Lakeside Chautauqua has invited you and the family to experience the beauty and heart of Lakeside at Christmastime. The holidays at Lakeside will look a little different this year, but Lakeside is open and ready to welcome you with Christmas music, games, hot chocolate around the fire and lunch and dinner.

On Saturday, Dec. 19, come explore the grounds, view the festive Christmas displays, shop in their beautiful downtown district while enjoying Christmas music piped into the street and lunch or dinner at the Slack House Historic Café. The new eatery is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Visitors can also purchase warm, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate. Everyone is invited to warm up around fire pits located on Walnut Avenue between Second and Third streets, and can purchase make-your-own s’mores kit, complete with skewer, from the Slack House from 4-7 p.m.

Families can make their way through the interactive Winter Storybook Trail and complete the Elf Scavenger Hunt, both available through Jan. 3.

For more information on the Christmas events and for Lakeside merchant hours visit lakesideohio.com/Christmas.

The month of December is also full of virtual opportunities through Lakeside Chautauqua Christmas Connections to connect and explore through interactive programs designed to appeal to a variety of ages. For more information on their virtual programming, visit lakesideohio.com/christmasconnections.

Lakeside Chautauqua is pleased to offer all Christmas events free of charge as a gift to the community.

In addition, Lakeside Chautauqua and Ward Catering will offer a pre-ordered Christmas dinner on Thursday, Dec. 24. Hot meals will be packaged and ready to eat. Holiday platters will also be available. Limited meals are available. The deadline to order is Monday, Dec. 21. For ordering information and menu please visit, lakesideohio.com/wardchristmas.

Lakeside Chautauqua is a family destination that has pioneered the act of nurturing mind, body and spirit since 1873. As one of the most popular Chautauqua communities in the U.S., Lakeside offers a variety of spiritual, educational, cultural arts and recreational opportunities.

Located between Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie’s south shore, Lakeside is a gated community that provides rest and renewal in addition to hundreds of enlightening and entertaining experiences. For more information on vacationing or living the Lakeside Chautauqua experience, visit lakesideohio.com or call 419-798-4461.