The Tradition Returns: Fourth Annual Light Up Lakewood

You’re Invited! On December 4th come kick off your holidays with Light Up Lakewood. Festivities will begin at Lakewood Hospital at 5:45 p.m. with the beat of the St. Edward Trash Talkers, and while your toes are still tapping, you are in for a treat with the arrival of Santa, Buddy the Elf and the Grinch. Joining Santa will be the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s “Why I Love Lakewood” 4th grade essay contest winner to help Santa in some holiday carols. Then Santa will be whisked off in the fire truck, parading down Detroit Avenue to the Lakewood Public Library where he will welcome boys and girls for visits and photos.

As you stroll down closed Detroit Avenue you might pick up Lolley the Trolley and join riders to sing some holiday carols, or continue your walk and stop and listen to the strolling Peddlers of Mirth or watch the Lakewood Barnstormers depict holiday scenes – in the “living windows” at various merchant locations.

Of course we cannot start the holidays without the sweet voice of children. This year several venues will be hosting entertainers, singers and dancers. We hope you will visit them all. Lakewood Center North will host several singing groups from the Beck Center, Lakewood High School and elementary schools.

The Panera Bread stage will play host to Nutcracker dancers who will be available for photos along with various holiday characters. Moving on down to Lakewood City Center Park is the traditional “ice carver” who will be joined by the St. Ignatius Circus Performers and their juggling act. As we move down Detroit Avenue the Masonic Temple will be hosting more school singing groups and dancers from Silhouette Dance and Fine Arts. You won’t want to miss the original song created by Lakewood resident Bill Knittle who is joined by the Lincoln Singers to kick off the Masonic Temple festivities.

Finally, a visit to the library is in order. You will be greeted by the sounds of the Lakewood Catholic Academy choir and band and the Lakewood High School Strings. Children can visit the H2O “Twigby-Style”, then enjoy some crafts with the library staff and of course a visit with Santa – don’t forget to bring your camera!

Light Up Lakewood is a community event brought to you by Downtown Lakewoood, the Main Street™ program of LakewoodAlive, in collaboration with the City of Lakewood, Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Public Library, Masonic Temple, H2O and the Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Lakewood Hospital, Panera Bread, The Coral Company, Target, Giant Eagle and Kidd Productions.

LakewoodAlive is a 501(c)(3) economic development organization focused on the revitalization of Lakewood’s historic downtown district.