Last updated: November 11, 2024
Here's your ultimate guide to the holidays in Lorain! Find all the best festive events and activities. For Lorain natives and newcomers, our guide reveals the city's holiday treasures.
Popular events this season include the soulful melodies of A Motown Christmas, where classic holiday tunes meet the iconic Motown sound. In a dazzling display of holiday spirit, the Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display features intricately designed light installations that will enchant visitors of all ages. And don't forget Castle Noel, where you can explore an extraordinary collection of Christmas memorabilia and animated displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Drive-through light display with synchronized music.
The Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display features a drive-through light display with over 10 dates in November and December, offering a festive atmosphere with lights and music.
Where: Medina | More Info: Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display
Family-friendly holiday activities and decorations in Exchange Park.
Light Up Downtown Vermilion is a family-friendly event featuring holiday activities and decorations in Exchange Park, fostering a sense of community and festive spirit.
Where: Vermilion | More Info: Light Up Downtown Vermilion
Spectacular LED light displays and animated holiday characters.
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over 2 million lights, including classic holiday scenes and iconic characters like Barbie and Bigfoot. Guests can enjoy a festive and nostalgic event from the comfort of their vehicles.
Where: Middleburg Heights | More Info: Magic of Lights
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
The Akron Zoo Wild Lights event features over one million lights, fun photo-ops, and holiday activities like visiting Santa Claus and enjoying treats at Mrs. C's Sweets. The event includes a Rockin' Lighted Spectacular and Holly Jolly Hillside, with local high school choirs performing on select dates.
Where: Akron | More Info: Akron Zoo Wild Lights
Grand opening celebration with giveaways.
Over the Moon Gifts celebrates its grand opening with giveaways and special offers, marking its recognition as Pulse Magazine's Best in Lorain County.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Over the Moon Gifts GRAND OPENING
Community-driven holiday event with diverse activities.
Christmas in the Valley is a community celebration featuring a holiday market, 5K race, one-mile fun run, dog walk, and a chili cook-off. The event includes various sponsorship levels, offering recognition and advertising opportunities.
Where: Valley City | More Info: Christmas in the Valley
World-class Motown performance with live band and brass.
A Motown Christmas features an all-star lineup of vocalists and musicians from legendary Motown outfits, delivering iconic hits with impeccable harmonies and dazzling choreography.
Where: Lorain | More Info: A Motown Christmas
Soaring vocal harmonies and precision string instrumentation.
The Wizards of Winter is a 11-member ensemble performing their Holiday Rock Opera titled "Christmas Dream," featuring members who have performed with notable bands like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Def Leppard. They weave a story around their latest album "Christmas Dream," blending rock, pop, and ballads to evoke memories and emotions of Decembers past.
Where: Lorain | More Info: The Wizards of Winter
Tribute performance by Ted Vigil, known for his strong physical resemblance to John Denver.
Ted Vigil, a singer and songwriter, pays tribute to John Denver with a 90-minute show featuring John's big hits and holiday songs.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Remembering John Denver
Northern Ohio's longest running outdoor concert series with diverse musical acts.
Rockin' On the River is Northern Ohio's longest running and highest attended outdoor concert series, featuring national, regional, and local talent at Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio. The event includes a variety of music genres, sound and light shows, food, beer, wine, and vendors. Admission is free for kids 12 and under, and gates open at 5:30 PM with approximate start times for the opener at 6:15 PM and the headliner at 8:45 PM.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Rockin' On the River
High-energy live tribute performance with iconic Rod Stewart hits.
Tonight's the Night @ The Lorain Palace Theatre features a live tribute band recreating the sound and excitement of Rod Stewart's biggest hits, including Maggie May, Hot Legs, and Do You Think I'm Sexy, with legendary drummer Carmine Appice and Rod Stewart's former sax player Katja Rieckermann.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Tonight's the Night @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
Stellar guitar playing and emotive singing by a world-class artist.
Richie Kotzen is a renowned guitarist and singer known for his dynamic live performances and stellar songwriting. At the Lorain Palace Theatre, he will deliver an electrifying show that showcases his artistic prowess.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Richie Kotzen @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
World-class ballet performance with integrated live narration and elaborate sets.
North Pointe Ballet's production of The Nutcracker features professional dancers, live narration, and colorful sets, bringing the holiday classic to life for all ages.
Where: Lorain | More Info: The Nutcracker
Historical boat tour highlighting Lorain's industrial past and wildlife.
Explore Lorain's rich history and scenic Black River on a 2-hour guided boat tour. Learn about the city's early industries, wildlife, and revitalization efforts while cruising past historic landmarks.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Lorain History Boat Tour
Tuscan-themed evening with Italian dishes and cocktails.
The Lorain Historical Society presents the LHS Annual History on the Rocks Gala "Taste of Tuscany," featuring Italian-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, and lively trivia games.
Where: Lorain | More Info: LHS Annual History on the Rocks Gala "Taste of Tuscany"
Community-driven art celebration with a new teen internship program.
The FireFish Festival is a vibrant arts and culture event in downtown Lorain, featuring local youth, artists, and community members through public and youth-created art. It includes an annual community parade, live music, kinetic wind sculptures, and a unique SPARKS teen internship program. The festival transforms downtown Lorain into a living art tapestry with immersive performances and eye-catching exhibits.
Where: Lorain | More Info: FireFish Festival
Community race with costume encouragement and dog participation.
The Monster Mash Dash is a community race in downtown Lorain, Ohio, encouraging participants to dress in their spookiest or goofiest costumes. The event includes a 5k run, 1 mile walk, and a kid's run. Dogs are welcome, and participants can win a Best Dressed Pooch award. Custom race shirts and post-race refreshments are included.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Monster Mash Dash
Interactive exhibits with extensive holiday movie memorabilia.
Castle Noel is an indoor year-round Christmas attraction in Medina, Ohio, featuring a vast collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes, animated New York City Christmas windows, and interactive exhibits like Santa's Chimney Squeeze and the Santa Slide.
Where: Medina | More Info: Castle Noel
Family-friendly holiday activities with a festive atmosphere.
Huron Winter Fest is a family-oriented event featuring holiday activities, including games, entertainment, food, kids' crafts, and a petting zoo. It culminates with the Pumpkin Drop at 2:30 pm.
Where: Huron | More Info: Huron Winter Fest
Commemorating 25 years of community holiday tradition.
Celebrate 25 years of Orrville's Annual Holiday Tradition with a festive event featuring local traditions and community spirit.
Where: Orrville | More Info: Home for the Holidays
