Let Their Be Lights!
There’s something magical about the holiday season in Lake County, Ohio! From the twinkle of freshly lit Christmas trees to the sound of holiday carols, visits with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, and cups of warm hot chocolate, our local communities know how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
November 20 | Spirit of the Season – Painesville City
📍 Downtown Painesville
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kick off the holiday season in Downtown Painesville at the annual Spirit of the Season celebration!
Gather with family and friends as everyone welcomes Santa to town and watches him light the Christmas tree. The evening will be filled with festive fun for all ages including indoor children's activities, and lively dance performances. And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit to Santa's House!
November 22 | Holiday Tree Lighting-City of Kirtland
📍Kirtland City Hall, 9301 Chillicothe Rd
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
November 28 | Wickliffe Holiday Tree Lighting
📍 Coulby Mansion, Wickliffe
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The City of Wickliffe invites everyone to enjoy an evening of FREE family fun at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Coulby Mansion!
Get ready for a special arrival as Santa and Mrs. Claus make their grand entrance. Bring those Christmas wish lists and cameras because Santa will be ready for photos and holiday greetings!
The celebration will feature:
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Festive holiday music
Bike raffles
FREE hot chocolate
November 29 | City of Eastlake Tree Lighting
📍 35150 Lakeshore Boulevard
6:00 PM
December 1 | Mentor Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor
6:00 PM
The City of Mentor invites families to join in their holiday tradition at its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony! Celebrate the season as Mentor lights its stunning 27-foot Norwegian spruce along with the City Hall campus, transforming the grounds into a festive holiday wonderland.
Santa will make a grand entrance in his horse-drawn carriage and will be available for photos with children. Adding to the holiday atmosphere, choirs from Mentor schools will perform seasonal favorites.
December 3 | Willoughby Holiday Lighting Celebration
📍 Downtown Willoughby
7:00 PM
Downtown Willoughby is ready to LIGHT UP DTW! Join the community on Thursday evening for the annual Holiday Lighting Celebration. Before the big lighting moment, enjoy the sounds of the season with performances from local entertainers. The holiday lights are expected to shine bright at approximately 7:35 PM, following the final performance!
But the fun doesn't stop there. Additional festivities include:
Live Nativity: Sponsored by Willoughby United Methodist Church from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Evening Lions Holiday Auction: Beginning at 7:45 PM downstairs at City Hall. Proceeds benefit the Lions Eye Care Program and community service projects.
Santa & Mrs. Claus: Visit with the children on stage following the tree lighting. A line will form in front of the clock on the south side of the stage.
December 4 | Concord Township Tree Lighting Ceremony
📍 7229 Ravenna Road, Concord Township
6:00 PM
Join us for the lighting of our Christmas Tree! Santa & Mrs. Claus will be here along with cookies & hot cocoa! Free Admission.
December 5 | Christmas in the Village Park – Madison Village
📍 9 River Street, Madison Village
2:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Get ready for a full day of Christmas festivities in Madison Village! Christmas in the Village Park brings together holiday shopping, delicious treats, family activities, festive decorations, and plenty of small-town charm.
Here's what's happening:
Start your day at A Small Town Christmas Market at South Elementary School from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cookie Walk | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Nativity Scene & Refreshments | 3:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Visit Park United Methodist Church to browse the Nativity Scene while enjoying hot chocolate and popcorn.
Decorated Trees & Chili Cook-Off | 4:00 PM: Check out the decorated trees and cast your vote for your favorite chili at Duffy's Tavern. Judging takes place at 7:00 PM.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM:
Christmas Parade | 5:30 PM: Find your spot and enjoy the festive sights and sounds!
Visit with Santa | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Head to the Arcadia Glass House to meet Santa!
December 5 | Fairport Harbor Village Christmas Tree Lighting
📍 Veterans Memorial Park, Fairport Harbor
6:00 PM
Celebrate the season at the Village Christmas Tree Lighting at Veterans Memorial Park. Holiday activities, shopping, family fun, and a special Day with the Grinch bring plenty of excitement to downtown Fairport Harbor.
December 6 | City of Willoughby Hills Winterfest
📍 Willoughby Hills Fire Department, 35455 Chardon Rd
5:00 PM - 6:30PM
Give back this season at the Willoughby Hills at their annual Winterfest event. Stuff the ambulance for their annual Toys for Tots event, enjoy hot chocolate and music from South High School’s band.
Are you interested in joining our list? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County!