Here's your ultimate guide to the holidays in Lorain! Find all the best festive events and activities. For Lorain natives and newcomers, our guide reveals the city's holiday treasures.
Popular events this season include the soulful melodies of A Motown Christmas, where classic holiday tunes meet the iconic Motown sound. In a dazzling display of holiday spirit, the Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display features intricately designed light installations that will enchant visitors of all ages. And don't forget Castle Noel, where you can explore an extraordinary collection of Christmas memorabilia and animated displays. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lorain
- Castle Noel (Medina)
- Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display (Medina)
- A Motown Christmas
- WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio (Hartford)
- Holiday in Lights (Lebanon)
- The Wizards of Winter
- Magic of Lights (Middleburg Heights)
- Pyramid Hill Lights (Hamilton)
- Christmas in the Valley (Valley City)
- Remembering John Denver
See these and even more events listed below!
Lorain Holiday Light Displays
Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with synchronized music.
Description:
The Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display features a drive-through light display with over 10 dates in November and December, offering a festive atmosphere with lights and music.
Where: Medina | More Info: Medina County Fairgrounds Holiday Light Display
Light Up Downtown Vermilion
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities and decorations in Exchange Park.
Description:
Light Up Downtown Vermilion is a family-friendly event featuring holiday activities and decorations in Exchange Park, fostering a sense of community and festive spirit.
Where: Vermilion | More Info: Light Up Downtown Vermilion
Holiday in Lights
What to Expect:
Over 1 million lights and 250 displays in a drive-through format.
Description:
Holiday in Lights is an outdoor light display at Armco Park, featuring over 1 million lights and 250 displays, showcasing holiday-themed scenes from Santa Claus to every animal on the ark. Guests can enjoy the show from the comfort of their own vehicle.
Where: Lebanon | More Info: Holiday in Lights
WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
What to Expect:
Synchronized LED lights and music drive-through display.
Description:
Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music create a heart-warming drive-through experience at Hartford Fairgrounds.
Where: Hartford | More Info: WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
Pyramid Hill Lights
What to Expect:
Unique drive-through holiday light show with local artist installations.
Description:
Pyramid Hill Lights features a 2-mile drive-through light show with over one million lights, local artist installations, and family-friendly activities.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Pyramid Hill Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Spectacular LED light displays and animated holiday characters.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over 2 million lights, including classic holiday scenes and iconic characters like Barbie and Bigfoot. Guests can enjoy a festive and nostalgic event from the comfort of their vehicles.
Where: Middleburg Heights | More Info: Magic of Lights
4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday light display with Santa appearances.
Description:
The 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds features a family-friendly, drive-through light display with Santa appearances every Saturday night. The event offers a variety of festive lights and decorations, making it a delightful holiday experience.
Where: Van Wert | More Info: 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Spectacular 2-mile drive-thru light display with festive lights and holiday activities.
Description:
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow features over 3.8 million lights in a 2-mile long drive-thru experience, including a visit to Santa and a 45-foot Christmas Tree, along with a petting zoo and gift shops.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
What to Expect:
New LED displays and animatronics in over 50 holiday scenes.
Description:
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park features new LED displays, animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes at Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds. Visitors can stop by the Santa Shack, take photos, and enjoy a special Christmas tradition.
Where: Atwater | More Info: Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a 300-foot RGB tunnel.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland features custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies, including a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel and multiple 50-foot-tall Christmas trees.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
Akron Zoo Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized light displays.
Description:
The Akron Zoo Wild Lights event features over one million lights, fun photo-ops, and holiday activities like visiting Santa Claus and enjoying treats at Mrs. C's Sweets. The event includes a Rockin' Lighted Spectacular and Holly Jolly Hillside, with local high school choirs performing on select dates.
Where: Akron | More Info: Akron Zoo Wild Lights
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
What to Expect:
Spectacular synchronized lights and music show on historic grounds.
Description:
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill features over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and bridges. The display includes a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights, a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, and a Toy Collection. Every night, guests can peek into Santa's Workshop to see a live Santa at work, and watch him check his list and load his sleigh.
Where: Clifton | More Info: The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
Lorain Holiday Markets and Shopping
Over the Moon Gifts GRAND OPENING
What to Expect:
Grand opening celebration with giveaways.
Description:
Over the Moon Gifts celebrates its grand opening with giveaways and special offers, marking its recognition as Pulse Magazine's Best in Lorain County.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Over the Moon Gifts GRAND OPENING
Christmas in the Valley
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday event with diverse activities.
Description:
Christmas in the Valley is a community celebration featuring a holiday market, 5K race, one-mile fun run, dog walk, and a chili cook-off. The event includes various sponsorship levels, offering recognition and advertising opportunities.
Where: Valley City | More Info: Christmas in the Valley
Lorain Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Motown Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class Motown performance with live band and brass.
Description:
A Motown Christmas features an all-star lineup of vocalists and musicians from legendary Motown outfits, delivering iconic hits with impeccable harmonies and dazzling choreography.
Where: Lorain | More Info: A Motown Christmas
The Wizards of Winter
What to Expect:
Soaring vocal harmonies and precision string instrumentation.
Description:
The Wizards of Winter is a 11-member ensemble performing their Holiday Rock Opera titled "Christmas Dream," featuring members who have performed with notable bands like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Def Leppard. They weave a story around their latest album "Christmas Dream," blending rock, pop, and ballads to evoke memories and emotions of Decembers past.
