends at the park.
• 6-8 p.m. — Traditional Christmas celebration at Madison Village Park. There will be free snacks and drinks, a performance by the Madison High School Eclectica Show Choir, and a special mailbox for letters to Santa.
Santa will appear as a guest at the event. He visits with his children and hears all their Christmas wishes.
Mentor
The city’s annual community tree lighting ceremony will be held at the Mentor Municipal Center on Dec. 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the tree lighting, Santa will arrive in a horse-drawn carriage and be available for photos while a local choir sings holiday favorites. Light snacks will also be provided.
Mentor Municipal Center is located at 8500 Civic Center Blvd.
perry village
Santa Claus will appear at Lee Riddick Park, 3954 Cole Road, on Dec. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m.
A fire truck will bring Santa to the park to visit with the children, and parents will have the opportunity to take photos of their children talking with Santa. Children are reminded to bring their letters to Santa and place them in a special drop box provided.
Christmas music will be played and cookies and hot cocoa will be available for all attendees.
willoughby
The annual holiday lighting ceremony in downtown Willoughby begins Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.
The festival begins with musical entertainment by local school groups. Downtown lighting continues.
In addition, Santa Claus will also be available for photos.
willoughby hills
Willoughby Hills Winterfest will be held at the city fire station, 35455 Chardon Road, on Dec. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
The event will also include lighting up the Christmas card lane and an appearance by Santa Claus. Games, refreshments and music by the South High School Wind Band will also be provided.
Participants are also encouraged to bring unwrapped Christmas toys to donate to children in need.
Here are some of the community Christmas events planned in Giaga County.
Chardon
The annual square Christmas lights will be held at Place Chardon on November 30th from 6:30pm to 8pm.
The event will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a performance from the Chardon High School Free Harmony Show Choir.
Chardon Square is located at 101 South Hambden St.
middle field
Mary Middlefield will be held on December 16th. The Grinch is planning a visit and will be roaming around town trying to steal gift cards and toys that will be donated to local charities.
Meanwhile, Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive at Great Lakes Outdoor Supply, located at 14855 N. State Ave., at 11 a.m. Santa will stay inside the store until 7 p.m., posing for photos with guests.
Another highlight is the fireworks display at 7 p.m., hosted by Great Lakes Outdoor Supply and Middlefield Village.
Local Christmas events in eastern Cuyahoga County include:
Euclid
The City of Euclid Holiday Lighting Event at Triangle Park will be held on December 1st.
Starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m., visitors can ride the train around Triangle Park, sing Christmas karaoke, try out the gingerbread slide and watch as chainsaw artists carve sculptures.
A life-sized cartoon character will take your photo. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also appear.
The Christmas tree lighting will begin at 6:30 p.m., when Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gale will flip the switch to light up the tree and the rest of the park.
Triangle Park is located between 235 and 291 E.
Mayfield Heights
The holiday lighting ceremony at City Hall, 6154 Mayfield Road, will be held Nov. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The event will include hot cocoa and sweets, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.