The Top 10 Traditions of Light Up Lakewood

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 fabric of many Lakewoodites’ holiday rituals.

Here’s our list of the top 10 traditions associated with Light Up Lakewood 2016, which is presented by LakewoodAlive and takes place next Saturday, Dec. 3, in Lakewood’s downtown district:

10. Vendor Village

Lakewood’s historic Masonic Temple is the site of Vendor Village, which presents a prime opportunity for attendees to experience product and service 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. King/Queen Ceremony

As a prelude to the day’s main events, a King and Queen of Light Up Lakewood get crowned at 3 p.m. at Plantation Home. This prestigious honor for two high school juniors come with a scholarship, as well as recognition during the Holiday Parade and Lighting Ceremony for their service to the community.

8. Lakewood Public Library

Lakewood’s crown jewel of a downtown library plays an integral role in making Light Up Lakewood a favorite holiday event. The library’s slate of activities kicks off with the Friends Holiday Bag of Books Sale starting at 9 a.m. and doesn’t end until the Lakewood High School Chamber Choir stops performing shortly before 8 p.m. During this 11-hour span, library visitors can enjoy a host of musical performances, as well as a visit from Santa Claus, himself. It’s the Light Up Lakewood epicenter for crafts, game and other children-centered activities.

7. 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.

6. 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.”

5. The Parade

Who doesn’t love a parade? Lakewoodites come out in droves to observe Light Up Lakewood’s Holiday Parade as it makes its way down Detroit Avenue from Manor Park to Lakewood Public Library. This year’s parade is particularly special, as Lakewoodite Olympian Makorobondo “Dee” Salukombo will serve as a grand marshal.

4. “Flipping the Switch” at the Lighting Ceremony

Although the Lighting Ceremony has relocated to a new Main Stage at City Center Park across from Rozi’s Wine House, the traditions associated with this festivity remain unchanged. 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.

3. 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 represents a feast for the eyes and a fitting culmination to LakewoodAlive’s signature community event.

2. Celebrating Lakewood’s Vibrancy

Lakewood is chock-full of community vibrancy, and perhaps no single event better illustrates this than Light Up Lakewood. Thousands from across the region will attend, yet you’ll repeatedly bump into people you know while you collectively enjoy a holiday-infused urban setting.

1. Spending Time with Family and Loved Ones

At its core, the holiday season is all 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 Saturday, Dec. 3.

For more information regarding Light Up Lakewood 2016, please visit LightUpLakewood.com.

Light Up Lakewood is generously supported by the following sponsors: First Federal Lakewood, City of Lakewood, Lakewood City Center, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Convey360, Discount Drug Mart, Lakewood Anglican Church, Plantation Home, Roundstone Insurance, The University of Akron Lakewood, Barton Senior Center, Dewey’s Pizza, IMCD US, Lakewood Hardware, Lakewood Masonic Temple, Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood Catholic Academy, Beck Center for the Arts, Burgers 2 Beer Lakewood, Dollar Bank and Modelo Dental Care.