Lakeside Christmas
To kick off the holiday season, you’re invited to celebrate a “Lakeside Christmas” December 1-3.
Festivities include holiday cheer for the whole family, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, train rides, movies, a visit from Santa Claus, Community Christmas Dinner, a holiday concert with The Chardon Polka Band, themed art classes, music with Chip Richter, shopping and much more!
View the schedule of events below for a detailed list of all things happening in Lakeside this holiday season. Please note that some activities require advanced registration.
Special Hotel Rates for the Weekend
Book a winter weekend escape to Lakeside! A special hotel rate is available at the Fountain Inn for the Lakeside Christmas weekend. Standard rooms start at $199 (+tax) for two nights. Limited rooms are available. To make a reservation, call 419-798-4461, ext. 230 and ask for the Lakeside Christmas hotel rate.
Please note: $199 hotel package rate is before tax. A 25% deposit is due at booking; $50 cancellation fee if canceled outside 72 hours. A deposit of 25% is forfeited if canceled within 72 hours of arrival. No refunds, no exceptions, no exchanges and no rain dates. Limited availability. Current reservations are transferrable for Dec. 1 and 2 only. Room exclusions apply. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts, offers or special promotions.
FRIDAY, DEC. 1
Holiday Shopping, Smoothies & Sandwiches
All Day | Business District
Select businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead offering sales and specials all weekend long. In Lakeside, stop by Miss Mercedes, Marilyn’s Two, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique, Gifts That Give Back, The Fine Print Bookstore, Ooh La La and the Lakeside Salon & Spa. View hours of operation.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
All Day | Lakeside Grounds | Free
Explore the Lakeside grounds by participating in a self-directed Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a list of clues from the Fountain Inn front desk (225 Maple Ave.). Once you check off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt to the Fountain Inn front desk for a sweet treat.
Storybook Trail
All Day | Cherry Park | Free
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors together. The featured book for December is The Tree That Was Meant to Be by Yuval Zoomer. To bring the book to life, 20 reading stations are spread across Cherry Park each containing a page from the children’s book. The path starts near the tire swing near the playground and weaves counterclockwise for a whimsical adventure.
Lakeside Express Train Rides
4-6:30 p.m. | Outside Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | $5/person, ages 2 & under free
All aboard! Invite friends and family to take a ride on the Lakeside Express Train, available Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2. 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.
Family Game Night
4-9 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
Stop by the Aigler Room, located in the Fountain Inn, for an evening of family fun and friendly competition. From checkers and puzzles to a variety of board games, enjoy playing a game or two with other Christmas revelers sharing in Lakeside’s holiday charm.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:45 p.m. | Walnut Plaza | Free
Join fellow Lakesiders as we gather to light up the Christmas tree and decorations on Walnut Plaza and spread Christmas cheer. We’ll count down together, turn on the decorative lights and enjoy a time of Christmas caroling with the Lakeside United Methodist Church choir. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served for a nominal fee.
The Chardon Polka Band – Holiday Extravaganza!
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Recommended donation, $10/person
The Chardon Polka Band – Holiday Extravaganza! delivers hometown holiday charm and the band’s signature wit and humor, while taking Lakesiders on an unforgettable holiday musical journey. The concert highlights the band’s own polka arrangements of Christmas favorites that will put you in the mood for the holiday season.
SATURDAY, DEC. 2
Holiday Shopping & Smoothies & Sandwiches
All Day | Business District
Select businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead offering sales and specials all weekend long. In Lakeside, stop by Miss Mercedes, Marilyn’s Two, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique, Gifts That Give Back, The Fine Print Bookstore, Ooh La La and the Lakeside Salon & Spa. View hours of operation.
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
All Day | Lakeside Grounds | Free
Explore the Lakeside grounds by participating in a self-directed Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a list of clues from the Fountain Inn front desk (225 Maple Ave.). Once you check off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt to the Fountain Inn front desk for a sweet treat.
