Lakeside Christmas

To kick off the holiday season, you’re invited to celebrate a “Lakeside Christmas” December 6-8. Festivities include holiday cheer for the whole family, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas movies, a visit from Santa Claus, a Community Christmas Dinner, a concert with The Chardon Polka Band, carpet skating, holiday shopping and much more!

View the schedule of events below. Please note that some activities require advanced registration.


Special Hotel Rate

Book a winter escape to Lakeside! We’re offering a discount on rooms at the Fountain Inn starting at $119 per night from Dec. 5-8, 2024. The Fountain Inn is located within walking distance of Christmas activities.

Reserve online using promo code: LKSDChristmas or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. A two-night minimum is required. Suites are excluded. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.


Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed on Friday, Dec. 6-Sunday, Dec. 8 for select Lakeside Christmas activities and shifts. Opportunities include helping with arts & crafts, carpet skating, visits with Santa, set up and clean up. Sign up to volunteer! 

Additional information, including day-of-arrival instructions, will be sent to volunteers closer to the event. Thank you for volunteering!


Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

Holiday Shopping, Smoothies, Sandwiches & Spa
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 Gifts That Give Back, Lakeside Salon & Spa, Marilyn’s, Miss Mercedes, Ooh La La, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique and The Kite Shop Popup (located at La Dolce). 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 Scavenger Hunt table in the Fountain Inn lobby (225 Maple Ave.). Once you’ve checked off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt to the Scavenger Hunt table for a 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 Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner. 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 clockwise for a whimsical adventure.

Carpet Skating
4-6 p.m. | Pavilion Upper Room | Free
Carpet Skating is a fun, safe and easy-to-learn alternative to ice skating, roller skating and inline skating where smooth, flat, plastic “skates” are used with tennis shoes to slide on carpet. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to skate and is a suitable activity for ages 3+. Limit of 10 participants at a time.

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 Lakesiders.

Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:45 p.m. | Walnut Plaza | Free
Join fellow Lakesiders as we gather to light up the tree 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. In the case of inclement weather, the Tree Lighting is canceled. 

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 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. 7

Holiday Shopping, Smoothies, Sandwiches & Spa
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 Gifts That Give Back, Heritage Hall Museum, Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, Lakeside Salon & Spa, Marilyn’s, Miss Mercedes, Ooh La La, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique and The Kite Shop Popup (located at La Dolce). 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 Scavenger Hunt table in the Fountain Inn lobby (225 Maple Ave.). Once you’ve checked off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt to the Scavenger Hunt table for a 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 Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner. 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 clockwise for a whimsical adventure.

Legacy House Open House
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Legacy House (217 Walnut Ave.) | Free
Stop by the Legacy House and visit with Lakeside friends, neighbors and staff for fellowship. Hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats will be served for the meet and mingle.

God Squad: Christmas Edition with Chip Richter
10-10:45 a.m. | Bradley Temple (301 Cedar Ave.) | Free
For Lakeside Christmas weekend, we’re opening the doors to Bradley Temple for a special God Squad: Christmas Edition with Chip Richter. Bundle up (the building isn’t heated!) and join us for singing, dancing and celebrating Christmas with Mr. Chip and friends.

Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m. | Train Station (710 Central Ave.) | $10 drop-in fee (cash only) 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: Patio Donut Ornament
10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $7/person (ages 9+)
Create a donut ornament from air-dry clay. Decorate with colored glue “icing” and sprinkles. It’s lightweight and perfect for hanging on the tree. A must-have Lakeside souvenir! (Class capacity 15 per class.)

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on space. REGISTER NOW!

Art Class: Cork Reindeer Ornament
10-11:30 a.m. or 12:30-2 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $6/person (ages 10+)
Recycling at its best! Using old wine corks, nails, ribbon and a little imagination, you’ll create this adorable reindeer ornament to adorn your tree. (Class capacity between the two classes is 25)

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on space. REGISTER NOW!

Art Class: Vintage Fork Reindeer Ornament
10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $8/person (ages 16+)
Using a vintage fork, create a unique reindeer ornament. 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 create a unique ornament you’ll be proud to hang. (Class capacity 10 per class.)

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on space. REGISTER NOW!

Art Class: Wet-Felted Santa Ornament
10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $10/person (ages 10+)
Fancy-looking, but oh so easy! Using “wool roving,” create a jovial Santa ornament that’s charming and lightweight. It will hang beautifully from any tree branch. (Class capacity 10 per class.)

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome, depending on space. REGISTER NOW!

The Evolution of the American Christmas Tradition
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
This program, led by Joshua Dubbert, examines how the meaning and traditions of the Christmas holiday in America shifted and developed during the course of its early history, and how it transformed into the phenomenon we know and celebrate today.

