Download a Printable Version of the Light Up Lakewood 2019 Map
Greetings, first-time Light Up Lakewood attendee. You’re in for a real treat.
Don’t be surprised if your enthusiasm upon reaching Detroit Avenue nears Buddy The Elf levels. Light Up Lakewood – a fun-filled fixture within Lakewood’s downtown district – represents one of the preeminent holiday events in Northeast Ohio. If it’s not the most wonderful time of the year, it comes awfully close.
But before you join 20,000 of your closest friends at LakewoodAlive’s dazzling community festival on December 7, there are some things you should know. Consider this cheat sheet a gift to be unwrapped prior to the first Saturday in December. Here’s your beginner’s guide to attending Light Up Lakewood 2019 sponsored by First Federal Lakewood.
Who to Bring
Light Up Lakewood is family-friendly and open to everyone – all kids from 1 to 92 (and older, for that matter). So bring your spouse, grandparent, child, sibling, uncle, friend, insurance agent, mail carrier and cousin twice removed. Since Light Up Lakewood has a large regional draw, it’s worthwhile to invite your out-of-town friends to come experience the City of Lakewood and this festive occasion.
Cost
Free to attend!
Arrival Time
So much merriment to spread, so little time. From Lunch with Santa at Dewey’s Pizza at 11 a.m. to performances and children’s activities at Lakewood Public Library until 8 p.m., Light Up Lakewood represents a day-long celebration. Guests are welcome to attend everything or stick with the main festivities taking place in Downtown Lakewood between 4 and 8 p.m. Visit LakewoodAlive.org/LightUpLakewood ahead of time to plan which events you wish to attend.
Parking
The City of Lakewood’s municipal parking lots are free on weekends. With thousands of Light Up Lakewood attendees anticipated, however, parking spots near Downtown Lakewood will be in high-demand. Thankfully, Lakewood has numerous side streets in close proximity offering free, convenient street parking. It’s important to note that motorized traffic on Detroit Avenue between Arthur and Marlowe will be closed on December 7 starting at 2 p.m. Provided the weather cooperates, walking or biking to Light Up Lakewood also represent fine transportation options.
Staying Warm
If Light Up Lakewood 2019 proves to be wintry, there are various strategies at your disposable for staying warm as you partake in the spirit of the season. Head indoors at the Holiday Market located within the Lakewood Masonic Temple, or take in a performance at Lakewood Baptist Church or Lakewood Public Library. For those who opt to stay outdoors, several free hot chocolate stands will be available.
Social Media
LakewoodAlive will be posting to its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts throughout the duration of Light Up Lakewood. Guests are encouraged to use hashtag #LightUpLakewood for their own social media. Don’t be afraid to go live on Facebook during the Holiday Parade, Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks Show.
New Traditions
Two festive new features from last year will return at Light Up Lakewood 2019: The Light Up Lakewood Beer Garden sponsored by Roundstone Insurance and The Holiday Train sponsored by Laskey Costello, LLC and Paisley Monkey. Make plans to check out these new traditions in the making.
Food
Be sure to bring your appetite with you to Light Up Lakewood. The many terrific restaurants and eateries contained within the event footprint will be open for business throughout the festivities. Additionally, a collection of food trucks will be on-site along Detroit Avenue.
Holiday Shopping
A plethora of wonderful local merchants have storefronts along Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood. Take the opportunity to enjoy Lakewood’s #ShopLocal scene while checking off some gifts on your holiday shopping list. It’s also worthwhile to visit the Holiday Market at the Lakewood Masonic Temple.
Entertainment
There’s truly something for everyone at Light Up Lakewood 2019.
Schedule of Events:
- 11 am – 1 pm – Lunch with Santa at Dewey’s Pizza
- 11 am – 4 pm – Ongoing performances at Lakewood Baptist Church with a surprise visitor
- 3 pm – Royalty Scholarship Ceremony at Plantation Home
- 4 pm – Festival Kickoff with Holiday Market at the Lakewood Masonic Temple
- 4 pm – Light Up Lakewood Beer Garden sponsored by Roundstone Insurance at the intersection of Mars and Detroit Avenues
- 4 pm – Holiday Train sponsored by Laskey Costello, LLC and Paisley Monkey runs along Detroit Avenue between Belle and Arthur (depot located at St. Charles)
- 5 pm – Start of Parade at Manor Park and Detroit Avenues, headed westbound on Detroit
- 5:30 – 8 pm – Ongoing performances and children’s activities at Lakewood Public Library
- 5:30 – 8:30 pm – Santa visits Lakewood Public Library
- 6:30 pm – Lighting Ceremony at Main Stage at City Center Park (in front of the Marc’s Plaza)
- 7 pm – Fireworks Show sponsored by First Federal Lakewood
Other Entertainment/Activities:
- DJs
- Hot Chocolate
- Ice Carvings
- Live Huskies
- Face Cut-Out Photos
- Green Screen Photo Booth
- Kids Games
- Ohio Mobile Gaming
- Pedi Cab Rides
Taking in the Parade
The Holiday Parade will step off from Manor Park Avenue at 5 p.m. and proceed west on Detroit Avenue, ending in front of Lakewood Public Library. It’s recommended to find your parade-viewing spot early and to consider bringing a lawn chair if you think you’ll be more comfortable sitting down. Many merchant window fronts on Detroit Avenue also provide prime indoor vantage points.
Enjoying the Lighting Ceremony
Year in and year out, the Lighting Ceremony represents one of the highlights of Light Up Lakewood. The Main Stage serving as the site of the Lighting Ceremony will be at City Center Park in front of the Marc’s Shopping Plaza near the intersection of Detroit and Cook Avenues. Arrive there early to secure that photo-worthy view prior to the Lighting Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
Watching the Fireworks Show
The fireworks will be set off from behind Lakewood Center North (the same as in past years) five minutes after the Lighting Ceremony concludes. Following the end of the Lighting Ceremony, there will be a short break to allow attendees time to find their perfect vantage point for enjoying the fireworks. Recommended viewing spots include: 1. From the south side of Detroit Avenue in the areas west of Rozi’s Wine House or 2. From the City’s municipal parking lots located behind Geiger’s/Melt Bar & Grilled, behind Deagan’s/First Federal Lakewood and behind Rozi’s Wine House.
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 Communications
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