Storybook Trail
All Day | Cherry Park | Free
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors together. The featured book for December is The Tree That Was Meant to Be by Yuval Zoomer. To bring the book to life, 20 reading stations are spread across Cherry Park each containing a page from the children’s book. The path starts near the tire swing near the playground and weaves counterclockwise for a whimsical adventure.
Art Class: Patchwork Christmas Stocking
9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $15/person (ages 16+)
Create a lasting family tradition with a patchwork stocking sewn from wool, flannel and cotton. Select from scads of beautiful sample upholstery fabrics and trim. Please note: basic machine-sewing skills are required.
Registration
The cost to participate is $15/person (ages 16+). Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Limited spots available.
God Squad: Christmas Edition with Chip Richter
10-10:45 a.m. | Bradley Temple (301 Cedar Ave.) & Livestreamed | Free
For Lakeside Christmas weekend, we’re opening the doors to Bradley Temple on Saturday, Dec. 2 for a special God Squad: Christmas Edition with Chip Richter. Bundle up (the building is not heated!) and join us for singing, dancing and celebrating Christmas with Mr. Chip and his friends. To view the livestream, visit lakesideohio.com/stream.
Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m. | Train Station (710 Central Ave.) | $10 drop-in fee (cash) or included in $45 Wellness Class Pass
This gentle form of yoga uses exercises seated in a chair or standing using the chair to aid with support and balance. Participants will learn a variety of yoga poses, breathwork and relaxation techniques.
To participate, purchase a Class Pass for $45/person for five classes at the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, located at 236 Walnut Ave., or pay a $10/class drop-in fee (cash only) to the instructor at the start of the class.
Art Class: Vintage Fork Reindeer Ornaments
10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $10/person (ages 16+)
Using vintage forks, create two unique reindeer ornaments. If desired, add a sparkly red bead for Rudolph’s nose and fasten a red ribbon to hang. With simple tools and some muscle, you’ll leave with two finished ornaments, perfect for the holidays.
Registration
The cost to participate is $10/person (ages 16+). Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Limited spots available.
Art Class: Fused Glass “Four Season Trees” Panel
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $40/person (ages 14+)
New this year and just in time for Christmas, Brian Hewit returns with a fused glass project – a panel depicting trees in all four seasons. The project will be fired and available for pick up on Friday, Dec. 10 after 12 p.m. Arrangements can be made for pick up later or the project can be shipped for an additional fee.
“Twas the Night Before Christmas” Poem’s 200th Anniversary
11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lakeside Women’s Club/Green Gables (161 Walnut Ave.)
This beloved poem, written by Clement Moore for his children, was first published in 1823. This interactive family program reveals how Moore’s poem became famous. Eight books illustrated by various artists will be displayed for children and adults to look at and “vote” on their favorite interpretations of the poem. This program is organized by the Lakeside Heritage Society and the Lakeside Chautauqua Education Department.
Kids’ Crafts & Storytime (ages 3-6)
11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | $3/child (ages 3-6 )
Following a reading of The Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett, read by Miss Nancy, children ages 3-6 will sing about the “5 Gingerbread Men” and complete a color-matching activity. Registered participants will also decorate a gingerbread man ornament using foam cut-out shapes and embellishments. Please note: parents must remain in attendance with children throughout the duration of the activity.
Registration
The cost to participate is $3/child (ages 3-6). Pre-registration is required and limited spots available.
Lakeside Express Train Rides
12-4 p.m. | Outside Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | $5/person, ages 2 & under free
All aboard! Invite friends and family to take a ride on the Lakeside Express Train, available Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2. 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.
Christmas Classic Cartoons
12:30-4 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
Stop by Orchestra Hall to snuggle up and enjoy some classic Christmas cartoons.
Youth Crafts & Storytime (ages 7-10)
1-2 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | $3/youth (ages 7-10)
Gingerbread is a Christmas tradition for many families. Children ages 7-10 are invited to listen to the story The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray and create a unique paper gingerbread man glyph. A glyph is a way of representing something with symbols rather than words.
