Holiday happenings throughout the Westshore

Cuyahoga County, Ohio

It's never too early to celebrate the holidays and area communities in the Westshore Sun coverage area have a host of events planned to usher in the spirit of the season.

BAY VILLAGE

Step back in time to experience Christmas past at the Rose Hill Museum in Cahoon Memorial Park, 27715 Lake Road.

The Bay Village Historical Society is inviting the community to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Dec. 15, and Dec. 22; and from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4, Dec. 11, and Dec. 18.

The Rose Hill Museum will be beautifully decorated for the holiday season and the beloved book, "The Night Before Christmas" will be read each day. The Bay High School Choraleers will sing carols at Rose Hill at 3 p.m. Dec. 8. A variety of demonstrations may be viewed each day.

Have your family (even the dog) photographed with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and elves aboard a refurbished vintage sleigh on Dec. 8. The cost is $20, and reservations are recommended to reserve a time. Indicate your preference by typing in your name, email address, and phone number. Walk-ups are also welcome. The cost is $20 in advance via PayPal, or $25 on the day of the event, payable by cash or check made out to the "Bay Village Historical Society." Photos will be emailed to you shortly after the event.

To register, go to at bayhistorical.com .

The annual Bay Village Kiwanis Christmas Tree sale will take place at the Cahoon Park Gazebo. Nearly 400 Frasier Firs, Canaan Firs, and Colorado Spruce will soon be delivered and sorted for the sale.

Kiwanis also donates the city tree in the Gazebo, which is decorated by the Key Club leadership team.

The Christmas tree lot opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29); and is open in December from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday evenings and Saturdays; and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays through Dec. 15 (unless sold out earlier). A variety of tree sizes (6′ - 11′) are available with prices ranging from $70 to $280. Credit cards are accepted for an additional fee.

The Bay Village Community Band's annual Yuletide Celebration features symphonic band music of the season and a visit with Santa Claus from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Bay Middle School, 27725 Wolf Road.

Admission to the event is free, and donations are accepted.

ROCKY RIVER

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Rocky River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. Stroll through the many shops off Detroit Road while enjoying carolers, face painting, photos with Santa, ice sculptures, horse drawn carriage rides, and other activities.

New this year, the "Avenue of Ice" will provide an opportunity to explore Beachcliff Market Square and the many merchants providing give-a-ways and raffles.

A holiday parade will take place at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 7 beginning at the Rocky River Methodist Church, 19414 Detroit Road, and heading east to the Old Detroit shopping area.

The city's tree lighting and dance party will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Old Detroit Shopping area (new location). The festivities will continue through the evening with a family street dance, reindeer games, and live DJ.

City officials are still compiling an exact time schedule for all the activities during the day. Once they have more information from the Detroit Road merchants, it will be updated on the city's website.

Crocker Park's Annual Tree Lighting, presented by ERIEBANK , is Nov. 23. The festivities begin at 4 p.m. with a Holiday Block Party. The event includes live performances by Joe Bell and the Swing Lizards, the magic of Magic Mike, and Santa's grand arrival at 7 p.m. to lead the countdown and light the tree.

Food trucks will be onsite including Birdies, Cheesy Dave's, Cleveland Cookie Dough Co., and Ono Brew Coffee.

The holiday magic continues throughout the season with several other attractions. Visit Santa's House for Photos with Santa, or stop by the Play Zone for gift cards, Sock Slide, Santa's Sleigh, and other activities. The giant 50-ft tree in the center of Crocker Park features a nightly light show.

Families and groups can capture holiday memories at the Crocker Park Marquee, surrounded by holiday street lights, or explore the Snowflake Garden. The Serpentini of Westlake Express Train will be offering rides through Crocker Park (small fee).

For a complete schedule and list of additional events, go to crockerpark.com/treelighting .

The city's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is set to take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 1 in the main rotunda at City Hall, 27700 Hilliard Blvd. Sponsored by the Westlake Town Criers, the event is open to the public.

One of the evening's highlights will be the announcement of Mr. and Mrs. Westlake for 2025, an honor given to outstanding community members who have made significant contributions to the welfare of Westlake's residents. This long-standing tradition is an opportunity for the city to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of giving back to the community, according to information from city officials.

The Westlake Recreation Center is the place to be for festive family activities. Kringle's Workshop is Dec. 19, where kids can make and wrap two homemade gifts. Cost is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Deadline to Register is Dec. 1.

Children, don't forget to drop off your letters to Santa at the special North Pole mailbox at the Recreation Center by Dec. 15 for an electronic response from Santa. Registration is required and the cost is $2. To register, go to ohwestlakeweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html (click on Special Events).

The Westlake Community Services Advisory Council is hosting its annual basket raffle to support the Plus Fifty programs. Local businesses are contributing donations, with tickets priced at $5 each or five for $20. The drawing will take place at the Christmas luncheon on Dec. 18 (winners need not be present to win). Visitors can explore the Community Services Building, 27700 Hilliard Blvd., learn about its offerings, and possibly enjoy a meal at Connections Café, open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tours are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration is now open for the city's annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa that takes place at 9 a.m. Dec. 14 at the Westlake Recreation Center.