Light Up Lakewood 2025

Light Up Lakewood returns on Saturday, December 6, welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to Downtown Lakewood for one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved holiday traditions. Presented by LakewoodAlive, and proudly sponsored by First Federal Lakewood, this free community celebration takes place from 4–8 PM along Detroit Avenue between Arthur and Marlowe Avenues.

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This annual event transforms Downtown Lakewood into a festive winter destination, complete with live entertainment, local shopping, family activities, and plenty of holiday cheer. The evening kicks off at 4 PM with the Holiday Street Festival, where guests can explore Downtown Lakewood businesses, enjoy warm seasonal bites from restaurants and food trucks, and browse the Holiday Market inside the Lakewood Masonic Temple.

Families will find plenty to enjoy in the Family Fun Zone, sponsored by Larsen Architects. Highlights include the Holiday Train (sponsored by Laskey Costello, LLC) and a towering 25-foot inflatable snowman provided by Inflatable Images. Visit a Sensory Calming Space and stop by a kids’ craft & story time all inside Lakewood Public Library, followed by visits with Santa in front of the library. Additional attractions include ice carvings sponsored by ERIEBANK, Geiger’s, and Sauced Taproom & Kitchen, plus a green screen photo booth courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lucien Realty. Fan favorites Buddy the Elf and The Grinch will also be roaming the festival to spread holiday spirit. Guests can warm up with free hot chocolate thanks to the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance and meet the always-popular Siberian Huskies, sponsored by Lakewood Catholic Academy.

Adults can enjoy a seasonal atmosphere in the Light Up Lakewood Beer Garden, sponsored by CASTO, featuring beer from Immigrant Son Brewery along with hard cider, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options. Entertainment fills the district throughout the evening, including performances by the Peddlers of Mirth Carolers, DJs Byron and Rachel, and a performance from Lakewood-based band Big Hoke on the Main Stage.

Visitors looking for a quiet break can stop by the new Sensory Calming Space, located on the lower level of the Lakewood Public Library across from the auditorium.

At 5 PM, the Light Up Lakewood Holiday Parade, sponsored by Shinn Law Firm, steps off at Belle and Detroit. Community groups, performers, and festive displays make their way through Downtown Lakewood, setting the scene for the night’s signature moment: the Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 PM in City Center Park. Sponsored by Inner Peace Cleveland, the ceremony features Santa, Buddy the Elf, and the “Why I Love Lakewood” fourth-grade essay contest winner flipping the switch to illuminate the district.

Light Up Lakewood is free for all ages, and municipal lots throughout the city offer free parking, with additional street parking available nearby. Please note that Detroit Avenue between Arthur and Marlowe will close to traffic at 2 PM.

Light Up Lakewood 2025 is set to deliver an unforgettable evening of celebration, community pride, and holiday magic. We can’t wait to see you there!

Schedule of Events:

 4 PM – Light Up Lakewood Street Festival commences

• Light Up Lakewood Beer Garden sponsored by CASTO with beer from Immigrant Son Brewery opens
• Holiday Train sponsored by Laskey Costello LLC open for rides
• Family Fun Zone sponsored by Larsen Architects opens
• Holiday Market at the Masonic Temple opens
• Live music starts on the Main Stage in City Center Park
• Holiday Storytime at Lakewood Public Library from 4:00 – 4:45 PM

5 PM – Light Up Lakewood Parade, sponsored by Shinn Law Firm, steps off at Belle & Detroit Ave.

6 PM – Drop-In Holiday Craft at Lakewood Public Library until 8 PM

6:30 PM – Lighting Ceremony at the Main Stage in City Center Park

7:45 PM – Last call at the Light Up Lakewood Beer Garden

8 PM – Light Up Lakewood concludes, see you next year!