'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.

Christmas in July!

Merry Christmas in July! Celebrate with some special holiday themed outings in the area. All the festive specials and none of the holiday stress, sounds like a plan to me.

Don Mould's Plantation, which has stores in North Ridgeville and Amherst, is having their annual Christmas in July sale! It's your chance to get a gift and treat yourself to something from their beautiful selection of plants and flowers that are buy one get one free.

For the kids, or inner children at least, Sundaes in the Park at Columbia Reservation will be serving up snacks, mini golf and sponsoring movies in the outdoor theater! For this weekend's picture the park will show "The Grinch" featuring Jim Carrey Friday, July 27th.  The show starts at 9pm so bring your chairs and take advantage of the kitchen, which will  be open til 9:30!

Tree House Gallery and Tea Room,
Olde Avon Village

An area really getting in the spirit is Olde Avon Village. The shoppes include Sassy's, an amazing chick boutique with all kinds of great gifts. They are always updating their merch so check their facebook for pictures and sales! Also there's the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room where you can enjoy sales on their unique items, see all their fun antique displays and have meal that's got taste and class. If you are more of an afternoon shopper there's always happy hour/dinner at Strip Steakhouse, definitely one of the area's premiere spots known for their quality ingredients.

Owner Tim Kiedrowski with Snoogles

You can also find some great eats at Kiedrowski's Bakery on Cooper Foster in Amherst where they are rolling out the Christmas cookies. Their cutouts with homemade frosting are definitely crave-able but I don't think anyone would tell if you picked up a signature Snoogle or two while you're at it.

Also your favorite pubs and restaurants kept back some holiday ale with your name on it like Quaker Steak and Lube in Sheffield. You can get the seasonal brew by the pint, tall or tanker today. If you're looking for some other options Moss' Prime Rib and Buffalo Wild Wings have Christmas Ale on tap too!

Jet Express at Black River
Landing by Lorain Port Authority

If you're feeling an adventurous night out you have to go with a cruise on the Jet Express from Black River Landing. This Friday will be a special Christmas in July Cruise to Put-in-Bay. This trip departs at 4:00pm and returns at 12:00am and if your schedule isn't open this week there are plenty of cruise options through October.

Get the details and buy tickets online through the Lorain Port Authority.

Merry Christmas and a happy New...school year?

New Holiday Traditions in Lorain County

Try something new this holiday season and add a twist to your traditional celebration! Light displays, carolers, and mistletoe are a must, but why not try a few of these unique holiday activities and celebrations. 

Do-It-Yourself Holiday Décor
Design your own 20" fresh indoor/outdoor holiday wreath at the Fresh Wreath Workshop at Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm. [12/4/10, 2pm & 6pm. $36.50 per person. 440.647.2045]

Holiday decor at Farmyard Flowers

Old Fashioned Holiday
Experience what it was like to celebrate the holidays as a pioneer! There will be a reenactment as you tour the Benjamin Bacon House Museum at Vermilion River Reservation with authentic sights, smells and sounds of a pioneer holiday. A live band performance, food, and horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. [12/4, 3-8pm; 12/5, 2-6pm]
  
An International Holiday
Celebrate the season by learning how other cultures throughout the world observe the holidays at French Creek Nature Center’s, “Holiday Traditions Around The World.” You will travel to different "countries" set up in the Nature Center. Each country will have a craft or activity and a customary holiday treat. This year's countries will include Germany, Norway, Canada, Ireland, and a few others. After traveling, enjoy a soup dinner. [12/7, 6-8pm. 440.458.5152]

A Holiday Whodunit
The Oberlin Inn hosts a Holiday Murder Mystery, complete with a dinner buffet and overnight accommodations. Reservations required. [12/11, 440.775.1111]

Holiday Wine Tasting with the Lake Erie Crushers
Do wine and baseball mix? In this case, yes! Join the Lake Erie Crushers at the All Pro Freight Stadium for Italian wines and cuisine. [12/15, 6-9pm. 440.934.3636]

A Christmas Cabaret
Back by popular demand—A Christmas Cabaret will take you on a sleigh ride of 30 songs for the season and other festive curiosities – plus evergreens like Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Silver Bells, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, and many more. Performances at Stocker Art Center were sold out last year, so get your tickets early! [12/17, 7:30pm & 12/18, 3:00pm; $15/Adults; $10/Children 12 & under]

Ballroom Dancing on the Lake
Dance the winter night away at Lakeview Park's Rose Cafe. Free lessens before the dance. Reservations required. [12/17, 7-10pm, 440.458.5121]


