Holiday Weekend Blowout of Things to Do

Thanksgiving is in the rearview mirror, the dust has settled from Black Friday and the cyber dust has settled from Cyber Monday.

The holiday season is in full force, so much so that this week’s Five Things comes with a holiday bonus -- no, not a lifetime enrollment in the Jelly of the Month Club -- it's actually Eight Things, and they're all holiday themed.

Mark your calendar while you sip your egg nog.

1. For those of you who’s shopping list includes more than just gift cards, the Christmas by the Lake Craftshow at is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A $3 admission gets you access to handmade crafts, photography, jewelry, food, floral arrangements and various other items, and proceeds benefit ALHS students.
2. Avon Lake’s annual is Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Pavilion A. Join hundreds of others who enjoy this free, family-friendly gathering as the mayor “throws the switch” and tens of thousands of holiday lights light up the park. The festival, which runs from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., includes games, crafts, a DJ and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies also features a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
3. The begins Friday at 10 a.m., and lasts through the weekend, but the main event is the tree lighting ceremony, with none other than Santa Claus himself, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Avon’s French Creek Gazebo at the intersection of Detroit and Stoney Ridge Roads.
4. Arts and crafts junkie?  Fear not, as Saturday’s at the Avon United Methodist Church will feature exhibitors, a bake sale, chili and hot dogs. The bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and admission is $2.
5. Of course, you don’t need opposable thumbs to get in the holiday spirit. At Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., professional photographers, Santa and his elves will be at for a photo shoot with your furry friend. A donation of $10 is suggested, and there will be refreshments served and a play pen for impatient animals.
6. Although it’s been playing for weeks in some businesses, the music is one of the most enjoyable parts of the holidays. Avon Lake High School welcomes the Cleveland Pops Orchestra in “,” a holiday performance featuring the orchestra and the Avon Lake Chorale on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults, and $15 for children under 13.
7. The holidays are all about giving, and Radio Disney’s at in Westlake Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. makes it easy. Salvation Army, The Up Side of Downs of Greater Cleveland, Achievement Centers for Children, Purrfect Companions Cat Sanctuary, Berea Children’s Home and Family Services, Toys for Tots, Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland and Family Promise of Greater Cleveland will be on-site to take donations.
8. It just wouldn’t be the holiday season without the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. “Deck the Halls,” a holiday concert performance by the Pops featuring the Avon Lake High School Chorale on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Daniel B. Ross, Ph.D. Performing Arts Center at .The Pops will be under the direction of Carl Topilow, its founder, who’s guest-conducted more than 90 orchestras around the word.