County residents will have plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa Claus (and maybe Mrs. Claus) before Christmas. From breakfast buffets to ice cream dates, here’s where to see Saint Nick this month.
Looking for more things to do this month? Check out our roundup of holiday events happening in and around Akron.
Santa at Summit Mall
Through Dec. 24 | times vary
Summit Mall (3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn)
When in doubt of where to find St. Nick, head to the mall. Walk-ups are always welcome, but time slots can also be booked online in advance. Those who’d like to purchase photos have four options to choose from. Guests are welcome to visit with Kriss Kringle without purchasing a photo package, but personal photos on cell phones and cameras are prohibited. Photo packages: $39.99-$59.99, simon.com
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 13 | 5-7 p.m.
Green Family YMCA (3800 Massillon Road, Green)
Get those cameras ready when Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by this YMCA branch in southern Summit County. Free, akronymca.org
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14 | 9-11:30 a.m.
First Congregational Church of Akron (292 E. Market St.)
The public is invited to enjoy pancakes and hot chocolate plus crafts and a visit with Mr. Claus. Free, facebook.com
Photos with Santa
Dec. 14 | 1-4 p.m.
Akron BARC Park (499 Memorial Parkway)
Treat your four-legged friend to a meeting with Santa. There will also be vendors, a bake sale and music from the Firestone Vocal Jazz Choir. $10 per photo (cash only), akrondogpark.org
Christmas Crafternoon with Santa
Dec. 14 | 2-4 p.m.
Cuyahoga Falls Church of the Nazarene (330 E. Bath Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Parents who need to finish (or start) their holiday shopping will appreciate this event. Parents are welcome to stay, but they can also leave their children with trained volunteers for this two-hour event. Kids will enjoy crafts, cookies and cocoa, and, of course, a visit with St. Nick. Free, facebook.com
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14 and 15 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Daily Pressed (323 S. Main St.)
Tickets to this downtown coffee shop’s Santa encounter include a breakfast buffet and a Christmas craft station. (Beverages are not included in the ticket price.) $15; children 3 and younger: free, facebook.com
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22
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. $17.01; children 2 and younger are free, eventbrite.com
Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 15 | 9-11 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m.
Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield (3960 Broadview Road, Richfield)
On the menu at this breakfast buffet: pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, chicken tenders, pastries and fruit. Coffee, milk and juice will be provided. Kids will love the crafts and the hot chocolate bar. Adults and children 4 and older: $37.05; children 3 and younger: free, eventbrite.com
Breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Dec. 15 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1840 Manor House (804 White Pond Drive)
Admission to this event includes breakfast, a hot cocoa bar and coffee station, crafts and a photo with Santa. There will also be a cash bar. Parents are asked to bring a wrapped gift (valued at no more than $20) for Santa to present to their child. 14 and older: $39.19; ages 4 to 13: $28.52; 3 and younger: 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 take pictures. Adults: $25; teens (ages 13 to 17): $20; children (ages 4 to 12): $15; children 3 and younger: free, jillysmusicroom.com
Pics with Santa
Dec. 15 | 1-3 p.m.
Doodle Drive-in (350 E. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Bring the entire family — doggos too — to get a picture with the man in red. Come early or stay after for a bite to eat. (Dog-friendly options are available.) Free, doodledrivein.com
Free Pictures with Santa
Dec. 15 | 1-4 p.m.
Pet Supplies Plus (3200 Greenwich Road, Norton)
Santa Claus, err, Santa Paws is coming to town to take photos with pets. Free, facebook.com
Sundaes with Santa
Dec. 15 | 2-4 p.m.
Pav’s Creamery (1070 Ghent Road, Bath Township)
Children 12 and younger can enjoy a free hot fudge sundae with sprinkles and meet with Santa. Free, facebook.com
Holiday Open House
Dec. 19 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library – Northwest Akron branch (1720 Shatto Ave.)
Attendees can pose for pictures with Santa and the Grinch, sample refreshments, listen to music and complete crafts at this event. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Photos with Santa
Dec. 21 | 9–11 a.m.
Ron Marhofer Chevrolet (3423 Darrow Road, Stow)
Bring the whole family — pets included — to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. There will also be cookie decorating, arts and crafts and a hot chocolate bar. Guests are asked to bring a toy to donate to a child in need, if they are able. Free, facebook.com
Photos with Santa
Dec. 21 | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Graf’s Garden Shop, Landscape & Farm Market (1015 White Pond Drive)
Families will meet Santa inside Graf’s greenhouse, which is filled with poinsettias for the holiday season. Pets are welcome for photos. Family members will receive a treat to take home, and children can bring their letters to mail to Santa. $16.99, grafgrowers.com
Lunch with Santa
Dec. 21 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sammie’s Bar & Grill (498 South Ave., Tallmadge)
Kids can visit with St. Nick and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. They will also get a gift bag to take home. Reservations are accepted for parties of eight or more. facebook.com
Holiday Open House
Dec. 21 | noon to 4 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library – Odom Boulevard branch (600 Vernon Odom Blvd.)
Activities at this event include a holiday movie, refreshments, photos with Santa and a take-home craft. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Visit with Trans Santa
Dec. 21 | 1-3 p.m.
Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ (2095 W. Market St.)
Billed as a “safe Santa for all your holiday needs,” Trans Santa will be at this Northwest Akron church for photos and visiting. Free, facebook.com
Summit County Continuum of Care Holiday Dinner for the Homeless
Dec. 21 | 2-5 p.m.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (129 S. Union St.)
This second annual dinner event will also include cookie decorating, a coat giveaway, pictures with Mr. Claus, gifts for all ages, health screenings and a raffle entry. Free, eventbrite.com
Sundaes with Santa
Dec. 22 | noon to 2 p.m.
Pav’s Creamery | (2162 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls)
Children 12 and younger can enjoy a free hot fudge sundae with sprinkles and meet with Santa. Free, facebook.com
Sundaes with Santa
Dec. 24 | noon to 2 p.m.
Wink’s Drive-in (75 Fifth Ave., Barberton)
Guests can build their own ice cream bowl and take photos with St. Nick and the Grinch. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the ‘50s-style diner. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Wink’s or the day of. Presale: $15; day of: $18, facebook.com
