We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Cleveland with 2026 dates: three parades and three tree lightings and lighting nights, five 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 · Tree lighting Fri21NovSatCrocker Park Tree Lighting
Tree lighting · Block party 4–8 p.m.21NovSatAvon Lake Light Up the ParkParade · 3–6 p.m.27NovFriHudson Lighting of the GreensTree lighting · 4:30–7 p.m.28NovSatWinterLand Kickoff and Tree LightingTree lighting · Noon–5:30 p.m.5DecSatLight Up LakewoodParade · 4–8 p.m.Nothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Public Square and Broadway St. · Medina
Good to know: The mayor lights the tree at the gazebo on Friday night. Saturday brings the parade, with fireworks over Broadway right after if the weather holds.
Veterans' Memorial Park, 32756 Lake Road · Avon Lake
Good to know: The second annual Light Parade rolls in at 5:45. The park lighting follows right after, around 6.
Downtown Lakewood · Detroit Ave. between Arthur and Marlowe, Lakewood
Good to know: A holiday parade and lighting along Detroit Avenue.
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.
Center Circle, 189 Crocker Park Blvd. · Westlake
Good to know: A holiday block party fills the streets all afternoon. Santa arrives at 7 to light the big tree in Center Circle.
Clocktower and Gazebo Greens · Downtown Hudson
Good to know: Downtown Hudson lights up with the flip of a switch; food trucks on E. Main St. from 4 to 7 p.m.
Public Square · 50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
Good to know: Trackless train rides, s'mores at firepits, Santa, the ice rink and the new Illuminate CLE holiday light show.
More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s addedBefore 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.Every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Cleveland
Keep planning
November: things to do in ClevelandEvery dated listing for the month, by weekDecember: things to do in ClevelandEvery dated listing for the month, by week
Free things to do in ClevelandFree days, free events and places that never charge
Free museum days in ClevelandFree days, Museums on Us and EBT discounts, with who gets in
Indoor play in ClevelandIndoor playgrounds, toddler times, museums and classes, with prices
Library storytimes in ClevelandBaby, toddler and preschool storytimes by day and branch
Ice skating in ClevelandHoliday and indoor rinks, skate aids and prices
Thanksgiving weekend in ClevelandParades, turkey trots and what’s open on Thursday
Noon Year’s Eve in ClevelandKid-friendly countdowns, home by napChristmas trains in ClevelandPolar Express, Santa and lights trains with datesThe Nutcracker in ClevelandBallet and touring shows, sensory-friendly flagged
Christmas markets in ClevelandChristkindlmarkts and winter wonderlands with hoursChristmas break in ClevelandWhat’s open on Dec 24, Dec 25 and Jan 1Birthday party places in ClevelandStarting prices, ages and what’s included
This week in ClevelandDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Medina Candlelight Walk: Nov 20 – Nov 22, Tree lighting Fri. 7 p.m.; parade and fireworks Sat. (Medina). Avon Lake Light Up the Park: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 3–6 p.m.; Light Parade 5:45, lighting about 6 (Avon Lake). Light Up Lakewood: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 4–8 p.m. (Detroit Ave. between Arthur and Marlowe, Lakewood).
Crocker Park Tree Lighting at Center Circle, 189 Crocker Park Blvd.: Sat, Nov 21, 2026, Block party 4–8 p.m.; Santa lights the tree at 7. Hudson Lighting of the Greens at Clocktower and Gazebo Greens: Fri, Nov 27, 2026, 4:30–7 p.m.; main festivities on the Gazebo Green 5–7 p.m. WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting at Public Square: Sat, Nov 28, 2026, Noon–5:30 p.m.; tree lightings every half hour from 5:30 p.m.
Five of the six we list are free to watch: Medina Candlelight Walk, Crocker Park Tree Lighting, Avon Lake Light Up the Park and WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Avon Lake Light Up the Park and WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting. 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 21, 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 Cleveland that weekend, parades included.
Hudson Lighting of the Greens