Look out for Lakeside's Christmas

LAKESIDE-MARBLEHEAD — Kick off the holiday season with joy and celebration at Lakeside Christmas, Dec. 5-7. "Gather with family and friends for a magical weekend filled with festive activities, including a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas movies, a visit from Santa Claus, a community Christmas dinner, holiday shopping and much more," according to a Lakeside statement, noting how events are open to the public. Here's a schedule of notable, free community-oriented events. All weekend • Shopping and smoothies, all day — "Select businesses in Lakeside and Marblehead village will be open all weekend with sales and specials with many featuring smoothies to purchase." • Christmas Scavenger Hunt, all day, Fountain Inn Lobby, 225 Maple Ave. and Lakeside grounds — "Explore the Lakeside grounds with a self-directed scavenger hunt. Pick up a list of clues from the Fountain Inn lobby, then return your completed list to the scavenger hunt table for a treat." • Storybook Trail, all day, Cherry Park — "Families are invited to enjoy the outdoors together on the Storybook Trail. December's featured book is "Room for a Little One" by Martha Waddell. Follow reading stations around the park, starting near the tire swing, for a whimsical page-by-page adventure." • Toys for Tots Donation all day, Fountain Inn Aigler Room — "This year, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is celebrating 78 years of providing hope for lesser-fortunate children. Over the weekend, guests are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy to drop off at the Toys for Tots collection box. Toys will be collected through Friday, Dec. 12 in the Lakeside Chautauqua administration office." Friday, Dec. 5 • Carpet Skating, 4-6 p.m., Pavilion upper room — "Try this fun, easy-to-learn alternative to ice skating. It uses smooth plastic skates connected to tennis shoes. Anyone 3 and older can glide across the carpet." • Family Game Night, 4-9 p.m., Fountain Inn Aigler Room — "Meet friends old and new for an evening of checkers, puzzles and classic board games." • Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6:45 p.m., Walnut Plaza — "Join fellow Lakesiders as we light the community Christmas tree and sing carols with the Lakeside United Methodist Church choir. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served by Ooh La La for a small fee from 6-7:30 p.m." • The Chardon Polka Band Holiday Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m., Orchestra Hall, 122 Second St. — "End the evening with a spirited concert that blends holiday charm with The Chardon Polka Band's signature wit and humor. Enjoy lively, polka-style arrangements of Christmas favorites. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person." Saturday, Dec. 6 • Legacy House Open House, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Legacy House, 217 Walnut Ave. — "Stop by for fellowship with friends, neighbors and staff. Hot chocolate, coffee and sweet treats will be served." • God Squad: Christmas Edition with Chip Richter, 10-10:45 a.m., Bradley Temple, 301 Cedar Ave. — "Join Mr. Chip and friends for a joyful morning of singing, dancing and celebrating the Christmas season. Note: The building is not heated so bundle up." • Bethlehem: Life Behind the Nativity' Lecture, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Orchestra Hall — "Step into the daily life of Bethlehem through the nativity story. Using 7.5-inch Fontanini figures, Kate Philabaum brings to life Biblical and archaeological insights about family, geography and village life while introducing characters, like shepherd boys Micah and Jareth; innkeepers Thaddeus and Elizabeth; and local weavers, bakers, potters and field hands." • Story Time with Millie Magoo's & The Fine Print, 11 a.m. to noon, Fountain Inn Aigler Room — "Join us for a special story time featuring holiday books. Crafts will be provided." • Carpet Skating, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Pavilion upper room • Visit with Santa, noon to 2 p.m., Chautauqua Hall — "Here comes Santa Claus. Children can share their Christmas wishes and pose for photos with the jolly old elf." • Classic Christmas Cartoons, noon to 4 p.m., Orchestra Hall — "Drop in to watch timeless holiday favorite films." • Make & Take Crafts, 1-3 p.m., Fountain Inn Aigler Room — "All ages will have the opportunity to create festive crafts to display this holiday season." • Holiday Movie — 8 p.m., Orchestra Hall — "End the evening with a family-friendly movie in Lakeside's historic theater. Check the kiosk outside Orchestra Hall for the film title. Donations are welcome." Sunday, Dec. 7 • Community Worship Service, 10:30 a.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church, 450 Central Ave. — "All are welcome to a special worship service led by Rev. Richard Thewlis, featuring inspiring worship music and a meaningful biblical message." • Carpet Skating, noon to 2 p.m., Pavilion upper room • Holiday Movie — 2 p.m., Orchestra Hall People can learn more by visiting facebook.com/lakesideohio.