Thanksgiving Fun!

There are some fun Thanksgiving themed events this weekend to help get you geared up for the upcoming holiday!

Find the best holiday events, including:

Christmas Events this Weekend – Including Christmas parades, tree lightings & festivals, holiday markets, sleigh rides, and Christmas crafts!

Tuba Christmas – Enjoy Christmas Music performed entirely by tubas. There are various events happening throughout the season!

Breakfast with Santa – Santa Claus is coming to town…and he's hungry! We've got details on many different places you can eat with Santa this weekend.

Pictures with Santa – Santa is coming to town – all over the town actually, AND we've put together a long list of where to find him! Our huge photo ops list includes locations for all the kids, pets, and several special calm and sensory-friendly locations too.

Live Nativity – These reenactments can be found all across Northeast Ohio and they really make the first Christmas magical. 

Christmas Trains – Details on all the places you can go to ride trains and see model train displays!

Nutcracker Ballet Performances – All the info on where to see the Nutcracker Ballet this season. Get your tickets before the sell out!

Christmas Tree Farms

Are you ready to decorate? Many of the area Christmas Tree Farms open Thanksgiving weekend and some even this weekend so you can have you tree up and decorated for Thanksgiving.

FREE Preschool Nature Kids: Outer Space at Lorain County Metro Parks

Explore space through activities, crafts, and outdoor exploration (weather permitting). {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 10am-11am
Where: Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012
Cost: FREE

Santa Clause is Coming to Town!

Santa's Arrival Parade at Beldon Village Mall
Enjoy lots of fun Christmas activities and be some of the first people to see Santa arrive. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, November 14, 2019; 6pm-8pm
Where: 4230 Belden Village Mall Circle NW, Canton, OH 44718
Cost: FREE (Charge for pictures with Santa)

FREE Santa's Arrival at Great Lakes Mall
Kick-off the season with a magical evening! Welcome Santa for the season and enjoy live entertainment, The Singing Angels, holiday-themed crafts, snacks, hot cocoa bar, and much more. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 6pm-7:30pm
Where: Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060 ( Dillard's Concourse near the Santa Set)
Cost: FREE

You may be interested in: Holiday Fun Guide – All Upcoming Christmas Events

FREE Twice is Nice Consignments' Holiday Open House

Join Twice is Nice Consignments for their annual Holiday Open House with snacks, sales, specials, and giveaways. {Find Out More}
When: November 15-16, 2019
Where: 841 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44630
Cost: FREE

FREE American Sign Language & Deaf CultureS Program for Kids at the Kent Free Library

Children in grades 3 through 6 are invited to learn about the Deaf community and basic American Sign Language from the KSU Deaf CultureS Club. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 4pm
Where: 312 W. Main St., Kent, OH 44240
Cost: FREE

FREE Night Hike & Fire with Summit Metroparks
Hit the trail to discover all that nature has to offer at night! {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

FREE Fireside Storytelling Tell-abration at Lorain County Metro Parks

Join youth and adult storytellers as they weave their tales of fantasy. Refreshments provided. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 15, 2019; 7pm-8:30pm
Where: Carriage Barn at Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
Cost: FREE

Annual Turkey Shoot Out Gemini Center

Join in this 10th Annual Turkey Shootout Event! Teams consisting of one adult and one child will shoot free throws for a chance to win a FREE turkey! There are multiple age groups and three rounds of competition in each age group. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 9:30am-11am
Where: Fairview Park Recreation Department at the Gemini Center, 21225 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126
Cost: Member/Resident: $5 per team; Nonresident: $8 per team (Register here. Pre-registration is required by November 15.)

Kids Club: Snowman Cookies at Michaels

Children, ages 3 and up, can decorate snowmen cookies. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10am-12pm
Where: Michaels stores across Northeast Ohio
Cost: $3 per child per project

FREE Shear Possibilities' Holiday Open House

Enjoy snacks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and event-only specials. Spin the wheel for savings or free gifts. Plus, take a picture with Gus the holiday bear. Vendors will have items for sale to get a jump on your holiday shopping, and Homemade with love will be on-site with samples of their tasty treats and some to purchase or pre-order for your holiday gatherings. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10am-1pm
Where: Shear Possibilities Salon, 800 W. Maple St., Hartville, OH 44632
Cost: FREE

FREE Kids Play Day

Come enjoy face painting, interactive games, balloon animals, and character appearances in Hartville Collectibles' upstairs Hartville Children's Shop! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10am-2pm
Where: Hartville Collectibles, 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
Cost: FREE

