The holiday season is kicking into high gear this week, and Signal Akron has rounded up more than 20 events and bazaars happening in and around Akron from now to New Year’s.
As always, this is not an exhaustive list of holiday events happening in and around Akron. For more event calendars, check out the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Akron Partnership and Live Akron.
Holiday Tours at the Hower House Museum
Through Dec. 28 | Thursday, Friday and Saturday: noon to 2 p.m.; Sunday: 1-3 p.m.
60 Fir Hill
Take a self-guided tour through this historic home on the University of Akron’s campus as it’s bedecked for the holiday season. Admission is charged, uakron.edu
The 44th Annual Holiday Tree Festival
Nov. 15 through Nov. 23 | Hours vary each day.
John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St. downtown).
Hundreds of trees, wreaths and other holiday gifts are available to purchase.
Santa Claus will be on hand, and several dozen choirs, orchestras and instrumentalists will perform holiday favorites throughout the festival. Breakfasts with Santa are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on two Saturdays, Nov. 15 and 22. Registration for the breakfasts is now online. akronchildrens.org/treefestival
Akron Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s “Messiah”
Nov. 15 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
This performance of “Messiah: Part 1” and the triumphant Hallelujah chorus will transport audiences with its grandeur and spirit. $7 – $65, akronsymphony.org/
Christmas with Charles Dickens
Nov. 16 | 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn
Presented by the Largely Literary Theatre Company. Mark Dawidziak and Sara Showman bring a two-person sampling of Dickens’ classics, including selections from “A Christmas Carol” and other seasonal favorites. Free, but donations will be accepted at the door to help provide funds for the Church Food Justice work. 330-836-2206, https://uuakron.org/dickens/
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Various days and times between Nov. 20 – Dec. 21
Weathervane Playhouse (1301 Weathervane Lane)
For the 21st time, Weathervane presents the biblical story of Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his family but eventually rises to a position of power in Egypt and helps save the country during a famine. $21-$42, weathervaneplayhouse.com
Wild Lights
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 17–23, Dec. 26, Dec. 28-30 | 5-9 p.m.
Akron Zoo (500 Edgewood Ave.)
This annual holiday display, celebrating its 10th year, has been reimagined with “Wow!” moments throughout the park and spectacular new features. Other activities include visits with Santa, music, warm beverages and more. A Santa Express Tour and Wild Lights Safari Tours are also on tap. A special Zoothing Wild Lights will take place Dec. 4 for guests who prefer an experience without crowds, loud music and flashing lights. Adults: $13-$24; Akron Zoo member children: Free; Non-member children (2-14) $13-$20; children under 2: free akronzoo.org
Artists Sunday Weekend Holiday Market, presented by Summit Artspace
Nov. 28 from 5 – 9 p.m., Nov. 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.|
Lock 3 Park & Lock 4, 140 E. Market St.
Summit Artspace, the Akron Bazaar and Lock 3 bring this holiday market to downtown Akron on Friday, Nov. 28 (Black Friday), from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, and Sunday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event features local arts and crafts vendors — visit with Summit Artspace’s participating resident artists and vendors from the Akron Bazaar.
Deck the Hall
Nov. 28-30, Dec. 4-23, Dec. 26-30 | 3-8 p.m.
Stan Hywet Hall & Garden ( 714 N. Portage Path)
The former estate of Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling is decked with dozens of Christmas trees and 1.4 million lights. Every inch of the picturesque property is decorated for the holidays — from the library to the greenhouse. This annual event is popular and sells out fast, so act quickly if you want to go. (Enjoy Deck the Hall at a calmer pace during a Sensory Friendly Evening on Dec. 9 from 3-9 p.m.) Adults: $19-$28; youth (ages 3-17): $10-$15; children 2 and younger: free, stanhywet.org
The Nutcracker by Ballet Theatre of Ohio
Nov. 29 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Nov. 30, 2 p.m.; Dec. 6 at 2 and 7 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St. downtown
Ballet Theatre of Ohio brings the Nutcracker to life for Northeast Ohio audiences for the 33rd straight year. Join the thousands of families who have been transported to a beautiful Victorian Christmas and swept away by Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score into Clara’s magical dream. Tickets $43 – $68.80 plus fees. www.akroncivic.com/
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Dec. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Reimagined for 2025, the production features original music and fresh twists on holiday musical favorites. Tickets range from $71-$124. calendar.uakron.edu/ej/
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Dec. 4 – 7, 12-14, 19-21, 27, 28 | Performing various afternoons and evenings
Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Greystone Hall at 103 S. High St.
