CLEVELAND — It's the weekend before the holidays officially start, and places all throughout Northeast Ohio are buzzing with good cheer (and famous faces).
Chevy Chase is in town for a special screen of the classic, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," and our very own Mike Polk Jr. is gracing the stage with his comedic stylings.
There are pop-up holiday markets for last minute shoppers, and for those who like to do a different kind of running around, you can get in on an elf-themed race.
Read on for ways to fill your days with festive fun this weekend.
An Evening with Chevy Chase following a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
What: Light up your holidays with Chevy Chase live on stage with an audience Q & A session following a 30th anniversary screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. After the movie, the celebration continues with Chevy sharing stories from his career and the making of his classic movies and legendary TV shows. Remaining available tickets start at $69.
Where: Akron Civic Theatre at 182 S Main Street in Akron
When: Friday at 7 P.M.
A Very Last Call Cleveland Christmas
What: Our very own Mike Polk Jr. will be sharing his comedic talents, giving you a "chance to ditch the family for a night of drinking and laughter without the next day awkwardness." Join the Last Call boys plus friends for a holiday celebration you won't want to end. Special guest comedian James Brassfield will also be in the lineup. Get your tickets to this sketch comedy show in advance here.
Where: The Winchester Music Tavern at 12112 Madison Avenue in Lakewood
When: Saturday, 9-11 P.M. (Doors open at 8 P.M.)
Selfless Elf 5K
What: At the seventh annual Selfless Elf 5K run and walk, which benefits the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, you can be a part of helping to provide heart-warming meals to your neighbors in need this holiday season. Race participants are encouraged to dress in festive, holiday-themed costumes and running gear. Please note, no pets are allowed at this event. Registration is $35 in advance, and $40 on race day.
Where: The course begins and ends at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
When: Saturday, with on-site registration beginning at 6:30 A.M. and the race starting promptly at 8 A.M.
Boston Mills and Brandywine
What: Boston Mills-Brandywine Ski Resorts is now officially open for the season. The deadline for purchasing season passes has ended, but day passes are still available. Click here for rates. Alpine Valley opened last weekend. Although the ski resort is open every day, snow tubing is only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Snow tubing costs $25 for a three-hour regular session, $59 for an unlimited day pass and $69 for an unlimited season pass.
Where: 7100 Riverview Road in Peninsula
Boston Mills Opening Weekend Hours:
- Friday, Dec. 20; 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21; 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 22; 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Brandywine Opening Weekend Hours:
- Friday, Dec. 20; 3:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21; 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 22; 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Polar Blast Tubing Opening Weekend Hours:
- Friday, Dec. 20; 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 21; 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 22; 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Patrick Barlow’s "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens
What: See this new adaptation of the Christmas classic by Patrick Barlow. Tickets start at $10.
Where: French Creek Theatre at 4530 Colorado Avenue in Sheffield Village
When: Friday, Saturday at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday at 3 P.M.
Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas: A DIE HARD Musical Parody
What: This theatrical event is about grizzled NYPD cop Bruce McClane, and his quest to win back his estranged wife, Holly Generic, at her Christmas Eve office party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Sunny Los Angeles in1987. German Terrorist, Hans Olo and his henchmen take the cast and audience hostage, and it is up to Bruce, with some help from the LAPD, FBI, and Arnold Schwartzen-Schnitzel, to save everyone before time runs out. Advance tickets are sold out, but the show reserves a few seats for walk-ins and will sell any unclaimed tickets five minutes after curtain time. A wait list for these tickets opens up 60 minutes before curtain each night. You must be present at the box office to sign up. Calls are not accepted for these tickets.
Where: Blank Canvas Theatre at 1305 W 78th Street, Suite 211, in Cleveland
When: Friday and Saturday at 8 P.M.
Outdoor holiday light displays
What: This time of year, northeastohiofamilyfun.com shares a county by county breakdown of all the fun outdoor holiday light displays, with many at people’s homes. Peruse the list, plug the most convenient locations into your gps and visit them, one by one.
Where: Locations vary by county
When: Dates vary
3rd Annual Morgan Market
What: Check out framed art, crafts, cards, handmade paper, housewares and stocking stuffers at this annual event.
Where: The Morgan Conservatory at 1754 East 47th Street in Cleveland
When: Through Saturday, 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
