Christmas in the Greater Akron area brings plenty to look forward to, from dazzling light displays and holiday performances to seasonal shopping and local traditions.
Are you planning a family outing, date night or weekend getaway? Here are 12 fantastic ways to celebrate the season.
Day 1: Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
One of Akron's most popular holiday traditions, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens transforms the historic estate into a Christmas wonderland. Visitors can explore the decorated Manor House before heading outside to see millions of lights illuminating the grounds.
Give yourself enough time to walk through the Manor House and see the outdoor light displays, which are best enjoyed after dark. It will run on select dates from Nov. 27 to Dec. 30. Enjoy visits with Santa, gingerbread cookies and other holiday traditions that make the season special.
Day 2: Wild Lights at Akron Zoo
The Akron Zoo looks a little different after dark during Wild Lights, running on select evenings from Nov. 20 through Dec. 27. Colorful light displays line the walkways and there are plenty of animal-themed decorations to spot along the way.
It's a fun outing for families with younger kids, especially those who love Christmas lights. Warm up with hot cocoa and sweet treats. Keep an eye out for the mischievous Grinch! Families can also visit Santa, capture memorable holiday photos and enjoy a night filled with festive fun.
Plan to bundle up since much of the experience takes place outdoors.
Day 3: North Pole Adventure
All aboard for a Christmas journey! The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's North Pole Adventure is a 90-minute holiday train ride that includes Christmas storytelling, cookies and a visit from Santa himself.
Children can even write letters to Santa aboard the train. Rides run Nov. 13 through Dec. 22. It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets well in advance for this popular attraction.
Day 4: Hale Farm Holiday Lantern Tours
Step back into the 19th century at Hale Farm & Village, where Holiday Lantern Tours take place on select dates from Dec. 5 to 28, offering a glimpse into Christmas traditions of the past.
Visitors explore the historic village by lantern light and visit decorated homes, where costumed interpreters share the sights and traditions of Christmas in the Western Reserve. Learn how families celebrated the holidays generations ago, and after the tour, warm up with seasonal treats and browse the Gatehouse Museum Store for handcrafted gifts, including glass and pottery made at Hale Farm & Village.
It's a fascinating outing for history lovers or anyone who enjoys a quieter Christmas experience.
Day 5: “The Nutcracker” at Akron Civic Theatre
Ballet Theatre of Ohio brings “The Nutcracker” to the Akron Civic Theatre Nov. 28 through Dec. 6. The beloved ballet follows Clara's journey through a magical world set to Tchaikovsky's familiar score.
The Civic itself is worth exploring, too. Arrive early to marvel at the theater's atmospheric ceiling, designed to resemble a night sky.
Day 6: “A Christmas Carol” at Knight Stage
Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story comes to Akron's Knight Stage Dec. 4-20. Presented by BOOM! Theater, “A Christmas Carol” follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he learns important lessons about kindness and generosity.
With audiences seated close to the action, this intimate venue offers a different experience from larger theaters.
Day 7: Akron Children's Holiday Tree Festival
The Akron Children's Holiday Tree Festival has been a local tradition for decades. Held at the John S. Knight Center, the event features elaborately decorated Christmas trees and holiday displays.
This year's festival runs Nov. 14-22 and has 154 decorated trees on display. Enjoy live seasonal entertainment, visits with Santa and plenty of holiday cheer. Admission is free, and proceeds from the sale of trees, wreaths and decorations support Akron Children's.
Day 8: Downtown Akron Holiday Experiences
Downtown Akron gets into the Christmas spirit with the Welcome Santa Parade, holiday markets and seasonal festivities. The parade and tree lighting will take place on Nov. 27. WinterBlast also brings ice skating and outdoor activities to the heart of the city.
While you're downtown, stop into a local restaurant along Main Street or catch a holiday show at the Akron Civic Theatre.
Day 9: Holiday Shopping Across Summit County
Looking for gifts you won't find at the mall? The E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, scheduled for Dec. 4-6, features handmade goods from local artists. The Akron Bazaar Holiday Market, Nov. 27-29, is another place to shop small.
You can also browse independent boutiques along Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls or explore First & Main in Hudson, where shops are within walking distance of local restaurants.
Day 10: Tuba Christmas at E.J. Thomas Hall
Christmas carols sound different when they're played by an entire group of tubas and euphoniums. That's the idea behind Tuba Christmas, a musical tradition held at E.J. Thomas Hall, taking place on Dec. 19.
Musicians come together to perform familiar holiday favorites with a twist. It's worth checking out if you're looking for something beyond the typical Christmas performance.
Day 11: Holiday Pops with the Akron Symphony Orchestra
The Akron Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops returns to E.J. Thomas Hall on Dec. 11. The concert features classic holiday tunes performed by the orchestra alongside the Akron Symphony Chorus.
It's a great excuse to dress up for an evening downtown, whether you're planning a date night or celebrating with family.
Day 12: Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Seasonal Dining
For a Christmas celebration geared toward adults, check out Summit County's seasonal pop-up bars. Blitzen's Holiday Pop-Up Bar offers festive cocktails and extravagant decorations, while Tiki Underground in Cuyahoga Falls brings a tropical twist to the season with Mele Kalikimaka.
Make a night of it by grabbing dinner nearby before stopping in for a holiday drink.
Whether you're sharing a favorite local tradition or discovering something new with family and friends, the holidays are a perfect time to make lasting memories together in Akron and Summit County.