Three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — and mention every Christmas tradition ever and sing every carol ever sung. A-90 minute, madcap romp through the holiday season. Watch for ticket discounts at specific performances. Purchase tickets here.
45th annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Dec. 5, noon to 7 p.m.; Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
A holiday tradition for more than 45 years, the show features 110 artists and craftspeople. General admission, $5; Seniors (62), $4.50; Children 12 and under, free. http://www.raabenterprises.com/
Suggested Reading
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas presented by BOOM Theater
Dec. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre’s Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St. downtown
This musical version of the 1954 Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye movie “White Christmas” is an uplifting, wholesome production that will delight audiences of all ages. Tickets, $31.30, https://www.akroncivic.com
A Seussified Christmas Carol
Dec. 5, 6 | 7 p.m.
Dynamics Community Theater, 140 N. Munroe Road, Tallmadge
A comedy by Peter Bloedel A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with — if he ever had his way with the story. Adults: $16 plus fees; seniors, students and children: $14 plus fees. https://dynamics.ludus.com
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 6, 7 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
159 Events on Main, 159 S. Main St.
The 2nd annual Brunch with Santa returns to spread magic, joy and festive cheer. Take photos in front of the historic vault, enjoy savory and sweet brunch stations, hot cocoa and coffee bar and kids activities. For tickets, go to 159eventsonmain.com/events.
Akron Arts & Crafts Market
Dec. 6 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
John S. Knight Center downstairs, 77 E. Mill St. downtown
More than 50 local, handmade and boutique businesses will be there, with Santa and giveaways throughout the day. $3 general admission; kids under 12 free. https://allevents.in/akron/akron-arts-and-crafts-market/
Want to find more things to do around Akron? We’ve got you covered from big events to neighborhood happenings. Discover more things to do in Akron here.
The Sugar Plum Tour of Holiday Homes
Dec. 7 | Noon to 5 p.m.
Also virtually from Dec. 13 to Jan. 4
Join this self-guided tour of five homes in Greater Akron decorated for the holidays. Virtual tour tickets include an intimate video tour of seven homes that you can view as many times as you’d like from Dec. 13 through Jan. 4. The Sugar Plum Tour is the signature fundraiser of the Gay Community Endowment Fund. $45 plus fees, live or virtual tour; $75 plus fees, both tours. Patron party bundle (party Dec. 6), $250 plus fees. www.sugarplumtour.org/
The Storm Large Holiday Ordeal
Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m.
Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St.
Holiday Ordeal is a night of music, gags, gifts, and some very special guests, with songs ranging from “2000 Miles,” “Hallelujah,” “Sock it to Me Santa,” and the greatest holiday song never written for the holidays, “Somebody to Love.” $30 – $76, www.goodyeartheater.com
Kenny G: The Miracle Holiday and Hits Tour 2025
Dec. 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St. downtown
Kenny G brings a night filled with festive spirit and contemporary classics as this musician who has the number one Christmas record of all time with his 1994 8-times platinum Miracles. At the heart of those achievements is Kenny’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance with his saxophone, a skill never more apparent than on Innocence, his 20th studio album and fifth for Concord Records. Tickets start at $49.
Olivia Van Goor: Waiting for Santa
Dec. 10 | 7 p.m.