FREE Centennial: First People Day with Cleveland Metroparks

Native history is Cleveland history. Delve into the unique history of northeast Ohio native life. The day will be filled with demonstrations, talks, hikes and more, led by Cleveland Metroparks staff, local scholars and the Lake Erie Native American Council. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10am-4pm
Where: Rocky River Reservation Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Cost: FREE

FREE Fun with Flotus: Pardon That Turkey! at National First Ladies' Library

In 1846, a woman named Sarah Hale began her campaign to create Thanksgiving. She sent letters to five different presidents over a period of almost 15 years, before Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating the holiday we celebrate today in 1861. Kids will hear Sarah’s story and many other Turkey Day tales in this fun program! Best for ages 5-8. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10:30am-12pm
Where: 205 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: FREE (Registration is required. To register, call 440-717-3753 or e-mail acaplan@firstladies.org.)

FREE Beginner Winter Tree ID with Summit Metroparks

Join a naturalist and learn how to recognize trees using the three Bs: bark, buds and branches. Please dress for the weather. Warm apple cider will be served after the hike, while supplies last. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10:30am-12pm
Where: Towpath Trail, Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH 44313
Cost: FREE

Super Science Saturday: Space STEAM (Part 5: Mathematics) at the Akron Fossils & Science Center

Super Science Saturday is an all day, once a month, event for the whole family. The day is filled with awesome hands-on learning opportunities that give every participant a full dose of that month's topic. If you want a great inexpensive family day of learning and fun, this is definitely it! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 10:30am-3:30pm
Where: 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH, 44321
Cost: $5 per member, $12 per nonmember

FREE Princess Palooza at Warren-Trumbull County Public Library

Calling all princesses to the palace of the Liberty Library for a morning filled with royal activities! Dress in your finest for a visit with a special guest! For ages 4-8. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 11am
Where: Liberty Branch Library, 415 Churchill-Hubbard Rd., Youngstown, OH 44505
Cost: FREE (Registration is required by Nov. 9 by calling 330-759-2589.)

FREE The Great Library Slime Bake-Off at the Kent Free Library

Who will create the best slimy, non-edible, dessert? Make and decorate cupcakes and cookies using slime, clay, kinetic sand and more! “Desserts” will be judged on appearance, execution and creativity. After judging, squish your creation to make one big slime! This program is for students ages 8-13. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 11am
Where: 312 W. Main St., Kent, OH 44240
Cost: FREE

FREE Barnes & Noble Story Time & Activities: Jack Frost vs. the Abominable Snowman

A thrilling adventure awaits as you pick your path and decide how the story Jack Frost vs. the Abominable Snowman unfolds! The big day has arrived and the racers are set. Will you follow Jack Frost, the mischievous racer with magical winter powers? Or will you follow Abe, the lovable Abominable Snowman with a few surprises up his sleeve?
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 11am
Where: Barnes & Noble locations across Northeast Ohio
Crocker Park, 198 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145 {Find Out More}
Akron, 4015 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333 {Find Out More}
Cost: FREE

FREE Kids Craft at Lakeshore Learning

Kids can make a Fire-Breathing Dragon craft. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 11am-3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning, 27500 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122
Cost: FREE

FREE moCa Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland

Join in on Saturdays to explore the art and idea of time through special activities. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 11am-5pm
Where: 11409 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
Cost: FREE

Create Your Own Comic Book with Douglas Laubacher at Massillon Museum

Draw superheroes and develop a story about them in your own comic book. Ages 12+. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 12pm-3pm
Where: 130 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: $15 per member, $18 per nonmember (Registration is required.)

MAKEbreak Holiday Wreath at Michaels

Create a holiday wreath to decorate your home this holiday season! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 1pm-3pm
Where: Michaels stores across Northeast Ohio
Cost: Buy the wreath base and the supplies to decorate it will be provided.

