Last updated: November 11, 2024
Your holiday season resource for Akron is here! Explore our comprehensive guide for all the best events and activities. Whether you're an Akron native or a holiday adventurer, this guide illuminates the city's seasonal charm.
One delightful event to experience is the Akron Zoo's Wild Lights, featuring vibrant light displays that create a magical atmosphere. Another highlight is the Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where visitors can stroll through enchanting trails adorned with festive decorations. And the Hower House Museum Holiday in Bloom is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing beautifully themed holiday decorations in a historic setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Akron Holiday Light Displays
Akron Zoo's Wild Lights
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration with over one million lights and interactive activities.
- Description
- Akron Zoo's Wild Lights features over one million dazzling lights, fun photo-ops, and holiday treats like s'mores and hot chocolate. Enjoy Grinch-themed fun, visit Santa, and experience a Rockin' Lighted Spectacular.
- Where
- Akron | More Info : Akron Zoo's Wild Lights
Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms into a holiday spectacle with over 1.5 million lights, dynamic musical light shows, and festive activities like carousel rides and model train displays.
- Where
- Cleveland | More Info : Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Welcome Santa Illuminated Night Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Illuminated floats and fireworks display.
- Description
- The Welcome Santa Illuminated Night Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Akron features lighted floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus. The event culminates with Santa lighting the City of Akron's official tree and concluding with fireworks.
- Where
- Akron | More Info : Welcome Santa Illuminated Night Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Massillon Holiday Parade & Light Up
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday celebration with a festive parade and tree lighting.
- Description
- The Massillon Holiday Parade & Light Up is a family-friendly event featuring a festive parade and tree lighting in downtown Massillon. The event includes a free festival atmosphere with activities for all ages.
- Where
- Massillon | More Info : Massillon Holiday Parade & Light Up
FREE Holly Pine Lane Kick-Off
- What to Expect
- Local, handmade light displays by Canton Parks Recreation maintenance team.
- Description
- Celebrate the holiday season with a free event featuring the lighting of Stadium Park, Santa, decorated Christmas trees, and kids' activities.
- Where
- Akron | More Info : FREE Holly Pine Lane Kick-Off
Magic of Lights
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday light display with various themed scenes.
- Description
- Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display featuring over 2 million lights, including classic holiday scenes and iconic characters like Mattel's Waving Christmas Barbie and the BIGFOOT Monster Truck. Guests can enjoy the event from the comfort of their vehicles, with some locations offering additional out-of-car activities.
- Where
- Middleburg Heights | More Info : Magic of Lights
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
- What to Expect
- State-of-the-art animatronics and LED displays in a holiday light drive-through experience.
- Description
- Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park features all-new LED displays, animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes at Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds. Visitors can stop at the Santa Shack to visit Santa and Mr. Grinch, and take pictures at Photo Op benches. This event is designed to become a special Christmas tradition for families and guests from Northern Ohio and Pennsylvania.
- Where
- Atwater | More Info : Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
Akron Holiday Shows and Entertainment
FREE Crocker Park Tree Lighting & Sing-Along with Santa and Friends
- What to Expect
- Interactive tree lighting ceremony with live music and Santa's arrival.
- Description
- Join Crocker Park for a festive Tree Lighting & Sing-Along with Santa and friends, featuring live performances, food trucks, and holiday attractions.
- Where
- Westlake | More Info : FREE Crocker Park Tree Lighting & Sing-Along with Santa and Friends
Akron Other Holiday Activities
Hower House Museum Holiday in Bloom
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a historic Victorian mansion.
- Description
- The Hower House Museum Holiday in Bloom features a beautifully decorated 28-room Victorian mansion with hundreds of treasures and furnishings collected by the Hower family. The event showcases the mansion's unique Second Empire Italianate style and its historical significance.
- Where
- Akron | More Info : Hower House Museum Holiday in Bloom
FREE Santa’s Arrival at Southern Park Mall
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday celebration with Santa and festive characters.
- Description
- Southern Park Mall welcomes Santa Claus for the holiday season with a grand parade featuring Santa, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, and other festive characters. Families can enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and story time with Cindy Lou Who and the Grinch. Admission is free, and families are encouraged to bring a toy donation to support the Salvation Army's Toy Drive.
- Where
- Boardman | More Info : FREE Santa’s Arrival at Southern Park Mall
FREE Christmas on the Canal + Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- What to Expect
- Interactive holiday event with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Description
- Join us for FREE Christmas on the Canal, where children can enjoy craft making, hot chocolate, and train rides. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas House, and take home free goody bags filled with buttons and pencils. Music and hay rides will keep spirits bright.
- Where
- Bolivar | More Info : FREE Christmas on the Canal + Pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus
30th Annual Warther Tree Festival
- What to Expect
- Unique tree decorations benefiting local community.
- Description
- The 31st Annual Warther's Tree Festival features over 100 pre-decorated trees, wreaths, and home decor, delighting families with unique themes each year. Admission is $5 for those 12 and older, with children under 12 admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Auxiliary.
- Where
- Dover | More Info : 30th Annual Warther Tree Festival
FREE Come Home to Hudson & Caroling on the Green
- What to Expect
- Caroling event with illuminated pine trees.
- Description
- Join the Hudson Community Choruses for a festive caroling event at the Gazebo Green, where massive pine trees will be illuminated during the caroling.
- Where
- Hudson | More Info : FREE Come Home to Hudson & Caroling on the Green