December is a hectic month for many people with multiple events happening every weekend. Signal Akron has rounded up 29 events happening in and around Akron throughout the month. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, outdoor events or wallet-friendly outings, we’ve got you covered.
As always, this is not an exhaustive list of all 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.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Through Dec. 22 | Thursday through Saturday: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 2:30 p.m
Weathervane Playhouse (1301 Weathervane Lane)
This year marks the 20th time the theater organization has presented the musical during the holiday season. The show tells 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. $16-$36, weathervaneplayhouse.com
Holiday Tours at the Hower House Museum
Through Dec. 29 | Thursday, Friday and Saturday: noon to 2 p.m.; Sunday: 1-3 p.m.
60 Fir St.
Take a self-guided tour through this historic home on the University of Akron’s campus as it’s bedecked for the holiday season. This year’s decor theme is “A Magnificent Menagerie: Creatures Great and Small.” Adults: $10; senior citizens (65+ years): $8; students (with photo ID): $2; children 12 years and younger: free with a paid adult, uakron.edu
Holiday Parade and Light Up The Lock
Downtown Akron (South Main Street and Lock 3)
Nov. 29 | 6-11 p.m.
Ring in the holiday season with this annual parade, hosted by the City of Akron Recreation and Parks service. The parade will step off from South Main and East Exchange streets at 6 p.m. and will end at South Main and West Bowery streets. At 7 p.m., the city will commemorate the newly renovated Lock 3 with a ribbon cutting and drone show, plus the annual lighting celebration. Guests can stick around for ice carving demonstrations, costumed characters and music. Ice skating will be available until 11 p.m. Free, akronohio.gov
Akron Bazaar Holiday Market
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 | Friday: 4-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
159 S. Main St.
Shop handmade and artisan goods at this three-day market in the heart of downtown. Free, facebook.com
Artists Sunday Weekend
Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 | Friday: 5-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Summit Artspace (140 E. Market St.)
Support local artists at this three-day shopping extravaganza. Local vendors will be stationed throughout the building, and artists’ studios at Summit Artspace will be open to the public as well. Happy Camper Bar will also be on site serving holiday beverages. Take advantage of the free shuttle Saturday and Sunday to visit other downtown businesses. Free, summitartspace.org
Wild Lights
Nov. 29 – Dec. 30 | 5-9 p.m.
Akron Zoo (505 Euclid Ave.)
This annual holiday display features more than one million lights throughout the zoo, giving guests plenty of options for photo ops. Other activities include visits with Santa Claus, music, treats and more. A special Zoothing Wild Lights will take place Dec. 12 for guests who prefer an experience without crowds and loud noises. Adults: $12-$24; children: $8-$20; children 2 and younger: free, akronzoo.org
Deck the Hall
Nov. 29 – Dec. 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. Adults: $20-$24; youth (ages 3-17): $9-$11; children 2 and younger: free, stanhywet.org
Small Business Saturday Market
Nov. 30 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
House Three Thirty (532 W. Market St.)
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and explore services and offerings from more than 40 local businesses at this market. Guests can also explore House Three Thirty’s offerings, which include a retail shop, dining options and the museum, LeBron James’ Home Court. Football fans can head to the cabaret at noon to watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Free, housethreethirty.com
Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders
Nov. 30 | noon to 4 p.m.
225 S Main St.
Explore the kooky world of artist Clayton Bailey before his museum of robots closes for the season. The museum shop will offer 50% off any one item in celebration of Small Business Saturday. Visitors will receive a free sweatshirt that commemorates Curated Storefront’s (which operates the museum) 2022 exhibitions at Quaker Square while supplies last. Free, curatedstorefront.org
“The Nutcracker”
Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. | Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Ballet Theatre of Ohio will once again stage this holiday favorite for two weekends in Akron. $35-$55, akroncivic.com
Holiday Concert
Dec. 1 | 2-3:30 p.m.
Himelright Lodge at Cascade Valley Metro Park (1212 Cuyahoga St.)
The Summit Metro Parks Ensemble will perform an afternoon concert of holiday classics. Light refreshments will be provided. Free, summitmetroparks.org
ZipsGuide Holiday Market
Dec. 2 | 2-7 p.m.
Jean Hower Taber Student Union (303 Carroll St.)
Shop goods from more than 40 local and regional vendors at this new holiday market from University of Akron students. Local children’s performer Mr. Jeff will take the stage at 5 p.m. for a dance party. Zippy-Claus will also be available for photos beginning at 5:30 p.m. Free, zipsguide.com
Joyce DiDonato with Kings Return
Dec. 3 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Opera singer Joyce DiDonato will take the stage with the a cappella quartet Kings Return for an evening of holiday music. $19-$65, akronconcertseries.org
Movies@Main
Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 | 6:15 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library (60 S. High St.)
