Get Into the Holiday Spirit This Weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend to get into the holiday spirit?

Well, you’re in luck. Lakewood is turning into a winter wonderland, with all kinds of events and activities sure to do the trick.

In fact, this week is a little bit unusual.

We absolutely couldn’t narrow our "Get Out" list down to our typical five.

We’ve provided (count ‘em) 8 holiday-themed events to get your primed for the holidays.

1.

Where/When: ; 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Free.

Why Go: The Fifth Annual Light Up Lakewood Festival, sponsored by LakewoodAlive, will take over Detroit Avenue from Marlowe to Arthur avenues, from l to , from 5-8 p.m. It will feature the region’s only winter parade, a ceremonial lighting of holiday lights at Lakewood Hospital, an appearance by Santa Claus and street entertainment.

2.

Where/When: ; 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4. Free.

Why Go: Bob Ford is known for combining Celtic folk music with tall tales of the American frontier. On this jolly Sunday, he’ll be mixing in some holiday favorites for a lighthearted afternoon of gingerbread goodness.

3.

Where/When: Beck Center for the Arts; 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 4. Adult tickets are $12, and children are $10.

Why go: The ’ Dance Workshop and Dance Education program are re-imagining the timeless Christmas play in “Nutcracker…Jazzed Up!” on Dec. 3 and 4 in the Recital Hall of the Music-Armory Building. “It’s the original Tchaikovsky score in a modern-day setting,” said Melanie Szucs, the play’s director. “We’ve peppered in some hip hop and jazz to spice it up a little.”

5. 

Where/When: ; 9 a.m. Saturday, December 3.

Why Go: The centerpiece of the Friends of the Lakewood Public Library operation is the old-fashioned Book Sale. When you purchase books, movies, magazines and other items at these events, you are participating in a grand experiment, now celebrating 30 years of service to the library and the community.

6.

Where/When: ; 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Free.

Why go: Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance is hoping to spark the imagination and creativity of the community, that’s its we’re challenging residents to build a gingerbread structure and enter it in our Gingerbread House Tour.  The sweet structures submitted will be placed in the stores and/or windows of participating downtown businesses where holiday shoppers will be able to admire them.  The gingerbread houses will be on display starting Dec. 3 for (see above) and remain in place through Dec. 22.

7.

Where/When: , 13335 Detroit Avenue; 
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3; and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Why Go: Antiques and collectibles make for the perfect, a one-of-a-kind gift will be featured at . All kinds of gift ideas here —including a wide variety of ornaments and decorations; greeting cards and gift wrap; nativity sets; linens, serving pieces, cookie plates. Proceeds from the sale support the programs and properties of the Lakewood Historical 
Society. 

8.

Where/When: ; 9 a.m. Saturday, December 3. $3. Why Go: Santa’s workshop is a tiny bit of magic in the heart of Lakewood. Children of all ages will enjoy a chance to be one of Santa's elves. There will be a variety of age appropriate crafts and gift wrapping stations available to help your child create not only a present but a memory. Bringing out the true meaning of Christmas, giving to others.