Holiday Happenings in Akron, Ohio

It's the end of October, and several holidays are quickly approaching. Halloween is here, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, swiftly followed by the celebration of Christmas. On holiday days, most people celebrate with their families, often times by eating a special meal together. However, there is more to do around the holiday season than merely eat! Here is a list of a few highlights of activities occurring around Akron, Ohio.

Boo at the Zoo.
This event is located at the Akron Zoo. If you want to go a little further out of your way, the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo also sponsors a Boo at the Zoo. The Akron Zoo's Boo at the Zoo is a Halloween event. The dates it runs is October 26, 2006, to October 29. The zoo highly recommends buying tickets in advance at local grocery stores, due to the lines it experiences with at - the - door ticket sales. Tickets for trick- or- treaters are 8 dollars, or 7 dollars for members. Observer tickets for parents and others are free for members, but 4 dollars for others buying tickets. Boo at the Zoo is mainly focused towards a younger crowd - it allows a safe site for trick or treating with plenty of supervision. The zoo opens it's doors late the before mentioned dates specifically for this event - Boo at the Zoo begins at 5:30 pm and ends at 9 pm. Kids have the opportunity to visit the animals located around the zoo while trick or treating, altogether having a great time. The decorations are advertised as not scary, and the cafe is open for dinner. Pony rides and train rides are also available. For more information visit the Akron Zoo's website at www.akronzoo.org.

Deck the Hall.
This event is located at Stan Hywet Halls and Gardens. You can find more information at www.stanhywet.org. This event runs from November 24th to the 26th, and then again from December 8th to the 30th (except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). This is your chance to see the Stan Hywet Halls and Gardens decorated for the holidays! The main house is decorated in a scheme based on the ballet of The Nutcracker. The gardens have a magnificent lighting display arranged. The cafe will be selling special winter time snacks, such as cookies and hot chocolate. The normal furnishings of the main house will also remain for viewing. All - estate tickets are 14 dollars for adults, but only 12 dollars for members of Stan Hywet Halls and Gardens. Grounds - only tickets are 8 dollars for adults, and only 6 dollars for members. Children that are under the age of 12 are admitted free.

Carousel Dinner Theatre.
One of America's largest dinner theatres is located here in Akron. They are having a few dates that are focused on celebrating the holidays. There is the opportunity to dine with Santa Claus. Breakfast with Santa is occuring December 2nd, 9th, and 16th this year. The cost is somewhere around 16 dollars for adults and 14 dollars for children, depending on your seating selection. Helen Welch will also be singing Christmas holiday songs on December 4th and 11th with an orchestral accompaniment. More information can be found at www.carouseldinnertheatre.com.

Gifts from the Gatehouse.
This event takes place at Hale Farm and Village. There is no fee charged with this event, "in the spirit of the season." It occurs December 3rd, 10th, and 17th. There will be snacks and music entertainment as well as presentations showing Civil War era crafts as well as how to make them. At this event, you will be shown how to create your own craft for decorating your home or giving away as a gift. There is also a table for children's crafts. More information can be found at the Western Reserve Historical Society's website located at www.wrhs.org/halefarm.

Haunted Schoolhouse and Haunted Laboratory.
A Halloween must - do event is visit a haunted house for many people. In Akron, why not go to two at once? The Haunted Schoolhouse sits merely meters away from the Haunted Laboratory, close to the blimp hangar. They are both open right now, and stay open until October 31st. Their hours are 7 pm until midnight on weekends, and ten pm on weekdays. They are closed Mondays. It costs 11 dollars for entrance to each haunted building, which includes multiple floors in both buildings. There is plenty of parking and usually a line. Inside, there are many costumed employees ready to startle you, as well as shaking floors and a lot of stairs. More information can be found at www.hshlabs.com.

Hopefully this guide gives you a place to start on your attempts to find things to do during the holidays in your local Akron area. It's a good start, and everything is close by. Good luck, and enjoy the holiday season.