The Akron Symphony Orchestra

Holiday Pops Concert Is Dec. 7

The Akron Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of guest conductor Carl Topilow (Cleveland Pops), will present the annual Holiday Pops concert at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at E.J. Thomas Hall.

The concert will feature popular holiday favorites, from Rudolph and Charlie Brown, to music from “Home Alone” and “The Polar Express.” Akron-area vocalist Wanda Hunt will perform several selections with the orchestra, and WKYC morning man Fred Griffith of “Good Company” will narrate The Night Before Christmas.

The 130-plus members of the Akron Symphony Chorus also will perform with the orchestra throughout the concert. The concert will conclude with an audience sing-along and an appearance by Santa Claus.

Tickets are $16 to $40 and may be purchased by calling the Akron Symphony Ticket Office at 330-535-8131 or going online at www.AkronSymphony.org.

American Hot Rod Racer

American Hot Rod Racer Has Gifts for the Whole Family

You may not be ready for the holidays, but American Hot Rod Racer is. We’ve stocked our shelves with products celebrating the love of cars and all things that move. We have a terrific selection of unique and hard-to-find, ride-on toys, including a very cool Indian motorcycle.

American Hot Rod Racer has the largest local selection of die-cast Franklin Mint cars in stock, featuring some of the most sought-after, classic models for the serious collector or even those just starting out.

Not exactly sure what they want? Then give them the gift of choice. American Hot Rod Racer gift cards come in any denomination and can be used on toys or to build and race a remote-controlled car on the in-store track. Toys also can be purchased on our Web site www.AmericanHotRodRacer.com.

We’re located in Beachwood Place, upstairs in the Nordstrom wing. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information or to schedule a birthday party at the store, call 216-831-1817.

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland

Kick Off Winter Fun at Children’s Museum

Children become explorers as they dig for pirate treasure and investigate the history of earth’s most exotic islands in Galapagos Sands: Exploring the Centuries, the museum’s annual 70-ton indoor sand exhibit. This welcome alternative to winter’s brisk weather includes a pirate ship and†a 15-ton sand sculpture,†and teaches environmental awareness through hands-on fun in the research tent. Grand opening is at 10 a.m. Dec. 8.

Other December activities include local dance troupe Dance Image. With performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.†Dec. 1, this interactive music and dance program is free with paid admission.

Don’t forget the museum’s third annual New Year’s at Noon Celebration. This child-friendly way to ring in the New Year will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31. Museum admission, food, beverages and entertainment are included. Reservations are required, and only 300 tickets are available. Cost is $10 for museum members and $15 for non-members. Call 216-791-7114, ext. 14, for more information.

The Cleveland Orchestra

Cleveland Orchestra Provides Plethora of Holiday Concerts

Families will find an array of concert choices for all ages when Severance Hall opens its doors for its Holiday Concerts this month.

A musical treat for all, Christmas Concerts from Dec. 15-23 feature The Cleveland Orchestra and a chorus in favorites such as “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Little Drummer Boy.” Holiday Organ & Brass concerts Dec. 17 and 18 will captivate audiences with lush instrumental voices, and everyone loves the audience sing-along. Music from “Messiah” on Dec. 14 and 16, including the Hallelujah Chorus, is a seasonal treat.

Holiday Musical Rainbows for ages 3 to 10 feature the musical traditions of Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. These engaging, 40-minute programs are performed by Cleveland Orchestra musicians. Tickets are just $7 each. (See the ad in this issue for schedule details.)

Enjoy Lunch with Santa at Severance Restaurant from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 22 or 23. Kids under 5 eat free. For restaurant reservations, call 216-231-7373 or visit www.clevelandorchestra.com. For more information, call 216-231-1111.

Family Karate

Try Indoor Activities at Family Karate

Does the idea of winter sports leave you cold? Libby Hill, owner of Family Karate, has some suggestions for warm, indoor activities. “Karate is perfect to begin in the winter because it is indoors, and it’s a fun, family activity. It not only gets the blood pumping, but keeps the mind interested and involved.”

Many participants in other sports practice karate in the off-season to develop strength, stamina and focus. It is the perfect sport for children who need more physical activity, as well. If karate seems too involved an activity, there is fitness kickboxing that involves karate moves done to music.

Maybe something more calming like tai chi or yoga would interest others as an alternative to traditional winter sports. These activities develop strength and flexibility in a soothing, class atmosphere.

