Lakeside Christmas

There’s no place like Lakeside for the holidays! Start your celebration early by attending “Lakeside Christmas” on Dec. 2-3 and 9-10. Visit with Santa, attend a cookie decorating workshop, see a family movie in Orchestra Hall, and enjoy live entertainment with Chip Richter. View the schedule of events below for a detailed list of all things happening in Lakeside this holiday season.

Staying Overnight?

A special hotel package for either Lakeside Christmas weekend is available at the Fountain Inn. Standard rooms start at $169 (+tax) for two nights on Dec. 2-3, or Dec. 9-10. Reservations include continental breakfast and early check-in and late check-out at 1 p.m. To make a reservation, call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230 and ask for the ‘Lakeside Christmas Hotel Package.’ 

Please note: $169 hotel package rate is before tax. A 25% deposit is due at booking; $50 cancellation fee if cancelled outside 72 hours. A deposit of 25% is forfeited if cancelled within 72 hours of arrival. No refunds, no exceptions, no exchanges, and no rain dates. Limited availability. Current reservations are transferrable for Dec. 2 and 3 or Dec. 9 and 10 only. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers or special promotions. The rate does not include additional paid activities, such as train rides, art classes or Lakeside catered events.  

Schedule of Events

Friday, Dec. 2 

Christmas Trivia Night 
5-6 p.m. | Slack House Historic Café | Free 
To open our Lakeside Christmas festivities, stop by the Slack House Historic Café for a holiday-themed Trivia Night. Show off your knowledge of Christmas songs, TV specials and holiday celebrations around the world and compete for prizes and bragging rights. 

Lakeside Express Train Rides
5-8 p.m. | Outside Orchestra Hall | $5/ticket, ages 2 & under free
All aboard! Invite friends and family to take a ride on the Lakeside Express Train Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 only. Enjoy the magic and beauty of Lakeside on this scenic ride complete with Christmas spirit and good cheer. Purchase tickets and board the train in front of Orchestra Hall. The train leaves every 20 minutes. 

Holiday Movie: “White Christmas”
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Suggested donation for admission  
Orchestra Hall will feature the classic holiday movie “White Christmas” from Dec. 2-3. A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save a failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. Donations appreciated for admission to movie. (No rating, 2 hrs)

Saturday, Dec. 3

Lakeside Heritage Society Archives Open
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Walnut Plaza | Free  
Visit the Lakeside Heritage Society Archives along Walnut Plaza, featuring vintage Christmas displays and a holiday gift market.  

“Festive Indoor Decorating” Presentation
10:30-11:30 a.m. | Orchestra Hall | Free    
Talented floral designer and Lakeside resident Polly Albrecht will inspire you to make your home a festive holiday space. Albrecht will demonstrate how to create a fresh, fragrant evergreen door piece, mantle arrangement and table centerpiece.  

‘The Legend of St. Nicholas’ Story & Craft 
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room | $3/child (ages 3-9); pre-registration required 
Children will be inspired this holiday season by the Legend of St. Nicholas, known for his kindness and secret gift giving. Accompanied by a parent or guardian, children will experience how St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in many European countries as they listen to a story, create a paper bag puppet and experience other fun and surprises. Pre-registration for children is required: lakesideohio.com/registration. Parents and grownups are welcome and do not require pre-registration. 

Art Class: Fused-Glass Snowman Family (ages 14+)
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Train Station | $35/person; pre-registration required 
New this year, in time for Christmas, artist Brian Hewit returns with a new fused-glass project – a free-standing snowman scene on a molded “S” shape backdrop. The project will be fired and available for pick up Friday, Dec. 9, after 12 p.m. Arrangements can be made for pick up at a later date or the project can be shipped for an additional fee. Pre-registration required: lakesideohio.com/registration.   

Children’s Story Time & Craft 
1 p.m. | Fountain Inn – Aigler Room | Free 
Join Bev Bartczak of The Fine Print Bookstore for a holiday story time. She will be reading The Best Gift for Bear by Jennifer Bell, The Children’s Christmas Pageant by Marjorie Frank and Joy MacKenzie, and When Cows Come Home for Christmas by Dori Chaconas. Following story time, there will be themed crafts. 

Art Class: Handmade Patchwork Stocking 
1-3 p.m. | Train Station Board Room | $20/person (ages 14+); pre-registration required
Create a lasting family tradition with a patchwork stocking sewn from wool, cotton and flannel. Basic machine sewing skills required. (Class size limited to 6 unless you’re able to bring your own machine.) Pre-registration required: lakesideohio.com/registration.  

Lakeside Express Train Rides
1-5 p.m. | Downtown Lakeside at Walnut Ave. & Second St. | $5/ticket, ages 2 & under free 
All aboard! Invite friends and family to take a ride on the Lakeside Express Train Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 only. Enjoy the magic and beauty of Lakeside on this scenic ride complete with Christmas spirit and good cheer. Purchase tickets and board the train in front of Orchestra Hall. The train leaves every 20 minutes. 

Art Class: Festive Christmas Gnomes
1:30-3:30 p.m. | Train Station | $12/person (ages 15+); pre-registration required
Using the spontaneity of the “Elegant Writer” calligraphy pen, create loose drawings of festive Christmas gnomes. Add a vibrant splash of watercolor and Zen doodle patterns onto your gnomes’ garments. This class, led by Artist Anne Lyon, is great for beginners and advanced artists alike. The final project makes a great addition to your Christmas décor or photograph it and make it into a unique, personal Christmas card. Pre-registration required at lakesideohio.com/registration. 

