CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio is buzzing with energy and events this weekend, as the holiday season is in full swing.
You can get out and have a Yule-tide cocktail at Cleveland's premiere pop-up bar, run your heart out with your furry friend, and see plenty of lights all over town as communities hold their tree lighting ceremonies.
If you're still trying to make "fetch" happen, you're in luck there because so is Gretchen Wieners from "Mean Girls," and that show is in town. And if you're into gaming, we've something special for you too. Read on for ways to fill your weekend with fun and friends, old and new.
Lake Effects Holiday Pop-up Bar
What: For the second year in a row, Cleveland's premier holiday pop-up bar is back, so you can "celebrate the season or drown your yuletide woes," according to the Lake Effects bar website. It's one-of-a-kind decor and ambience will blow you away. Check it out before it's gone, because come January 1 Santa will have left the building.
Where: The Schofield Building at 2000 East 9th Street at the corner of Euclid Avenue
When: Open Tuesday - Sunday, now through December 31, with the following hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 4 P.M. - 12 A.M., Friday & Saturday: 4 P.M. - 1 A.M. and Sunday from 10 A.M. - 8 P.M.
Mix: Icon
What: Mix at the Cleveland Museum of Art is a monthly event, always on the first Friday of each month, and always with a unique theme. This month, the theme is "Icon" and people will have the chance to celebrate iconic artists featured in the museum’s collection and iconic music from DJ ESO while mixing with friends, socialites and art lovers in the Ames Family Atrium. Food is available for purchase at Provenance Café until 8:30 p.m. Dining reservations are also available at the Provenance Restaurant until 8:00 p.m. This event is for people ages 18 and over. Tickets are available online for $10 in advance, $15 that day of the event, and Cleveland Museum of Art members get in for free.
Where: The Cleveland Museum of Art at 11150 East Boulevard
When: Friday from 6-10 P.M.
Light up Lakewood
What: This free, family-friendly community event in downtown Lakewood features a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, winter fireworks, Holiday Market, Beer Garden, Holiday Train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks, children’s games and more. Attendees are invited to stroll Lakewood's downtown district and visit local stores and restaurants while taking in the sights and sounds of one of Northeast Ohio's largest holiday celebrations, drawing an estimated 20,000 guests each December.
Where: Events take place at various location all day (check the full schedule here), and the lighting ceremony will be held at Main Stage at City Center Park in front of the Marc’s Plaza at 14900 Detroit Avenue
When: Saturday from 11 A.M. - 8 P.M.
"Mean Girls" the Musical
What: The movie and musical adaptation written by Emmy-winning writer Tina Fey, and directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, combines the classic meme-worthy story of newcomer Cady Heron, notorious Queen Bee Regina George and her loyal "plastics" Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith with big, musical moments like "Where Do You Belong?" and "Sexy," thanks to writing by three-time Emmy Award winner Jeff Richmond and lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Nell Benjamin. Tickets are available at the Playhouse Square website.
Where: Connor Palace in Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland
When: Dec. 3-22, Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Don't forget to wear pink if you see the show on a Wednesday.
Open World Arcade
What: Try your hand at classic video games that inspired artists in the exhibition Open World: Video Games & Contemporary Art. Plus, explore a showcase of indie tabletop and video games and meet their designers. This family-friendly event offers fun for gamers of all levels. Tickets are available here for $10 for Akron Art Museum members, $24 for nonmembers, and entry is free for children 12 and under (though children must be accompanied by an adult).
Where: Akron Art Museum at 1 South High Street
When: Registration is required, and you can choose from three arcade sessions, on Saturday from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M., 1-3 P.M. or 3-5 P.M. (but you are NOT required to leave after your session).
Hands-On Holidays
What: Meet fun holiday characters while you experience interactive exhibits with special make-and-take crafts at this family-friendly event. Each crafts brings you one step closer to completing your passport, so you can enter for chance to win fun prizes! The crafts include designing your own cookie and painting your own snowman (there is a $10 fee per person for this activity). You can also enjoy a live DJ and take part in a “Let’s Play Snowmen” theater activity. Guests are asked to please consider bringing an item or two (new with tags) to help support "Kylie’s Bags of Love" for ll patients in the hospital. (Some suggestions include boy/girl socks, small stuffed animals, card games, play dough, small crafts, lip balm, nail polish, journals, pens and coloring books.)
Where: Akron Children's Museum at 216 South Main Street
When: Sunday from 1-5 P.M.
JingleDog 5k
What: This annual holiday 5k hosted by RunningDog is a timed 5k and 1-mile fun run through the beautiful trails of Firestone Park. Runners are encouraged to bring their furry family members and each dog will receive a set of jingle bells. Humans can break out those Christmas colors and costumes for a chance to win a "best dressed" award. (Dogs can win too!) Humans are welcome without pups, as well! There will be age group awards for the race, too. Register in advance here.
Where: 2620 Harrington Road in Akron
When: Saturday from 9 A.M.-12 P.M.
Polar Express Pajama Party with Akron Children's Hospital
What: Polar Express Storytime with the Conductor himself is happening this weekend! Wear your coziest pajamas and get in the door early to grab you golden ticket. This event is not an actual sleepover, and is free and open to the public. It's hosted with Akron Children's Hospital Reach Out and Read.
Where: Barnes & Noble at 4015 Medina Road in Akron
When: Friday at 6:30 P.M.
Jack Frost Festival of Lights
What: Friends and families are invited to light up Berea and celebrate the holiday season. A parade in Downtown Berea will kickoff the event followed by a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display. Take a walk to Coe Lake for fun activities line a skating rink, ice sculpture demo, pictures with Santa, character meet and greets, carolers, cookies, cocoa, inflatables and more! And if you'd rather avoid park trouble, there will be a FREE shuttle service offered by the City of Berea.
Where: Park your car at the Berea Recreation Center at 451 Front Street and a shuttle will drop you off and pick you up in the parking lot behind Dominos Pizza off of South Rocky River Drive.
When: Saturday from 5-9 P.M.
26th Annual Holiday CircleFest presented by Dollar Bank
What: Throughout University Circle, more than a dozen of Cleveland's renowned museums, gardens, galleries, churches, and schools are opening their doors to offer an afternoon of activities, music, food, fun, and shopping. With live performances from talented musicians, craft making, historic displays of holiday toys, storytelling, the city’s best gingerbread house competition, ice carving demonstrations, horse drawn carriage rides, ice skating and much more, guests will be sure to have an amazing time. And it's almost entirely FREE! Check out the full program here.
Where: Wade Oval in Cleveland
When: Sunday from 1-7 P.M. with a fire and light show at 5:30 P.M.