# Christmas parades and tree lightings in Akron–Canton, 2026

> 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.

- Last checked: 2026-10-30
- 5 parades and tree lightings with 2026 dates
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## Christmas parades

- **Akron Holiday Parade & Lock 3 Lighting** at Main Street, Exchange to Bowery, then Lock 3, Akron, OH · downtown. When: Fri, Nov 27, 2026. Time: Fri. Nov. 27, parade at 6 p.m., lighting right after. Price: No ticket listed. An illuminated parade on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Every float and unit has to be lit, and the Lock 3 lighting follows the parade. Official page: https://www.akronohio.gov/business_detail_T10_R66.php (checked 2026-10-30)

## Tree lightings and lighting nights

- **Hudson's Lighting of the Greens** at Clocktower and Gazebo Greens, Hudson, OH · about 15 miles from Akron. When: Fri, Nov 27, 2026. Time: Fri. Nov. 27, 4:30–7 p.m. (lighting just after 5). Price: No ticket listed. 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. Official page: https://hudson.oh.us/calendar.aspx?EID=5206 (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Light Up Downtown Canton** at Downtown Canton, Canton, OH · downtown. When: Wed, Dec 2, 2026. Time: Wed. Dec. 2, from 5:30 p.m. Price: Free. Canton's 36th holiday kickoff spreads across 14 blocks, with Santa photos, sleigh rides, a kids' train and refreshments. Official page: https://www.downtowncanton.com/event/light-up-downtown/ (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Glow with Stow Holiday Lighting** at Stow City Center Complex, 3870 Darrow Rd., Stow, OH · about 8 miles from Akron. When: Sat, Dec 5, 2026. Time: Sat. Dec. 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (lighting 5:55 p.m.). Price: Free. 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. Official page: https://www.stowohio.gov/m/calendar/event/detail/3283 (checked 2026-10-30)
- **Christmas at Central Park** at Central Park, 1795 Steese Rd., Green, OH · about 10 miles from Akron. When: Sat, Dec 5, 2026. Time: Sat. Dec. 5, 2:30–5:30 p.m. (tree lighting and fireworks at 5:30). Price: Free. 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. Official page: https://www.cityofgreen.org/247/Christmas-at-Central-Park (checked 2026-10-30)

## About this list
- Published by Littles Weekly (https://littlesweekly.com/). Free weekly lists for kids ages 0–6, city by city.
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## FAQ

### When is the Christmas parade in Akron–Canton in 2026?
Akron Holiday Parade & Lock 3 Lighting: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, Fri. Nov. 27, parade at 6 p.m., lighting right after (Akron, OH · downtown).

### When is the Christmas tree lighting in Akron–Canton?
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).

### Are Christmas parades and tree lightings in Akron–Canton free?
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.

### Which are best for little kids?
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.

### How do you check these parades and tree lightings?
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](https://littlesweekly.com/how-we-choose/).