Christmas on the Farm

Head out to Bonnie Brae Elk Farm and take a wagon ride to feed elk, then enjoy a warm  cup of chili or cocoa in the barn. $10 per person. [12/18,19, 20, 440.647.3232]

Bonnie Brea Elk Farm

Kwanzaa Celebration

Celebrate African heritage and culture at Harrison Cultural Community Centre at part of the week-long Kwanzaa celebration. Public invited. [12/28, 6:30pm; 440.244.0359 or 440.244.0367]

Don’t forget to shop these local spots for that distinctive gift—

Ginko Gallery

Uncommon Objects

The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room

Petitti Garden Center

Holiday decorations at Petitti Garden Center

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Chinese New Year, Lorain County is full of fun unconventional and traditional holiday celebrations for your family. Kick your “bah hum-bug” attitude, and enjoy the winter wonderland of northern Ohio! For more holiday events, visit our Calendar of Events page.

Visit Lorain County wishes you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!

For additional information, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, call us 1-800-334-1673, visit the website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

Visit Lorain County's Guide to Holiday Shopping

Holiday shopping isn’t always easy. That’s why we at Visit Lorain County are providing a helping hand to get you started finding the coolest, unique gifts, and enjoy your Holiday season.

First, mark your calender; a savvy holiday shopper wouldn’t miss these fun and festive shopping events:

• Through December 11th, check out the Winter Fine Art & Craft Exhibit & Sale at Stocker Arts Center on the Lorain County Community College Campus, featuring fine arts and crafts by regional artists and designers.
  


• December 4th-6th, visit Avon’s French Creek District for the 30th Annual Christmas Candlelight Walk. Shop for antiques, crafts, and gifts, then relax and enjoy some caroling, a craft show, a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Father Christmas himself.
  


• On December 5th, you’re going to have to allot your time carefully. Three special shopping events can’t be missed:
  
  
• Holiday on the Ridge in North Ridgeville: all-day shopping, craft shows, a tree lighting, and live nativity and theater performances at the Old Towne Hall.
  


• Jamie’s Annual Christmas Special: 200 inside vendors, free pictures with Santa Claus and hourly gift certificate drawings.
  


• Don Mould’s Holiday Open House: Free refreshments, great deals, and a visit from Kris Kringle, available at both the North Ridgeville and Amherst locations.

Don Mould’s

And for that friend or family member who has everything, might we recommend some unique gift ideas off the beaten path? Unless you’re a big fan of overcrowded malls, long lines, and jam-packed parking lots, why not try some of these ideas:

• Pick up a bottle of wine or a gift basket from one of Lorain County’s many local wineries.
  
  
  


• Browse the pottery, jewelry, and glass, wood, and metal crafts—made by local artists—at Oberlin’s Ginko Gallery.
  
  


• Outfit your family’s nature-lover with outing gear, outerwear, fishing supplies, and hunting equipment at Molnar Outdoor.
  

• Stop by Petitti’s Garden Center for Holiday florals, decorations, gardening and other home gifts.
  

• Shop the extensive wine cellar and the broad selection of gourmet sauces & food, antiques, and furniture at the Tree House Gallery and Tea Room in Avon (treat yourself to a nice lunch while you’re there).
  
  
  
  


• Get ready for baseball season with Lake Erie Crushers tickets and merchandise.
  
  
  
  
• Pick up great Lorain Lighthouse gifts at the Black River Historical Society’s Moore House Museum gift shop.
  


• Invite a friend to a performance at Lorain County Community College’s Stocker Arts Center. Check out their schedule here.
  


• Visit The Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm in Wellington for home décor, gourmet foods, bath & body gifts, and assorted candles.
  


• Give the gift of relaxation with a spa package or spa-related gift from The Kneaded Touch in Amherst.
  


• For that art enthusiast you know, make a special trip to FAVA in Oberlin for original works of contemporary art, or to the Art Gallery at Amherst’s Sandstone Center.

But we’re willing to bet that even with all these options, you’re still not going to be done. So stumble upon some unique gift ideas of your own by visiting the area’s quaint Main Street shopping districts.

• Main Street Wellington
  


• Main Street Amherst
  


• Main Street Oberlin
  


• Main Street Vermilion
  

For more information on all the varied types of Holiday happenings in Lorain County this season, take a look at our Calender of Events. Visit Lorain County would like to wish you and your family a happy and safe Holiday season!

For more information about Visit Lorain County, stop by our Tourist Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, Amherst, OH 44001, call us at (440) 984-5282, visit our website, follow us on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook.