A Guide to Making the Holidays Memorable in Elyria Ohio

The holidays are one of the few times a year when families come together from all over to enjoy each other's company, celebrate the season, and create new traditions. As Elyria, nestled in Northeast Ohio and a short drive from Cleveland, continues to grow, so does the list of places to go and things to see and do during the holiday season. Most of the sites to see are free or charge a small fee and the concerts are entertaining and will leave you looking forward to the next year.

Every resident who lives in Elyria can't help but notice the grand spectacle of holiday lights in Finwood Estate on North Abbe Road. Driving through the estate to view the grand Victorian home and lights is a cherished tradition among hundreds of Elyria residents. Finwood Estate begins its celebration on December 8, 2006. Visitors are welcome Monday through Friday from 6-9 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday from 4-9 P.M. While you are there, you are welcome to visit with Santa, have refreshments, and view the many Christmas trees decorated by local Elementary Students. A donation of a non-perishable food item will be accepted as admission to Finwood.

Downtown Elyria in the Square also has a Festival of Lights on December 3, 2006 in Ely Park from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The city begins its annual celebration with carolers, festive music and even Santa. The entire square and gazebo is lit up with various holiday lights as well as the areas surrounding downtown. The lighted square is a beauty to see on a snowy December evening. Downtown Elyria really shows its true beauty during the holiday season with colorful, festive lights in the square.

One of the many things Ohio has to offer is its beautiful parks. If you don't mind taking a scenic walk, Carlisle Visitor Center is just 5 minutes from Elyria and has hosted a Holiday Lights walk that originated just over five years ago. The walk has grown in leaps and bounds every holiday season and offers a scenic trail hike through the woods, train ride, and other nature activities. The hike is a short 15-minute walk through one of Lorain County Metroparks many trails and is suitable for all ages and even strollers. Admission to the event is one non-perishable food item donation per person. The Holiday Lights Walk begins on November 24, 2006 and runs through December 30, 2006. Sunday through Thursday from 6-9 P.M. and Friday - Saturday nights from 6-10 P.M. Please note that the Holiday Lights walk will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This is a beautiful walk to take with the entire family and has long been a tradition in my family since the walk originated.

If you prefer the sounds of the season and entertainment over the many beautiful light festivals of Elyria, then be sure to feast your ears and eyes on the many holiday concerts and plays.

Stocker Center at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) continues its streak of excellence this holiday season by brining numerous concerts and plays to the stage. Among the outstanding holiday entertainment will be Peter Pan on November 8th, The Nutcracker on December 1st, 2nd and 3rd. On December 14th, concertgoers will enjoy listening to the REAL von Trapp children sing selections from The Sound of Music and other holiday music. Stocker Center at LCCC has a long-standing reputation for bringing top-notch performers, concerts, art shows, and cinema to center stage in Elyria. While Elyria is not necessarily known for its culture and entertainment, The Stocker Arts Center has brought fine arts home to a predominantly blue-collar community and continues to offer productions and exhibits throughout the year that showcase local, regional and national talent for the entire community to enjoy.

Elyria is also home to the Elyria High School Acapella Choir and Madrigals. Throughout the holiday season, the choir and madrigals perform a number of private and public concerts. To find out where the choir will be performing this holiday season contact the high school at 440-284-8300

The Lorain County Historical Society has a feast for the eyes on Sunday December 10th, when they host a Holiday Homes Tour. The event runs from 3-8 P.M. and tickets are available by Presale for Members; $10.00, Non-members $12.00 and the day of the tour, tickets will be $15.00. For more information call 440-322-3341.

No matter what you choose to do in Ohio whether you are just passing through, visiting friends and family, or have resided here all your life, be sure to make a stop through Elyria. You are sure to find fun and create new memories among Elyria's many holiday festivities.