We found five Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Akron–Canton with 2026 dates: one parade and four tree lightings and lighting nights, three free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Parade · Fri27NovFriHudson's Lighting of the Greens
Tree lighting · Fri2DecWedLight Up Downtown CantonTree lighting · Wed5DecSatGlow with Stow Holiday LightingTree lighting · Sat5DecSatChristmas at Central ParkTree lighting · SatNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Main Street, Exchange to Bowery, then Lock 3 · Akron, OH · downtown
Good to know: An illuminated parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Every float and unit has to be lit, and the Lock 3 lighting follows the parade.
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
Clocktower and Gazebo Greens · Hudson, OH · about 15 miles from Akron
Good to know: Hudson's 78th lighting. Carolers gather at Old School Park and walk to the Greens, then downtown is lit and the festivities run until 7 p.m. at the Gazebo Green.
Downtown Canton · Canton, OH · downtown
Good to know: Canton's 36th holiday kickoff spreads across 14 blocks, with Santa photos, sleigh rides, a kids' train and refreshments.
Stow City Center Complex, 3870 Darrow Rd. · Stow, OH · about 8 miles from Akron
Good to know: The mayor lights the display at 5:55, then Santa and Mrs. Claus pull up on a fire truck. There's a reindeer petting zoo, train rides and a bookmobile, and the line to meet Santa closes at 8:15.
Central Park, 1795 Steese Rd. · Green, OH · about 10 miles from Akron
Good to know: Santa and the mayor light the tree and set off fireworks at 5:30. Earlier there are rides around the park, a letter-to-Santa station and free cotton candy and popcorn. Parking is free, and no registration is needed.
Before you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Keep planning
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Free things to do in Akron–CantonFree days, free events and places that never charge
Library storytimes in Akron–CantonBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in Akron–CantonHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in Akron–CantonParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
The Nutcracker in Akron–CantonBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in Akron–CantonChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hours
This week in Akron–CantonDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Akron Holiday Parade & Lock 3 Lighting: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, Fri. Nov. 27, parade at 6 p.m., lighting right after (Akron, OH · downtown).
Hudson's Lighting of the Greens at Clocktower and Gazebo Greens: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, Fri. Nov. 27, 4:30–7 p.m. (lighting just after 5). Light Up Downtown Canton at Downtown Canton: Wed, Dec 2, 2026, Wed. Dec. 2, from 5:30 p.m. Glow with Stow Holiday Lighting at Stow City Center Complex, 3870 Darrow Rd.: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Sat. Dec. 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (lighting 5:55 p.m.). Christmas at Central Park at Central Park, 1795 Steese Rd.: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Sat. Dec. 5, 2:30–5:30 p.m. (tree lighting and fireworks at 5:30).
Three of the five we list are free to watch: Light Up Downtown Canton, Glow with Stow Holiday Lighting and Christmas at Central Park. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Christmas at Central Park. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Akron–Canton that weekend, parades included.