Where: Lorain | More Info: The Wizards of Winter
Remembering John Denver
What to Expect:
Tribute performance by Ted Vigil, known for his strong physical resemblance to John Denver.
Description:
Ted Vigil, a singer and songwriter, pays tribute to John Denver with a 90-minute show featuring John's big hits and holiday songs.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Remembering John Denver
Rockin' On the River
What to Expect:
Northern Ohio's longest running outdoor concert series with diverse musical acts.
Description:
Rockin' On the River is Northern Ohio's longest running and highest attended outdoor concert series, featuring national, regional, and local talent at Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio. The event includes a variety of music genres, sound and light shows, food, beer, wine, and vendors. Admission is free for kids 12 and under, and gates open at 5:30 PM with approximate start times for the opener at 6:15 PM and the headliner at 8:45 PM.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Rockin' On the River
Tonight's the Night @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
What to Expect:
High-energy live tribute performance with iconic Rod Stewart hits.
Description:
Tonight's the Night @ The Lorain Palace Theatre features a live tribute band recreating the sound and excitement of Rod Stewart's biggest hits, including Maggie May, Hot Legs, and Do You Think I'm Sexy, with legendary drummer Carmine Appice and Rod Stewart's former sax player Katja Rieckermann.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Tonight's the Night @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
Richie Kotzen @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
What to Expect:
Stellar guitar playing and emotive singing by a world-class artist.
Description:
Richie Kotzen is a renowned guitarist and singer known for his dynamic live performances and stellar songwriting. At the Lorain Palace Theatre, he will deliver an electrifying show that showcases his artistic prowess.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Richie Kotzen @ The Lorain Palace Theatre
The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with integrated live narration and elaborate sets.
Description:
North Pointe Ballet's production of The Nutcracker features professional dancers, live narration, and colorful sets, bringing the holiday classic to life for all ages.
Where: Lorain | More Info: The Nutcracker
Lorain Other Holiday Activities
Lorain History Boat Tour
What to Expect:
Historical boat tour highlighting Lorain's industrial past and wildlife.
Description:
Explore Lorain's rich history and scenic Black River on a 2-hour guided boat tour. Learn about the city's early industries, wildlife, and revitalization efforts while cruising past historic landmarks.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Lorain History Boat Tour
LHS Annual History on the Rocks Gala "Taste of Tuscany"
What to Expect:
Tuscan-themed evening with Italian dishes and cocktails.
Description:
The Lorain Historical Society presents the LHS Annual History on the Rocks Gala "Taste of Tuscany," featuring Italian-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, and lively trivia games.
Where: Lorain | More Info: LHS Annual History on the Rocks Gala "Taste of Tuscany"
FireFish Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven art celebration with a new teen internship program.
Description:
The FireFish Festival is a vibrant arts and culture event in downtown Lorain, featuring local youth, artists, and community members through public and youth-created art. It includes an annual community parade, live music, kinetic wind sculptures, and a unique SPARKS teen internship program. The festival transforms downtown Lorain into a living art tapestry with immersive performances and eye-catching exhibits.
Where: Lorain | More Info: FireFish Festival
Monster Mash Dash
What to Expect:
Community race with costume encouragement and dog participation.
Description:
The Monster Mash Dash is a community race in downtown Lorain, Ohio, encouraging participants to dress in their spookiest or goofiest costumes. The event includes a 5k run, 1 mile walk, and a kid's run. Dogs are welcome, and participants can win a Best Dressed Pooch award. Custom race shirts and post-race refreshments are included.
Where: Lorain | More Info: Monster Mash Dash
Castle Noel
What to Expect:
Interactive exhibits with extensive holiday movie memorabilia.
Description:
Castle Noel is an indoor year-round Christmas attraction in Medina, Ohio, featuring a vast collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes, animated New York City Christmas windows, and interactive exhibits like Santa's Chimney Squeeze and the Santa Slide.
Where: Medina | More Info: Castle Noel
Huron Winter Fest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities with a festive atmosphere.
Description:
Huron Winter Fest is a family-oriented event featuring holiday activities, including games, entertainment, food, kids' crafts, and a petting zoo. It culminates with the Pumpkin Drop at 2:30 pm.
Where: Huron | More Info: Huron Winter Fest
Home for the Holidays
What to Expect:
Commemorating 25 years of community holiday tradition.
Description:
Celebrate 25 years of Orrville's Annual Holiday Tradition with a festive event featuring local traditions and community spirit.
Where: Orrville | More Info: Home for the Holidays
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Elyria (7 miles)
- Avon (8 miles)
- Avon Lake (9 miles)
- North Ridgeville (10 miles)
- North Olmsted (14 miles)
- Westlake (14 miles)
- Rocky River (18 miles)
- Lakewood (20 miles)
- Strongsville (20 miles)
- Parma Heights (22 miles)
- Brunswick (23 miles)
- Parma (24 miles)
- Cleveland (25 miles)
- North Royalton (26 miles)
- Sandusky (27 miles)
- Medina (27 miles)
- Glenville (30 miles)
- Garfield Heights (30 miles)
- Maple Heights (32 miles)
- Collinwood (33 miles)
- Cleveland Heights (33 miles)
- Shaker Heights (33 miles)
- South Euclid (35 miles)
- Euclid (35 miles)
- Wadsworth (38 miles)
- Solon (39 miles)
- Ashland (41 miles)
- Hudson (41 miles)
- Willoughby (42 miles)
- Cuyahoga Falls (42 miles)
- Barberton (43 miles)
- Akron (43 miles)
- Stow (44 miles)