Traditions abound during the holiday season and Light Up Lakewood is no exception. Both the popular community event itself, and many of the festivities comprising it, are woven into the framework of many Lakewoodites’ holiday rituals.
Here’s our list of the top 10 traditions associated with Light Up Lakewood 2019, which is presented by LakewoodAlive and sponsored by First Federal Lakewood. This festive community event takes place Saturday, December 7, in Lakewood’s downtown district.
10. Holiday Market
Lakewood’s historic Masonic Temple is the site of the Holiday Market, which presents a prime opportunity for attendees to experience unique product offerings from area merchants while staying warm. It’s a perfect change-of-pace from all the festivities taking place outside along Detroit Avenue.
9. Huskies
With beautiful gray-and-white coats and distinctive eyes, Siberian Huskies always represent a hit at Light Up Lakewood. These intelligent canines flourish in wintry weather and in some ways have become synonymous with Lakewood’s annual holiday festival.
8. The Roundstone Beer Garden
Sponsored by Roundstone Insurance, this Beer Garden located at the intersection of Mars and Detroit Avenues affords Light Up Lakewood attendees aged 21+ an opportunity to purchase and enjoy a selection of craft beers while in a festive setting.
7. Musical Performances
Both Lakewood Public Library and Lakewood Baptist Church serve as hosts to a wide variety of free musical performances during Light Up Lakewood, ranging from carolers to jazz ensembles to choral groups. Make plans to stop by these venues to enjoy a performance or two.
6. Royalty Scholarship Ceremony
As a prelude to the day’s main events, the Royalty of Light Up Lakewood gets crowned at 3 p.m. at Plantation Home, which has served as the longtime sponsor of this tradition. This prestigious honor for two high school juniors comes with a scholarship, as well as recognition during the Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony for their service to the community.
5. The Grinch/Buddy The Elf
You’re a popular one, Mr. Grinch. He and Buddy The Elf are the ultimate crowd-pleasers at Light Up Lakewood. Both stroll along Detroit Avenue as admirers flock for greetings and photo opportunities. And as Buddy likes to say, “The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
4. The Parade
Who doesn’t love a parade? Lakewoodites come out in droves to observe all the pageantry as Light Up Lakewood’s Holiday Parade makes its way down Detroit Avenue from Manor Park Avenue to Lakewood Public Library.
3. “Flipping the Switch” at the Lighting Ceremony
The Lighting Ceremony at City Center Park provides a treat for all ages. When Santa Claus, Buddy The Elf and the “Why I Love Lakewood” essay contest winner flip the big red switch, the areas surrounding the Main Stage become illuminated with holiday lights.
2. Fireworks Show
There’s something special about watching flashes of brilliant color splash across the December sky above the rooftops of Downtown Lakewood. The Fireworks Show sponsored by First Federal Lakewood represents a feast for the eyes and a fitting culmination to LakewoodAlive’s signature community event.
1. Celebrating Lakewood’s Vibrancy with Family and Loved Ones
At its core, the holiday season is about spending quality time with the people you love. As a free, family-friendly community event, Light Up Lakewood affords families and friends a perfect opportunity to connect for a special holiday experience. We hope to see you and your family on December 7.
For more information regarding Light Up Lakewood 2019, please visit LakewoodAlive.org/LightUpLakewood.
Light Up Lakewood is generously supported by the following sponsors:
Title Sponsor and Fireworks Sponsor:
First Federal Lakewood
Snowflake Sponsor:
City of Lakewood
Beer Garden Sponsor:
Roundstone Insurance
Lighting Sponsor:
Lakewood City Center
Photo Booth Sponsor:
Eric Lowrey and Chris Bergin, Berkshire Hathaway/Lucien Realty
Sparkle Sponsors:
Cleveland Clinic Lakewood Family Health Center
Topgolf Cleveland
Royalty Scholarship Sponsor:
Plantation Home
Jingle Sponsors:
Convey360
Cox
Good Soil Lutheran Ministries
Lakewood Anglican Church
Lakewood Catholic Academy
Holiday Train Sponsors:
Laskey Costello, LLC
Paisley Monkey
Twinkle Sponsors:
Carvana
Clark Wealth Management
Dollar Bank
National Storage Centers – Lakewood
Renewal by Andersen
Serpentini Winterhurst Arena
Host Venues:
Lakewood Baptist Church
Lakewood Masonic Temple
Lakewood Public Library