Santa Meet & Greet
2-4 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Free 
Straight from the North Pole, children of all ages are invited to Orchestra Hall to meet Santa Claus outdoors. Families may take photos with Santa as children share their Christmas wishes. 

Christmas Dinner
5:30-6:30 p.m. | Wesley Lodge | $40/person; $18/child (ages 12 & under); reservations required
Join us in Lakeside for a Christmas Dinner in Wesley Lodge. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for appetizers and punch. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with a dessert and coffee station.

The menu includes choice of Prime Rib, Cornish Hen, Pork Osso Bucco or vegetarian Butternut Squash Ravioli, with sides of Petite Roast Carrots, Garlic Herb Fingerling Potatoes and Salad for $40/person. A children’s dinner option is available for $18/child (ages 12 & under), which includes chicken fingers, macaroni & cheese and applesauce. Make a reservation online or call Ward Catering at (419) 357-5482.  The last day to reserve is Wednesday, Nov. 30.  

Holiday Movie: “White Christmas”
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Suggested donation for admission  
Orchestra Hall will feature the classic holiday movie “White Christmas” from Dec. 2-3. A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save a failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. Donations appreciated for admission to movie. (No rating, 2 hrs)

Friday, Dec. 9

Holiday Movie: “The Santa Clause” 
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Suggested donation for admission  
Orchestra Hall will feature the family Christmas movie “The Santa Clause” from Dec. 9-10. When a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. The film stars Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Eric Lloyd and Wendy Crewson. Donations appreciated for admission to movie. (PG, 1 hr 37 min)

Saturday, Dec. 10

Breakfast with Chip Richter
10-11 a.m. | Wesley Lodge | $18/adult, $15/child (ages 3-17), free for ages 2 & under; pre-registration required
It’s December, but there’s still magic at Lakeside as Chip Richter is back for a special holiday breakfast. Join Mr. Chip at Wesley Lodge for a pancake breakfast, God Squad activities and music.   

The pancake bar, provided by Ward Catering, includes a variety of sweet treat toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate chips, syrup, and more. Additionally, breakfast meats, fruit salad, juice, milk and coffee will be offered.  

This program is designed for young children and their favorite grown-ups, but all ages are welcome! Register early as this program is limited. The cost is $18/adult, $15/child (ages 3-17), and free for ages 2 & under. Pre-registration is required: lakesideohio.com/registration. Please register/remit fee for any participants ages 3 & older who will be in attendance. 

Heritage Hall Museum & Lakeside Heritage Society Archives
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | 238 Maple Ave. & Walnut Plaza | Free  
Explore Heritage Hall Museum and take part in a scavenger hunt adventure. Guests are also invited to visit the Lakeside Heritage Society Archives along Walnut Plaza, which will feature vintage Christmas displays and a holiday gift market.  

Christmas Carols with the Lakeside UMC Choir
12 p.m. | Walnut Plaza | Free 
The Lakeside United Methodist Church (UMC) choir will lead the singing of Christmas carols on Walnut Plaza. All are welcome to join in the holiday spirit.   

Holiday Fun! Concert with Chip Richter & The Munks
4-5 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Free (donations accepted); pre-registration required
Bring the entire family for a memorable time of singing, dancing, and “more fun than a kid should be allowed to have” with Chip Richter & The Munks.

Chip Richter, an award-winning children’s singer-songwriter, is widely known for his feel-good shows, heartfelt music, endearing storytelling, and gentle spirit that soothes the soul of parents and grandparents as much as children. 

For nearly three decades, he’s toured the country as a solo musical artist and with his band, The Munks. Mr. Chip has also grown into a beloved part of the Chautauqua experience, touching the lives of thousands of young Lakesiders every summer through his leadership and timeless God Squad messages of love, laughter, and song. 

His accolades include ‘Best Family Musician’ by Lake Erie Living Magazine in 2017, two-time Ohio Music Award winner for ‘Best Children’s Song,’ and Parent’s Choice Award winner for his CD, “The Dream Tree.” 

This concert is FREE, donations will be accepted, but all ages (children and adults) must pre-register for entry. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. (general seating). Pre-registration required: lakesideohio.com/registration.  

Santa Meet & Greet
5-7 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Free 
Straight from the North Pole, children of all ages are invited to a festive to meet & greet with Santa Claus. Families may take photos as children share their Christmas wishes.

Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop
6:30-8 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room | $25 Per Cookie Kit; pre-registration required 
Denise, owner of D is for Delicious in Chardon, is bringing a Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop to Lakeside. All ages are welcome to join the fun. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and learn how to decorate cookies using royal icing.  

Each $25 registration is for one cookie decorating kit, which includes four undecorated cookies, royal icing in piping bags, and sprinkles to embellish. Denise will lead the class using an overhead projector and show step-by-step directions on how to decorate. Register early at lakesideohio.com/registration – this workshop is sure to fill up fast! The last day to register is Friday, Dec. 2 or until the workshop is full.

Please note: Due to the nature of this class and the preparation involved, refunds are not available unless the request is made a week in advance; refund request to programassist@lakesideohio.com. Cookies can be picked up and sent home as a kit if you’re unable to attend. 

Holiday Movie: “The Santa Clause” 
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Suggested donation for admission  
Orchestra Hall will feature the family Christmas movie “The Santa Clause” from Dec.9-10. When a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. The film stars Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Eric Lloyd and Wendy Crewson. Donations appreciated for admission to movie. (PG, 1 hr 37 min)