'Tis the Season!

Isn't it hard to believe Christmas is only next week?! Don't get so caught up in the craziness of the holiday season that you forget to get out and enjoy time with your family. Here in Lorain County you can enjoy everything from beautiful light displays to nights in the theater. Maybe you'll even start up a new tradition!

LIGHTS

There are a ton of places to check out light displays in Lorain County that give even the Griswolds a run for their money!

• Holiday Lights at Carlisle Reservation (12882 Diagonal Road LaGrange,OH 44050) also runs until New Year's Eve, excluding Dec. 24  and 25, with a 1/2 mile paved loop with movie themed light displays along the way. The Holiday Express will also run every day through another decorated trail. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays 6-9pm and Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm. Admission is free, but please bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

• Holiday Lights at Finwood Estate (799 North Abbe Road Elyria,OH 44035) will be on display every night until Jan. 5, and after you check out the awesome display you can head inside for hot chocolate and cookies! Guests are asked to bring nonperishable food items that will be donated to the Elyria Hospitality House.

• Miller Nature Preserve (2739 Center Road Avon,OH 44011) is decked out until Jan. 6, excluding Christmas and New Years Day, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

• Lights on the Lake is nightly at 6pm until Dec. 31 at Lakeview Park (1800 West Erie Avenue Lorain,OH 44052).

SHOWS

If you're a fan of the performing arts, maybe checking out one of these great shows in more your style.

• "The Nutcracker" will be performed at LCCC's Stocker Arts Center by Ohio Dance Theatre, Northeast Ohio’s professional ballet company on Dec 20 at 10am, Dec 20 & 21 at 7:30pm, and Dec 22 at 2pm. For tickets call Stocker Arts Center Box Office at 440-366-4040 or visit their website.

• Songs for the Season will be performed by the Oberlin Choristers at Finney Chapel in Oberlin, Ohio at 7:30 pm on Dec. 21.  

• The TrueNorth Christmas Concert will be celebrating the season with their Chorale, Symphony and Big Band at Avon Lake United Church of Christ (32801 Electric Boulevard Avon Lake,OH 44012). Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students.

•  The Lorain Palace Theater ( 617 Broadway Lorain,OH 44052) presents Charles Dickens’  ”A Christmas Carol”  December 20 & 21 at 7pm. Adults tickets are $10, children are $7. 

OUT AND ABOUT

We still have you covered even if a holiday show isn't your cup of cocoa! Check out these other great events going on in and around Lorain County!

• Christmas on the Farm with Bonnie Brae Elk Farm is on Dec. 21 and 22 is sure to be a great time for you and your family. Wagon rides to go out and feed the elk are $10 for all ages. Call (440) 647-3232 or (440) 647-4593 for your reservation. 

• The historian in your family will be excited about the Burrell Christmas program and tour on Dec. 21 from 12 pm-3 pm. The scheduled shuttle transport every 20 minutes beginning at the French Creek Nature Center. Drop-in activities at the Nature Center will be ongoing.  Preregister for tours at www.metroparks.cc or call 440-458-5121 by Dec 20.

• The Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is in the holiday spirit with their 3D Winter Wonderland Christmas Walk-Thru starting every day in December at noon. Enjoy the light show, XD Motion Theater Movie “Sleigh Ride”, Roller Skating Rink, 3D Blacklight Mini Golf, Bounce Houses, 3-level Play Area, Haunted House, and Arcade for a fun filled afternoon!

SANTA

You can't go the whole season without visiting the man in red himself! Here's where to find him this year. 

Miller Nature Preserve & Conservatory from LCMP

• Santa will be at Lakeview Park for brunch on Dec. 21 from 10 am-2 pm. Tickets are $15 per person ($5 or kids 5 & under) and include a carriage ride around Lakeview Park, breakfast buffet, one family photo with Santa, a craft, and a chance to shop at Santa’s gift shop.

• You can catch him at Finwood Estate while you're there for the holiday lights!

• On December 23 from 11:30 am- 1:30 pm Santa will be at Petitti Garden Center (33777 Chester Road Avon,OH 44011) hanging out with kids aged 5 and up. Tickets are $10 and will include a sack lunch (hotdog, chips, cookie, drink), a visit with Santa, story time, and a craft. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Bereavement Program at Stein Hospice.