Enjoy screenings of holiday classics (“Muppet Christmas Carol,” “A Christmas Story”) and new favorites (“The Grinch,” “Wish”) at the downtown branch of the library. services.akronlibrary.org
E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Dec. 6-8 | Friday: noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Now in its 44th year, this three-day show features more than 100 artists selling their creations. General admission: $5; senior citizens: $4.50; children 12 years and younger: free, calendar.uakron.edu
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 6-22 | Friday and Saturday: 7 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.
The Knight Stage (182 S. Main St.)
Boom! Theater will stage the musical version of this timeless classic on select dates throughout December. $25, akroncivic.com
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
Dec. 6-22 | Friday: 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays: various times (check the website); Sunday: 2 p.m.
Magical Theatre Company (565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton)
“The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the whole world!” And so begins the hilarious and this sweet stage play presented Northeast Ohio’s professional resident and touring theater for young audiences and families.
Recommended for families ages 5 and up. Tickets: $18 and $20, www.magicaltheatre.org.
Winter Wonders
Dec. 7 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Richfield Heritage Preserve (4374 Broadview Road, Richfield)
Gather the family for this all-ages event that serves as the annual fundraiser for Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. Guests can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and shop handmade artisan goods. Activities for the younger guests include story time, crafts, face painting and, of course, a visit from the man in red. Refreshments will be available for purchase. There will also be a Christmas cookie sale for those who want to take something sweet home. Free to attend, but carriage rides cost extra, friendsofrhp.org
EANDC’s Winter Wonderland
Dec. 7 | noon to 3 p.m.
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. (550 S. Arlington St.)
This family-friendly event from East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. will feature pictures with Santa, games, gifts, food, storytelling and music. Free, eandc.org
Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes
Dec. 8 | 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Akron Children’s Museum (216 S. Main St.)
Enjoy pancakes, craft stations, hands-on science activities and live music at this kid-friendly event. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of children’s body wash and deodorant for the I Promise Village. Adults: $8-$10; children: $10-$12, akronkids.org
A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin
Dec. 10 | 6:30 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Settle in for a screening of the holiday classic “Home Alone.” Afterward, join the movie’s star, Macaulay Culkin, for an interview and audience Q&A. $39-$250, akroncivic.com
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Dec. 12 | 7 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Enjoy music, acrobatics and aerial stunts at this circus-meets-holiday extravaganza. $25-$65, akroncivic.com
“A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 12-24 | Thursday through Saturday: 8 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m
Western Reserve Playhouse (3326 Everett Road, Bath)
The community theater will present Charles Dickens’ famous tale of the cold and greedy Ebenezer Scrooge, who learns the true meaning of Christmasfrom three late-night specters. $25, thewrp.org
Holiday Pops
Dec. 13 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
The Akron Symphony’s holiday concert is a long-running local favorite. Adults: $20-$60; children/students with valid ID: $7, akronsymphony.org
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22 | 9:30 a.m. to noon
Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Guests will enjoy a morning of breakfast and ice skating and ice bumper cars, followed by a visit with Santa Claus. The ticket price also includes admission to the Akron Children’s Museum. $15; children 2 and younger are free, eventbrite.com
Brunch with Santa and Mr. Jeff
Dec. 15 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Jilly’s Music Room (111 N. Main St.)
Little ones will love this event featuring local children’s performer Mr. Jeff. The morning kicks off with a breakfast buffet, then Mr. Jeff takes the stage to perform holiday songs and lead the kids in a dance party. When Santa arrives at noon, guests will have the chance to ask him questions and pose for photos. Adults should have their phones and cameras ready, because a photographer will not be on-site. Ticket sales end at noon on Dec. 6. Adults: $25; teens (ages 13 to 17): $20; kids (ages 4 to 12): $15; children 3 and younger: free, jillysmusicroom.com
Wayside Holiday Movies
Dec. 15 | 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Wayside Furniture will present two family Christmas movies at the downtown theater. “Elf” will play at 2 p.m., followed by “The Polar Express” at 6 p.m. While the movies are free to attend, tickets are required. They can be picked up at Wayside Furniture (1367 Canton Road) and at the Akron Civic Theatre box office. Free, akroncivic.com
Candlelight: Christmas Special
Dec. 20 | 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. $25-$48.50, feverup.com
TubaChristmas
Dec. 21 | 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 four 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