Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake at Lakeshore Park
Lakeshore Park itself is worth a visit. Its 54 acres consist of rolling hills that unfurl like a carpet dotted with trees crowned with a massive pavilion, yielding only to the lake. Now, imagine more than 70 ambitious, twinkling light displays along its shores — some as large as vehicles. Hours reduced on holidays and $5 is typically suggested per carload. Nov. 26- Dec. 31, Fri.-Sun., 6 p.m.-9 p.m., 1700 East 1st Street, Ashtabula, 440-993-1051, aclotl.com
Baldwin Wallace University Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert at St. Sebastian Church
If you missed this concert last weekend, fear not, as the 15-year Baldwin Wallace University tradition continues in Akron. Spirits will be lifted with an energetic reincarnation of seasonal favorites by guest soloists and conductors, a brass ensemble and classic, bold organ. Also included, a chance to sing along, a candlelight procession and a visit from Santa. $20, Dec. 10, 8 p.m., 476 Mull Ave., Akron, 440-826-2900, bw.edu/events
Cleveland Bazaar Holiday at 78th Street Studios
Started in 2004, Cleveland Bazaar is the longest-running handmade indie show in Ohio. Despite a hiatus in 2020, they’re returning to their home, 78th Street Studios, to ring in the holidays this weekend. With over 150 artists featured over four floors, you’re bound to find something for that hard-to-shop-for relative. Free, Dec. 11-12, Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. noon-6 p.m., 1305 West 80th Street, Cleveland, clevelandbazaar.org
Country Lights Drive-Thru at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Bask in the glow of Christmas magic as you wind through the Farmpark’s familiar, winter landscape from the shelter of your vehicle. This year’s display features beloved favorites and new imaginings. While selling out quickly, this event could prove for a special weeknight evening Sun.-Thur. Tickets are only available online. $27.50 per carload, Nov. 30- Dec. 22, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-639-7275, lakemetroparks.com
Elf The Musical at Beck Center for the Arts
Thanks to the Beck Center for the Arts, this timeless holiday favorite has come to life on stage in Cleveland. Featuring all the charm and hilarity of Jon Favreau's film, the performance will have you believe in holiday magic all over again. $10-$34, Dec. 3-Jan. 2, various times, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit at the Historic Kirtland Visitors Center
For 18 years, Nativity displays from more than 70 different countries have traveled to Kirtland. They come from as far as Thailand, Liberia, Germany, Indonesia, India, China and Rwanda. No display is alike, with some made entirely of paper, bee’s wax, copper, clay and more. Truly a common ground for all nations, the creativity and unifying message is one to leave any visitor in awe. Hours may vary on holidays. Free, Nov. 28-Dec. 31, Mon.-Fri. 1 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sun. 1 p.m.-7 p.m., 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, christmasinkirtland.com
Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
While Ashtabula and Lake County have their own flair of lights and holiday extravagance, if you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to home the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds has it. A standard carload costs $21 to drive-through light displays with LED digital animations and your favorite characters. $21-$80, Nov. 24-Jan. 2, Sun.-Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m., 19201 E. Bagley Road, Berea, magicoflights.com
Santa is Coming to Town at Tower City Center
Since Cleveland’s Winterfest officially ignited the holidays in downtown Cleveland, Santa is on his way to visit, along with his elves and keeper of the keys, Mr. Jingeling on Dec. 11. There’s plenty of festivities happening at Tower City Center through the season, and if you’re busy Saturday, you can still enjoy the Gotta Glow to Tower City Silent Disco on Dec. 10, and ice carving, Frozen-themed crafts Dec. 12. Free, Dec. 11, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, 216-306-0633, towercitycenter.com
Special Holiday Events at Made Cleveland
Made Cleveland is hosting a sleigh-load of holiday cheer this weekend. Friday after store hours, the shop invites you to an intimate performance by Cleveland Institute of Music students (tickets are free but be sure to register as there is limited space). Then, drop in Saturday for a complimentary stocking decorating kit for when Santa drops down the chimney. Also Saturday, Lake Erie Ink will be there as part of Coventry Village’s Annual Holiday Festival. Free, Dec. 10-11, Fri. 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. & Sat. noon-7 p.m., 1807 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-800-8420, madecleveland.com
The Real Valkyries of Valhalla at Beck Center for the Arts
If you need a break from Christmas event over-stimulation (it can be self-diagnosed), Beck Center for the Art’s youth theater has a performance without the guy in the red suit. Instead, join Norse mythology favorites Odin, Loki and Thor in a new take on Ragnarok that promises to be just as humorous. $10-$12, Dec. 10-19, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org