Celebrate the holiday season in Akron, OH, with a plethora of festive events that cater to every taste. From the dazzling Akron Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony that transforms downtown into a radiant spectacle to the melodious Akron Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert, there's something for everyone. Foodies can indulge in the Holiday Lights & Special Dinner Event, where culinary artistry meets stunning light displays, creating an intimate and magical dining experience.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, Akron's holiday festivities create unforgettable memories with their unique blend of tradition, music, and gastronomy. Embrace the spirit of the season and explore the rich cultural tapestry that makes Akron a holiday destination worth visiting.
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Akron Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Akron
- Akron Christmas Tree Lighting
- Akron Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
- Holiday Lights & Special Dinner Event
- The Nutcracker Ballet
- First Night Akron
- Santa Express Train Rides
- Winter Wonderland Walk
- Annual Crafty Mart
- Holiday Open House
- Breakfast with Santa
Akron Holiday Light Displays
Akron Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and switch-flipping ceremony
Description:
Akron's annual tree lighting ceremony transforms downtown into a glowing spectacle. Residents gather to witness the massive evergreen illuminate, continuing a tradition that began in 1913. The event features local choirs performing carols, their voices echoing through the crisp winter air. You can join in the community-wide countdown before the mayor flips the switch, bathing the square in twinkling lights. This cherished ritual marks the official start of Akron's holiday season, uniting the city in a shared moment of joy and anticipation.
Website:
Akron Holiday Markets and Shopping
Annual Crafty Mart
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made artisanal gifts
Description:
The Annual Crafty Mart showcases Akron's vibrant maker community, offering a carefully curated selection of locally-crafted gifts. Artisans display their wares, ranging from handmade jewelry to small-batch food products, each item telling a story of creativity and craftsmanship. The event pays homage to Akron's industrial roots while celebrating its modern artistic renaissance. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various crafting techniques, gaining insight into the skill behind each unique piece. The Crafty Mart has become a cornerstone of Akron's holiday shopping scene since its inception in 2009.
Website:
Holiday Art Market
What to Expect:
Focus on avant-garde and experimental art pieces
Description:
Akron's Holiday Art Market pushes the boundaries of traditional holiday shopping, featuring avant-garde and experimental pieces by local artists. The market transforms a former rubber factory into a gallery space, honoring Akron's industrial past while embracing its creative future. Visitors can peruse installations that challenge conventional notions of holiday art, from interactive sculptures to multimedia experiences. Live performances by experimental musicians create an immersive atmosphere. The event highlights Akron's emerging role as a hub for cutting-edge art, offering truly unique gifts for the discerning art lover.
Website:
Akron Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Akron Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Akron Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert elevates seasonal favorites to new heights. This musical extravaganza seamlessly blends classical compositions with contemporary holiday hits, creating a unique auditory experience. The orchestra, accompanied by local choirs, performs in the historic Akron Civic Theatre, a venue that has hosted performances since 1929. Audience members can sing along to beloved carols during designated portions of the show. The concert showcases the exceptional talent of Akron's musicians while infusing the holiday spirit into every note.
Website:
Akron Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
The Nutcracker Ballet
What to Expect:
Locally-inspired set designs and costumes
Description:
Akron's production of The Nutcracker Ballet infuses local flair into this timeless classic. The performance features set designs inspired by Akron's landmarks and costumes that reflect the city's industrial heritage. Dancers glide across the stage, bringing Tchaikovsky's iconic score to life with graceful precision. The production incorporates elements of Akron's history, subtly weaving the city's story into the familiar tale. Audience members can spot these local touches throughout the performance, adding an extra layer of meaning to the beloved holiday tradition.
Website:
Akron Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Lights & Special Dinner Event
What to Expect:
Gourmet dining experience amidst holiday light displays
Description:
Akron's Holiday Lights Special Dinner Event combines culinary artistry with dazzling illuminations. Guests savor a multi-course gourmet meal prepared by local chefs, each dish inspired by seasonal flavors. The dining area, surrounded by elaborate light displays, creates an intimate atmosphere unlike any other holiday event. Between courses, diners can stroll through the illuminated gardens, discovering hidden vignettes and light sculptures. This event pays homage to Akron's rich culinary heritage, showcasing the city's evolving food scene against a backdrop of holiday splendor.
Website:
Holiday Lights & Special Dinner Event
First Night Akron
What to Expect:
Alcohol-free New Year's Eve celebration with diverse performances
Description:
First Night Akron ushers in the New Year with a vibrant, family-friendly celebration. This alcohol-free event showcases Akron's thriving arts scene, featuring performances by local musicians, dancers, and artists across multiple venues. Attendees can explore interactive art installations, each offering a unique perspective on the passing year. The event culminates in a dazzling fireworks display over downtown Akron. First Night has been a city tradition since 1996, evolving to reflect Akron's changing cultural landscape while maintaining its focus on community and creativity.
Website:
Santa Express Train Rides
What to Expect:
Scenic train journey with Santa through Cuyahoga Valley
Description:
The Santa Express Train Rides whisk passengers through the snow-dusted Cuyahoga Valley on a journey filled with holiday cheer. Vintage train cars, lovingly restored, transport riders back in time as they chug along the historic railway. Santa Claus himself mingles with passengers, sharing stories and posing for photos. The train's route showcases the natural beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a testament to the region's conservation efforts. Carolers serenade passengers with classic holiday tunes, their voices harmonizing with the rhythmic clatter of the train.
Website:
Winter Wonderland Walk
What to Expect:
Self-guided nature walk with holiday-themed stations
Description:
Akron's Winter Wonderland Walk invites nature enthusiasts to explore the city's parks in a whole new light. This self-guided journey features holiday-themed stations nestled along snow-covered trails. Participants can learn about winter wildlife, engage in eco-friendly craft activities, and discover how local flora adapts to the cold. The walk highlights Akron's commitment to green spaces, a tradition dating back to the city's early development. Trekkers can warm up with hot cocoa at designated rest areas, each offering a unique view of Akron's winter landscape.
Website:
Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Behind-the-scenes tours of historic Akron buildings
Description:
Akron's Holiday Open House unlocks the doors to some of the city's most intriguing historic buildings. Participants can explore beautifully decorated interiors, gaining rare access to spaces usually closed to the public. Each site offers a glimpse into Akron's architectural heritage, from Victorian mansions to repurposed industrial spaces. Knowledgeable guides share stories of the buildings' past inhabitants and their roles in shaping the city. You might discover hidden architectural details or learn about preservation efforts that keep Akron's history alive.
Website:
Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Farm-to-table breakfast experience with Santa
Description:
Breakfast with Santa in Akron elevates the traditional meet-and-greet into a farm-to-table culinary experience. Local chefs prepare a gourmet breakfast using ingredients sourced from nearby farms, showcasing the region's agricultural bounty. Santa mingles with guests, sharing tales of the North Pole between bites of locally-made pastries. The event takes place in a restored barn, blending rustic charm with holiday spirit. Children can participate in cookie decorating workshops, creating edible masterpieces to take home. This unique breakfast celebrates Akron's farming heritage while creating new holiday memories.
Website:
Nearby Events
Holiday Fest (Fairlawn)
What to Expect:
Interactive workshops and demonstrations
Description:
Akron's Holiday Fest buzzes with activity, offering a diverse array of interactive workshops and demonstrations. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle-making or gingerbread house construction, guided by local artisans. The event celebrates Akron's multicultural community, showcasing holiday traditions from around the world. Live performances punctuate the day, featuring everything from folk dances to modern interpretations of holiday classics. The aroma of freshly baked treats wafts through the air, tempting attendees to sample local specialties.