The activity will culminate with each child transforming basic crafts sticks into two cute gingerbread men ornaments to adorn a Christmas tree.
Registration
The cost to participate is $3/youth (ages 7-10). Pre-registration is required and limited spots available.
Visit with Santa
1-3 p.m. | Walnut Plaza | Free
Here comes Santa Claus! Children of all ages are invited to Orchestra Hall to meet the jolly old elf. Families may take photos as children share their Christmas wishes.
Art Class: Blanket-Stitched Felt Ornaments
2-4 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $8/person (ages 12+)
Create 2-3 felt ornaments using the blanket stitch. Use your creativity to embellish with beads, embroidery, buttons and ribbon for hanging. A variety of patterns are available. These ornaments make for a fun family project.
Registration
The cost to participate is $8/person (ages 12+). Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Limited spots available.
Lakeside Community Christmas Dinner
5-7 p.m. | Wesley Lodge (510 Central Ave.) | $45/adult (ages 13+), $20/child (ages 4-12)
Lakeside’s traditional Community Christmas Dinner is back! This special evening welcomes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, a Christmas sing-along, kids crafts and tree lighting outside Wesley Lodge.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. The dinner buffet starts at 5:15 p.m. Live music and the sing-along starts at 6:15 p.m. From 6:30-7 p.m., children can meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a tree lighting will follow.
This year’s Christmas Dinner includes a wonderful buffet provided by Ward Catering, featuring prime rib, salmon, ham, chicken, portabella pasta, an assortment of sides, salad, soup, bread, beverages and desserts. Children will love the option of chicken tenders and macaroni & cheese.
With delicious food and Christmas joy, create memories with your Lakeside friends that will last a lifetime.
Registration
The cost for Christmas Dinner is $45/adult (ages 13+), $20/child (ages 4-12) and free for children ages 3 & under. Register by Friday, Nov. 17. Please register children ages 3 & under so that we can plan for seating. Refunds will not be available after Tuesday, Nov. 21. For questions, email programming@lakesideohio.com. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to plan for a gratuity for the catering staff. Please note registration has closed.
Movie: “A Christmas Carol”
8 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, Dec. 2. This film is a 2009 animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel about a Victorian-era miser named Scrooge (Jim Carrey) taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions. Donations are appreciated for admission. (PG, 1h 36m)
Sunday, Dec. 3
Holiday Shopping & Smoothies & Sandwiches
All Day | Business District
Select businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead offering sales and specials all weekend long. In Lakeside, stop by Miss Mercedes, Marilyn’s Two, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique, Gifts That Give Back, The Fine Print Bookstore, Ooh La La and the Lakeside Salon & Spa. View hours of operation.
Storybook Trail
All Day | Cherry Park | Free
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors together. The featured book for December is The Tree That Was Meant to Be by Yuval Zoomer.
To bring the book to life, 20 reading stations are spread across Cherry Park each containing a page from the children’s book. The path starts near the tire swing near the playground and weaves counterclockwise for a whimsical adventure.
Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m. | Lakeside United Methodist Church (650 Central Ave.)
All are invited to an inspiring Community Worship Service at the Lakeside United Methodist Church. Led by Rev. Karen Graham, this service offers a vibrant style of worship using inspirational songs and motivational words.
Holiday Tea, Storytime & Treats with The Fine Print Bookstore
1-2 p.m. | The Fine Print Bookstore (202 Walnut Ave.) | $25/child (ages 3-12)
Children and grandchildren are invited to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy a special Holiday Tea at The Fine Print Bookstore with storytime and treats on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Registration
The cost to participate is $25/child (ages 3-12). Limited spots are available. RSVP by contacting 614-301-7341 or lisa@fineprintlakeside.com by Monday, Nov. 27.
Movie: “A Christmas Carol”
2 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall features the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Carol” on Saturday, Dec. 2. Donations are appreciated for admission. This film is a 2009 animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel about a Victorian-era miser named Scrooge (Jim Carrey) taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions. (PG, 1h 36m)
