Holiday Events and Activities
Willoughby Holiday Lights
While we are unable to host our traditional Thursday evening holiday lighting celebration this year due to covid-19, our team is still decorating the city for you to enjoy at your leisure from December 2nd through the New Year. We look forward to celebrating in-person in 2021!
North Pole Calling – December 1st and 2nd
Your child can receive a call from the North Pole this year, with help from our friends at Willoughby Parks & Recreation and the Willoughby Evening Lions Club! For children ages 3 years old through 2nd Grade. Please complete the registration form and return to the Parks and Recreation Dept by noon on Dec 1st.
DTW Holiday Stroll – December 4th – 5th
The annual kick off to holiday shopping continues this year! Local merchants offer a safe shopping environment and are ready to help you select that perfect gift! For more information, follow ShopDTW.
Willoughby’s 12 Homes of Holiday Lights – December 7th
Whether you choose “the more lights the better” or a more traditional holiday look, you can show off your holiday spirit by entering the holiday lights contest:
- Enter the contest by 4:00 P.M. on Monday, Dec. 7th
- Have your holiday lights on and prepared for judging on Wednesday, Dec. 9
- We will post photos of the top 12 homes; one house each night from Dec. 12th-23rd
- On Christmas Eve we will announce the winning home
Fee: $10 to enter the contest
Top Prize: Lowes Gift Card
Gingerbread House Building – December 10th
Enjoy a great holiday favorite…family gingerbread house decorating! Pick up supplies at the Willoughby Senior Center on Thursday, Dec. 10th from 5:00-7:00 pm and create your masterpiece on Friday or Saturday. After the fun, email some photos of your house to parksandrec@willoughbyohio.com for a chance to win four daily admissions to the Willoughby Pools! Participants will also receive a certificate for Panini’s which includes a cheese pizza and salad for your family (must be used on Dec. 11-13, 2020). Register online or call (440) 953-4200.
Cost: $25 per family
Pick -up Location: David E. Anderson Senior Center, 36939 Ridge Rd. Willoughby, OH. 44094
Drive-in Holiday Movie “Elf” – December 13th
Celebrate the season with this holiday family favorite. Your family will be safe & warm as you’re tucked in your car. Audio will be transmitted via FM radio. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item for donation to local food banks. Register online or call (440) 953-4200.
Cost: $5 per car
Time: 4:00-6:00 P.M.
Location: David E. Anderson Senior Center Parking Lot 36939 Ridge Rd. Willoughby, OH. 44094
Santa Fire Truck Parade* – December 19th and 20th
It’s 2020 and we all “Need a Little Christmas!” So Santa and his City of Willoughby friends are going to parade in your neighborhood. A map and estimated times will be posted to the website prior to the parade. During the parade we will be collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks. Please keep socially distanced on tree lawns.
Wards: 1, 2, 3 – December 19th – 12 pm – 4 pm (approx)
Wards: 4, 5, 6 – December 20th – 12 pm – 4 pm (approx)
*The Santa House will not be in Wes Point Park this season
Ring Out 2020! – December 31st
At exactly 7:00pm (until 7:02 pm) on New Year’s Eve, let’s say thank you and show our support for our essential workers: first responders, medical professionals, grocery store, restaurant, delivery, utility workers, educators just name a few! These “everyday heroes” have worked to keep all of us healthy, fed, sheltered, supplied, and safe. So, grab your sleigh bells, cowbells, or even pots and pans, and make a thankful, joyful, noise to celebrate our heroes and say good riddance 2020!
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!