Shunned by the Puritans, elevated and commodified by the Victorians, and showcased in department stores by the turn of the 20th century, the American Christmas became a mix of old-world influence, religious inspiration, cultural blending and commercial desire. The evolving image of Santa Claus, the arrival of the Christmas tree, the advent of plate glass —which allowed for bright and dramatic displays and ushered in “window shopping” — as well as many other aspects of the holiday will be discussed.

Dubbert is a historian at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums in Fremont, Ohio. His research focuses on Victorian America and presidential history. He holds a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University and has worked for the Rhode Island Historical Society and Wisconsin Historical Society. This program is presented in collaboration with the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Musuem. 

Visit with Santa
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
Here comes Santa Claus! Children of all ages are invited to the Aigler Room in the Fountain Inn to meet the jolly old elf. Families may take photos as children share their Christmas wishes.

Carpet Skating
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pavilion Upper Room | Free
Carpet Skating is a fun, safe and easy-to-learn alternative to ice skating, roller skating and inline skating where smooth, flat, plastic “skates” are used with tennis shoes to slide on carpet. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to skate and is a suitable activity for ages 3+. Limit of 10 participants at a time.

Classic Christmas Cartoons
12-4 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
Stop by Orchestra Hall to enjoy classic Christmas cartoons throughout the day, including “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “The Year Without Santa Claus,” “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and more.

Kids’ Crafts
1:30-4 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple
Ave.) | Free, donations welcome
Children of all ages are welcome to participate, but kids ages 7 and under will likely enjoy it the most. Drop in anytime between 1:30-4 p.m. to make one or more projects, including Christmas Paper Headband/Crown, Cut ‘n’ Color Gingerbread Person, Paintbrush Santa, Coloring/Activity Pages and Face Painting. No registration necessary. Donations welcome.

Lakeside Community Christmas Dinner
5-7 p.m. | Wesley Lodge (510 Central Ave.) | $43/adult (ages 13+), $19/child (ages 4-12), free for ages 3 & under
Lakeside continues the tradition of the popular Community Christmas Dinner! This special evening welcomes a visit from Santa Claus, music, a Christmas sing-along, kids’ crafts and a delicious dinner in Wesley Lodge.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the event starts at 5 p.m. The dinner buffet begins at 5:15 p.m. Music and the sing-along starts around 6:15 p.m. From 6:30-7 p.m., children can meet Santa.

This year’s Christmas Dinner includes an inviting buffet by Ward Catering featuring salmon, ham, rosemary chicken, vegetable rollatini, an assortment of sides, salad, soup, bread, beverages and desserts. Children will love the option of corndogs and macaroni & cheese. With delicious food and Christmas joy, create memories with your Lakeside friends.

Make a Reservation
Thank you for your interest in the Lakeside Community Christmas Dinner. Reservations have closed.

The cost is $43/adult (ages 13+), $19/child (ages 4-12) and free for children ages 3 & under. The last day to reserve is Monday, Dec. 2. Please register children ages 3 & under so that we can plan for seating. Refunds will not be available after Friday, Nov. 22. For questions, email registration@lakesideohio.com. In the spirit of the season, guests are encouraged to plan for a cash gratuity for the catering staff.

Movie: “Elf”
8 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free, donations welcome

Following the Community Christmas Dinner, enjoy a family movie in an historic theater. Admission is free. Lakeside is a nonprofit and values donations to sustain programs.

“Elf” is a comedy film starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zooey Deschanel, Ed Asner and Mary Steenburgen. Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn’t know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. (PG, 1h 37m)

SUNDAY, DEC. 8

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 Gifts That Give Back, Marilyn’s, Miss Mercedes, Ooh La La, SmoothieSide, Wise Woman Boutique and The Kite Shop Popup (located at La Dolce). 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 Scavenger Hunt table in the Fountain Inn lobby (225 Maple Ave.). Once you’ve checked off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt to the Scavenger Hunt table for a 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 Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner. 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 clockwise for a whimsical adventure.

Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m. | Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
All are invited to an inspiring Community Worship Service at the Lakeside United Methodist Church. Led by Rev. Richard Thewlis, this service offers meaningful worship with a biblical focus and great music. All are invited to attend.

Carpet Skating
12-2 p.m. | Pavilion Upper Room | Free
Carpet Skating is a fun, safe and easy-to-learn alternative to ice skating, roller skating and inline skating where smooth, flat, plastic “skates” are used with tennis shoes to slide on carpet. It only takes a few minutes to learn how to skate and is a suitable activity for ages 3+. Limit of 10 participants at a time.

Movie: “Miracle on 34th Street”
2 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free, donations welcome

Enjoy a family movie in an historic theater. Admission is free. Lakeside is a nonprofit and values donations to sustain programs.

“Miracle on 34th Street” is a 1994 drama film starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Dylan McDermott and Mara Wilson. A lawyer and a little girl must prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing. (PG, 1h 54m)

The event is finished.

Date

Dec 08, 2024
Expired!

Time

All Day

Location

Lakeside, Ohio

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