CLEVELAND — If you're in the mood to see bright lights at some of your favorite places, you're in lots of luck this weekend, because the holiday spirit is alive and well in Northeast Ohio.
There are tons of places you can go to see brightly colored lights and spend time outside with family and friends.
There's also options for pet lovers who like to brunch to get their four-legged friends out in the social scene.
Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC
What: The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be decked out with one million lights with 12 diverse and interactive zones including, Snow Safari, Glacier Glade and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. Take in everything from a 16-foot-tall teddy bear and giant sugar cookies, to the awe of the A-Roar-A Borealis, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s version of the Northern Lights. Interactive games include a snowball toss, a light show on Waterfowl Lake, and a chance to take photographs with Santa. Advance tickets are available online each day until 2 P.M., for $15.50 per person for zoo members and $18.50 per person for non-members. An advance 4-Pack costs $50 and children under 2 get in free. If tickets are still available that night, and individual ticket for anyone is $20.50 and the 4-pack is $60.
Where: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo at 3900 Wildlife Way
When: Friday-Sunday from 5:30-9:30 P.M., now through January 5
Doggy Brunch
What: Every second of fourth Sunday of the month, Terrestrial Brewing Company combines efforts with Social Paws to host a dog-friendly brunch. La Plaza Supermarket be on site serving up delicious food, A Girl's Best Friend Bakery will provide treats for the pups and My Best Friend Coffee Company will keep you caffeinated. There will be awesome vendors on site as well.
Where: Terrestrial Brewing Company at 7524 Father Frascati Drive in Cleveland
When: Sunday from 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.
Glow Holiday Hollows at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
What: The Cleveland Botanical Garden will begin glowing this weekend. Visitors can see 100 decorated gingerbread houses, dozens of trees and take part in a gnome scavenger hunt. Tickets for adults are $15, children ages 3-12 can get in for $10, and the event is free for members. Hours vary Tuesday through Sunday, with some holiday closures.
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden at 11030 East Boulevard
When: Saturday through January 4
35th Medina Candlelight Walk
What: Over 30,000 visitors are expected to kick off the holiday season at Medina's Historic District this weekend. With more than two miles of LED lights highlighting the traditional Victorian Square and buildings, over 1,500 luminaries, lighting of the 10-foot-tall community Christmas Tree in the Gazebo and the iconic traditional "Parade of Lights' through the heart of town," it's sure to be a great time for the whole family. Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there! Check out the full schedule of free entertainment here.
Where: Most events are centered around the town square at 39 Public Square
When: Friday from 11 A.M. - 9 P.M., Saturday from 10 A.M. - 9 P.M., Sunday from 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
Tree lighting ceremony at Crocker Park
What: In Westlake, Crocker Park is having its annual tree lighting ceremony. The 50-foot Christmas tree will be lit by Santa himself. The event is free for everyone.
Where: Crocker Park Mall in Westlake
When: Saturday, starting at 5 P.M. with the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m.
I-X Christmas Connection
What: Kick off the holiday season with all of your favorite local hand-crafters, chic gift boutiques, Christmas decor providers and unique retailers! Tickets are $12-$13 in advance and $14 at the box office. You can also get a ticket to have breakfast with Santa on Saturday or Sunday for $23 per person.
Where: I-X Center at 1 I-X Center Drive in Cleveland
When: Friday and Saturday from 10 A.M. – 8 P.M., Sunday from 10 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Mesmerica 360 Cleveland: A Visual Music Journey
What: Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually-hypnotic, 3D-animated art curated from artists around the world. The immersive experience is designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and also stimulate your mind and senses. Tickets range from $12-$39.
Where: Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater at Great Lakes Science Center at 601 Erieside Avenue
When: Fridays and Saturdays through November 30 at 6 P.M., 7:30 P.M. and 9 P.M.