Blu Jazz+, 47 E. Market St.
Join award-winning jazz vocalisti Olivia Van Goor as she returns to NE Ohio with a stellar band to debut her holiday album: Waiting For Santa. The crew will swing tunes from the record and many other holiday favorites sure to get you in the holiday spirit. $20 in advance, $25 day of show, blu-jazz.turntabletickets.com/
The Lettermen
Dec. 11 | 7 p.m.
Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St.
Combining classic carols, their arrangement of “Hallelujah” and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” The Lettermen will give the audience a holiday to remember! The Holiday show also features many of their standard hits, such as “Goin’ Out Of My Head,” “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Theme From A Summer Place,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” $48 – $72, www.goodyeartheater.com
Movies@Main
Dec. 11 | 6:15 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library (60 S. High St.)
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street” at the downtown branch of the library. After a New York mother hires a nice old man to play Santa Claus at Macy’s, she is startled by his claim to be the genuine article. At the downtown branch of the library. services.akronlibrary.org
Mossdeep Entertainment’s The Anime Night Before Christmas
Dec. 12 | 5:30 p.m.
Musica, 51 E. Market St.
Anime Night creates experiences that celebrate the deep connection between anime and music. This traveling event series unites passionate fans from all walks of life in a high-energy, inclusive space where anime culture is accepted and amplified. $20-$23 plus fees. www.animenight.co/
Santa’s Circus
Dec. 12 | 7 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St. downtown
Experience remarkable performers and awe-inspiring circus acts from around the world, all set in a Christmas wonderland aglow with sparkling lights and festive melodies. $47-$73, www.akroncivic.com
Holiday Pops 2025
Dec. 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Celebrate the holiday season with a festive evening of music, joy, and community spirit. The annual Holiday Pops concert is packed with beloved holiday classics and a few surprises to keep guests smiling all night long. Adults, $20-$65; Students and children, $7. akronsymphony.org/
Holiday Craft Bazaar and Cafe
Dec. 13 | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Ave., Fairlawn
The event will feature original pieces, homemade and upcycled items: ceramics, jewelry, textiles, multi-media original art and more. There will also be a small cookie and coffee (or hot chocolate) café set up, with proceeds going to Freedom House for women. There is no charge to attend. Accepting vendor applications through Nov. 22. Free, uuakron.org
Carpenter’s Christmas
Dec. 14 | 3 p.m.
E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St.
Helen Welch and her world-class musicians relive many of The Carpenter’s timeless hits with classic holiday songs and stories woven in. Tickets: $51; calendar.uakron.edu/ej/
Movies@Main
Dec. 18 | 6:15 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library (60 S. High St.)
Enjoy a screening of the holiday classic “The Muppet Christmas Carol” at the downtown branch of the library. The Muppets put their spin on the tale of an elderly, Christmas-hating miser who is visited by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life. services.akronlibrary.org
Summit Choral Society’s Christmas CandleLight Concerts
Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
St. Bernard Church (44 University Ave., downtown)
This concert features children’s and adult choirs performing a long list of holiday favorites. Tickets range from $20 to $35 depending on the performance — group pricing is available for parties of 10 or more. College students with ID are free. For more information, go to https://www.summitchoralsociety.org.
Candlelight: Christmas Special
Dec. 19 | 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (50 N. Prospect Ave.)
The Listeso String Quartet will perform two concerts of holiday favorites in an intimate candlelight setting. $34-$49, feverup.com
TubaChristmas
Dec. 20 | noon and 2:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
What happens when you put a bunch of tuba players together five days before Christmas? The beloved holiday tradition known as TubaChristmas. Tubists from around the area will gather to play two concerts of holiday favorites. Free, uakron.edu
Candlelight: Christmas Special
Dec. 26 | 6:30 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (50 N. Prospect Ave.)
The Listeso String Quartet will perform this concert of holiday favorites in an intimate candlelight setting. $27-$47, feverup.com