Fine Arts Association

Enrich Life, Build Memories at Fine Arts

When New York City artist Tom Ericsson returned to Northeast Ohio to create a Cleveland Public Art project, one of the locations he chose for an installation was his old alma mater, the School of Fine Arts in Willoughby. Tom’s reason for choosing this location was his fond memories. “Every time I walked down the sidewalk on my way to lessons, it felt like I was coming home,” he said.

If you want to experience what alumni are talking about, stop by for a tour, theatre performance, concert or class. For a spring session catalog or theatre season brochure, call 440-951-7500, ext. 104, or visit www.fineartsassociation.org. Spring registration is under way, with classes beginning the week of Feb. 4. Gift certificates for music lessons, classes, theatre tickets and concerts are available in all sizes for holiday giving. Fine Arts is at 38660 Mentor Ave. in Willoughby.

First Night Akron is a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other. The family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration brings the community together to experience a brief moment in time while creating lasting New Year’s Eve memories. Entertainment and fun will delight the family. First Night features indoor entertainment and two fantastic fireworks shows.

Great Lakes Mall

Great Lakes Mall Features Santa, Artisan Village

As the holiday season approaches, there will be many additional festivities at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.

One of the season’s favorites is the traditional picture with Santa. Santa and his magical castle will be available for photos in the Dillard’s South concourse through Dec. 24. Hours to visit Santa are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Special hours during the holiday season will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas.

While at Great Lakes Mall, take the kids on our holiday train next to Santa and visit the Children’s Play Area, located by Gymboree and open the full hours of the mall. In a new location this year, across from Bath & Body, the Artisan Village will be filled with artists and crafters throughout the holiday season.

Gymboree

Gymboree Play and Music of Lake county is pleased to offer a variety of classes and programs this holiday season. Let your child experience one of the nation’s leaders in parent/child development programs, specializing in programs from newborns through 5 year olds.

With certified instructors having an average of 6-plus years in elementary or pre-school education, Gymboree Play and Music of Lake County offers developmental programs age-specific for your child or grandchild. Come help your child or grandchild hone their motor skills, communication and social skills while developing friendships and having fun.

Make Gymboree Play and Music of Lake County your one-stop choice this holiday season with free class previews, gift certificates and a wide selection of toys, musical instruments and other products.†We’re conveniently located between the Mentor Mall and the Mentor Kohls in the Staples Plaza. For more information, call 440-205-1131 or see our ad on page 30.

What time is it? It’s time to heat up the ice Jan. 12-21 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland with a live fusion of songs, dance and team-spirited fun in Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour. The production is inspired by the pop-culture sensation and Disney Channel Original Movie, “High School Musical,” and the wildly popular sequel, “High School Musical 2.”

Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour is the only live touring production featuring music and scenes from “High School Musical 2.” The show’s amazing choreography combines the hip-hip moves seen in the movies with the speed, agility and grace of figure skating.

Karate Institute

Karate Institute Has Martial Arts for Christmas, Holidays

When doing your holiday shopping this year, think about giving your child and family a program that will develop fitness and build the foundation to confidence and self-esteem. The step-by-step approach to martial arts allows students of all levels and skills to progress at their own pace.

The Mentor Karate Institute offers a flexible class schedule for children, teens and adults, allowing for even busy families to get in at least two lessons per week. The classes are set up for ages 3-6 (Lil’ Dragons), 6-12 (Junior Warriors) and teen-adults. Classes are available Monday through Saturday.

Give a karate gift certificate with a karate uniform and four-week trial for only $49. Gift certificates are available for CardioKarate and TaiChi six-week sessions for only $79.

To get your Christmas gift certificate, call 440-951-0463. Karate Institute is ate 7667 Mentor Ave., near Great Lakes Mall.

Lake Metroparks

Candy Wonder Land at Penitentiary Glen

Relive your childhood memories at the Candy Wonder Land exhibit, featuring scenes inspired by everyone’s favorite childhood board game, Candy Land Play along with the family on a life-sized game board as you wind your way down the colorful trail to home sweet home in this holiday display.

The exhibit opened Nov. 17 and runs from noon-5 p.m. through Jan. 1 in the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center in Kirtland. It is open noon-3 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other activities include a craft ($1 donation requested), snowshoeing (rentals available) and memorabilia from Halle Bros. Co. Department Store.

For more information, visit www.lakemetroparks.com or call 440-256-1404. Penitentiary Glen Reservation at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road.†Take I-90 to Route 306. Head south one mile to Route 615. Turn left and continue 1/8 mile. Turn right onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and follow two miles to Penitentiary Glen Reservation on the right.