FREE Movie: Frozen at Akron-Summit County Public Library

Enjoy an afternoon movie with popcorn. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 1pm-3:30pm
Where: Firestone Park Branch, 1486 Aster Ave., Akron, OH 44301
Cost: FREE

FREE Quail’s Nest Holiday Open House

See the newly-renovated gift shop at Quail Hollow Park. It will be decked out with the perfect holiday gifts for everyone on your list, plus free cider and donuts! {Find Out More}
When: November 16-17, 2019; 1pm-4pm
Where: Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, OH 44632
Cost: FREE

Wayne Center Ballet Presents: Winter Sleighride

Sleighbells are ringing at Wayne Center for the Arts as the Wayne Center Ballet prepares to present three magical performances of “Winter Sleighride.” This new ballet is inspired by the holiday favorite, “The Night Before Christmas” and will bring to life tales of adventure, wonder, and hope. The show will feature Wayne Center for the Arts’ student dance company, guest faculty members, and rotating groups of young dancers from the Wayne Center for the Arts’ Community School of Dance. {Find Out More}
When:
Saturday, November 16, 2019; 2pm & 7pm
Sunday, November 17, 2019; 2pm
Where: Orrville High School Auditorium, 841 Ella St., Orrville, OH 44667
Cost: $15 General Admission, $8 per students/senior

FREE Teen Time: No-Spend November Celebration at Akron-Summit County Public Library

A mishmash of fun for grades 5 and up. Celebrate No-Spend November. Learn how to budget for all your holiday spending needs and make a special saving bank to stash your cash. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 2pm-3pm
Where: Portage Lakes Branch, 4261 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE

FREE Elsa & Anna's First Time in Forever Party at Akron-Summit County Public Library

Celebrate all things Frozen in anticipation of the release of the new movie Frozen 2, in theatres on Nov. 22! Join Elsa and Anna for karaoke, hair braiding, and more! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 2pm-3pm
Where: Northwest Akron Branch, 1720 Shatto Ave., Akron, OH 44313
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)

FREE Nassau Astronomy Night with CVAS at Geauga Park District

Join members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society to take in the wonders of the night sky using our amazing 36-inch-mirrored telescope! Stop in to discover this amazing facility and all it has to offer. Cancelled if cloudy. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 16, 2019; 7pm-11pm
Where: Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville, OH 44064
Cost: FREE

FREE Surviving Beneath the Ice with Summit Metroparks

Where do turtles, dragonflies, frogs and other aquatic creatures go when the water freezes over? As winter approaches, hike the Towpath Trail to learn the amazing ways these animals survive the cold. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 9:30am-11am
Where: Towpath Trail, Big Bend Trailhead, 1337 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH 44313
Cost: FREE

Discount Day: Touchdown for Hunger at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Be part of a drive that helps nourish those in need by participating in the 6th annual Touchdown for Hunger. Donate one non-perishable food item to the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland to score one voucher for $7 discounted same-day admission to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Be the star of your team and join us in tackling hunger in our community. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 10am-4pm
Where: 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Cost: $7 with non-perishable food item donation

FREE Barnes & Noble Baby & Me Storytime: Abby (Sesame Street Friends)

Baby & Me Storytime continues for caregivers and children 0-24 months old. Join in to listen to a book and participate in activities featuring sensory growth for your little ones.
When: Sunday, November 16, 2019; 11am
Where: Barnes & Noble locations across Northeast Ohio
Crocker Park, 198 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145 {Find Out More}
Akron, 4015 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333 {Find Out More}
Cost: FREE

FREE Open Studio: Block-head Robots at Akron Artworks

Have you ever wanted to make your own personal robot? Turn tin cans, scrap wood and random odds and ends into a toy robot. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 1pm-4pm
Where: 1720 Merriman Rd., Studio A, Akron, OH 44313
Cost: $10 per individual (Max. $25 family, up to 4 persons; Registration is required.)

FREE Winter Animal Hike at Lorain County Metro Parks

Learn how animals prepare for the change in seasons during this hike. Hike will take place regardless of weather. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 2pm-3pm
Where: Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., Lagrange, OH 44050
Cost: FREE

French Creek Cinema Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas at Lorain County Metro Parks

Watch this festive and family-friendly classic on the big 17-foot screen in surround sound! Bring the whole family! {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Ewing Theatre in the French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield, OH 44054
Cost: $1 admission at the door includes popcorn!

Chocolate on the Rocks!

What could be better than adventure set in fall colors at sunset while exploring towering cliffs without leaving the Heights? How about savoring chocolates while enjoying the view? If you don't know about the local treasure of the Doan Brook gorge, join the tour! {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 17, 2019; 3pm-5pm
Where: Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
Cost: $6 per member, $12 per nonmember

Other Fun Options

With the cold weather you may be looking for fun things to do indoors. Check out our indoor fun guide filled with lots of great ideas. 

Plan Ahead

This is the time of year where many people look for ways to give back and to help others in need. Volunteering as a family is a great way to make a difference and teach your children the importance of giving.

Here are a list of places you can volunteer as a family (make sure to check age requirements).

Have a great weekend!