Santa’s Elves Are Getting Crocker Park Ready for the Tree Lighting!

The annual Tree Lighting celebration returns November 21 with live entertainment, festive family fun from 4 PM – 8 PM, and Santa’s highly anticipated 7 PM arrival.

The magic of the holiday season is coming to life at Crocker Park! Northeast Ohio’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment invites the community to celebrate its Annual Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21, from 4 PM to 8 PM, with an evening full of festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, holiday shopping, and plenty of holiday cheer. This beloved community tradition is proudly supported by Crocs, Holy Name High School, and Cleveland’s Star 102.

With the playful spirit of Santa’s Workshop filling the streets, Crocker Park will come alive with music, dancing, holiday characters, and festive surprises around every corner. From energetic performances and family fun to the highly anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, the evening promises a memorable start to the holiday season.

Here’s What to Expect at Crocker Park’s Annual Tree Lighting:

  • Live Entertainment All Evening – The Tree Lighting celebration will feature an exciting lineup of live entertainment, with Star 102’s Jen and Tim serving as event hosts. Guests will enjoy live music by Apostle Jones, festive character experiences from Northeast Ohio Creatives, performances by Caliber Dance Studios, and interactive holiday fun hosted by The Energy Producer and his crew of mischievous elves.
  • Shop, Play & Explore – Discover a festive collection of local vendors offering small business shopping, interactive activities, games, giveaways, and fun for guests of all ages.
  • Free Family Fun – Little ones can get into the holiday spirit with complimentary face painting throughout the celebration.
  • Tasty Eats on the Street – Come hungry! Enjoy a delicious lineup of restaurants, food trucks and specialty treats from Birdies, Bistro on the Go 216, bRaised in the CLE, Cheesy Dave’s, Cousins Maine Lobster, Jenny’s Sweet Nuts, Kiki’s Bits & Bites, My Mini Me Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Original Steaks and Hoagies, and Papa Sal’s Kitchen.
  • Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting – 7:00PM – The moment everyone’s been waiting for! Gather around Crocker Park’s magnificent 50-foot Christmas tree as the excitement builds for Santa Claus’s special arrival. Santa will join the celebration and help usher in the holiday season with the lighting of the tree, creating a magical moment for families and friends to share.
  • Community Partners – This year’s Tree Lighting is proudly supported by Crocs, Holy Name High School, and Cleveland’s Star 102, with event partner Sportsplex Rentals.

The Holiday Magic Continues All Season Long!

The Tree Lighting is just the beginning! Starting November 21, Crocker Park transforms into a festive holiday destination filled with sparkling lights, larger-than-life decorations, seasonal attractions, and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Guests can explore a variety of holiday favorites throughout the season, including:

  • Photos with Santa – Enjoy a special one-on-one visit with Santa at Santa’s House, presented by Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric.
  • Santa’s Sleigh – Climb into this festive holiday photo opportunity, presented by Circle K.
  • Christmas Tree Light Shows – Watch Crocker Park’s towering Christmas tree come to life with dazzling light shows choreographed to festive holiday music throughout the season.
  • Holiday Elf Express Train – All aboard for a festive ride through Crocker Park! Presented by Custom One Construction. Opening November 21.
  • Walk Through Ornament – Step inside a larger-than-life holiday ornament for the perfect family photo, presented by Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®)
  • Main Street Holiday Lights – Enjoy the glow of festive lights illuminating Crocker Park’s Main Street, presented by Westland Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
  • Snowflake Garden – Discover a sparkling winter-inspired setting perfect for seasonal photos and holiday memories.
  • Crocker Park Marquee – A festive photo opportunity presented by Hyatt Place Westlake/Crocker Park.
  • Sugar Plum Pop-up by Kelsey Elizabeth – a festive Christmas bakery open for a limited time, through December 23 with a ever-changing menu featuring holiday treats.
  • Crocker Park Ice Festival – Keep the holiday fun going all winter. Save the date: January 29– 31, 2027, for spectacular ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, presented by Beck Center for the Arts.

Your Destination for Holiday Shopping & Dining

Beyond the festivities, Crocker Park offers everything visitors need to make the most of the holiday season. With more than 100 stores, from popular national retailers to unique local boutiques, it’s the perfect place to check off holiday shopping lists, discover thoughtful gifts, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Whether gathering for a festive dinner, grabbing a quick bite between shopping stops, or warming up with a seasonal treat, Crocker Park’s diverse collection of restaurants and eateries offers something for every taste and occasion.

“There’s truly nothing like the holidays at Crocker Park,” said Stacie Schmidt, Vice President of Marketing for Stark Enterprises. “Tree Lighting is one of our favorite traditions because it brings the entire community together to celebrate the start of the season. From the excitement of Santa’s arrival to the moment our tree lights up, there’s a special kind of magic that fills the property. We’ve created an incredible lineup of entertainment, activities, and holiday experiences, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to celebrate, shop, dine, and make memories with us!”

For more information about Crocker Park’s Annual Tree Lighting, seasonal attractions, and holiday hours, visit crockerpark.com/events/tree-lighting.