Visit Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron this holiday season for Holidayfest, a fun-filled celebration of the season featuring specialty shopping, food, ice skating, entertainment and more. This month-long event offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a special kids’ craft area called the Kinderzone, a full-size Chriskindl Carousel (tickets are $1 a ride and all proceeds benefit Akron Children’s Hospital) and, of course, visits with Santa Claus from Dec. 18-23.

Holidayfest also features Ohio’s largest seasonal skating rink, with free admission and $2 skate rental. One of the event’s most popular features is its charming Chriskindl Market, with vendors and craftsmen from Akron’s sister city of Chemnitz, Germany, selling authentic, handcrafted wares. It’s the largest seasonal Christmas Market between New York and Chicago.

Bring the family or come with friends. Holidayfest is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Visit www.holidayfest.org for more information.

Lorain Metro Parks

Holiday Lights at Lorain Metro Parks

’Tis the season for lights, lights and more lights at the sixth annual Holiday Lights at Lorain County Metro Parks’ Carlisle Visitors Center.

This year the lighting displays will be bigger and brighter. The trail around the visitor center once again will be decorated by local businesses and organizations. Around the Carlisle Visitor Center, enjoy the many displays of lights from your car. Come inside and warm up with some light refreshments (fee) and enjoy holiday movies and music.

Parking and admission are free, but we request that each visitor bring one non-perishable food item in support of Second Harvest Food Bank.

Holiday Lights runs Nov. 23 through Dec. 30, but will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas. Hours are 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 6-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Carlisle Visitor Center is at 12882 Diagonal Road in LaGrange. For more information, call 440-458-5121 or 800-LCM-PARK.

What has big-band music, an olde-fashioned soda shoppe and a magical land that will take you back to the jazzy 1940s? It’s the world premiere of the ballet “Nutcracker Swings!” featuring the music of jazz legends Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller and performed by the talented dancers of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet.

New York City choreographer Francis Patrelle has put a new twist on the traditional Nutcracker ballet that includes historical landmarks from the Hudson community and the sounds from that big-band era. You will be captivated by the choreography and brilliant costumes from a production that is full of jazz, swing, ballet and unique dance.

Pass Your Plate

What’s Your Holiday Beef?

The holiday season is fast approaching, with all the hustle and bustle that goes along with it, including planning your holiday meal. There are so many decisions to be made, such as the menu and number of people.

Let this year be different. Turn your thoughts to a relaxing, enjoyable and stress-free dinner with help from Pass Your Plate. We take the guesswork out of planning your holiday meal. Stop in and make your side dishes with us. Better yet, call us and we will assemble them for you. Need dessert? No problem, as we have a few to choose from, already made.

There’s no fuss and no stress. The best part about this is we do all the dishes. No more hours of cleaning up those pots and pans.

What’s your beef about the holidays? Come on in to Pass Your Plate at 7537 Mentor Ave. in Mentor and tell us. We won’t tell your secret, we promise. For more information, call 440-942-7972.

Roscoe Village

Visit Old-Fashioned Roscoe Village Christmas Candlelighting

Visitors to Historic Roscoe Village will experience an old-fashioned Christmas in this restored canal town during our annual Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies at 6 p.m. Dec. 1, 8 and 15, when traditional carols are sung by guest choirs and the reading of a cherished Christmas story compliments the dramatic lighting of the 35-foot Village Christmas Tree.

Share in the tradition of lighting a candle as the honorary candlelighter passes the flame to the crowd during the singing of “Silent Night.” Holiday activities taking place on Christmas Candlelightings include art with Santa Claus from noon to 2 p.m. all three days and horse-drawn surrey rides and a live reindeer exhibit from 3 to 6 at the visitor center Dec. 1.

Enjoy warm roasted chestnuts, hot-mulled cider and cookies as you delight in the live Christmas music through out the Village, strolling carolers†and complete your evening with an enchanting “A Roscoe Christmas” candlelight tour.

Stan Hywet Hall

Deck The Hall at Stan Hywet

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens hosts its annual holiday celebration, Deck The Hall, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7-9, 14-23 and 26-30. Sixteen rooms in the Manor House have been transformed to portray the popular story Babes in Toyland. Each decorated room presents a page out of the story. Visitors will be able to follow along and enjoy characters from fairy tales, children’s story books and nursery rhymes as they tour the house.

Outside, the estate’s grounds and gardens will be decorated with a winter wonderland of lights and a miniature village scene in the lagoons area of the estate. In the conservatory, guests can imagine that they are walking underneath a Christmas tree, surrounded by a miniature train display and enjoy a giant poinsettia tree. The museum store has many unusual and unique gift items, and the cafe will serve hot chocolate, cookies and other holiday fare.