Brecksville celebrates the holidays with annual traditions, starting with parade and tree lighting

by Jacqueline Mitchell

Dig out your festive sweaters and brush up on your favorite carols: The city will kick off the holiday season at the annual Brecksville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 1.

Community members are encouraged to sign up for the parade, which steps off at the intersection of Lawnpark Drive and Brecksville Road at 4 p.m. Create a float, or bring a group dressed in holiday attire. Only one Santa will be permitted in the parade, but clowns, elves, Christmas presents, snowmen and other seasonal costumes are welcome.

After the parade, community members will gather at the Bandstand on the Square for traditional Yuletide songs and Christmas carols and a special appearance by Santa Claus. The Brecksville-Broadview Heights Brass Ensemble and the Community Chorus will perform, and fireworks will brighten the late afternoon sky.

Brecksville United Methodist Church will provide refreshments after the program.

For more information on signing up for the parade, contact the Brecksville Community Center at 440-546-2300. Applications are due to the Community Center by Friday, Nov. 22.

Children’s Christmas Play

Families can stop by Brecksville’s Old Town Hall for the annual Children’s Christmas Play the weekend of Dec. 7-8. Brecksville Mayor Jerry Hruby has written another original play, titled, “Whatever Became of Frosty the Snowman?” Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The time-honored tradition of the Christmas play has been offered continuously for almost 50 years, but local historians believe the custom of a holiday play dates back even further to the 1800s.

City employees and their family members comprise the cast and crew. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other holiday favorites will entertain children, who can sit on Santa’s lap after the show to whisper their Christmas wishes.

One of Santa’s helpers will photograph each child’s visit with Santa. The picture is free, along with a tree ornament given as a memento of the play.

Play admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods for the Brecksville Pantry. Seating is limited. Call the Community Center at 440-546-2300 to make reservations.

Salvation Army bell-ringing

The Salvation Army Red Kettle will be stationed outside the Broadview Heights Giant Eagle again this year, located at 4343 E. Royalton Rd. The bell will ring from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21.

Money collected will be donated to the South Suburban Salvation Army unit that serves Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence and Seven Hills. Funds are primarily used to prevent electricity and natural gas shutoff for residents of the four cities.

Volunteers who would like to help ring the bell may call the Brecksville Human Services Center at 440-526-2499.

Yuletide Hunger Program

Now in its 38th year, the Yuletide Hunger Program has been reaching out to those less fortunate since 1983, following the death of Brecksville resident Rusty Mansbery.

Mansbery’s brother Dave wanted to thank the community in a meaningful way for its outpouring of help and concern for his family during his brother’s illness, so he created the Yuletide Hunger Program.

Last year, the program served more than 370 people. This year, the cities of Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence and Seven Hills, plus the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District, are collecting food and monetary donations.

Monetary donations can be dropped off at or mailed to the Brecksville Human Services Center at 2 Community Drive, Brecksville, OH 44141. Checks should be made payable to the Yuletide Hunger Program.

The Human Services Center is also accepting nonperishable food items. Volunteers are needed, including those able to do heavy lifting. Call 440-526-2499 to help.

Adopt a Family

This holiday season, participate in the Adopt a Family program to give directly to a family in need in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Independence or Seven Hills by way of the Human Services Center in each town. Participants provide at least $75 in gift cards for each child in the family and can choose the size of the family they support.

Gift cards are due Tuesday, Dec. 3. Call the Brecksville Human Services Center at 440-526-2499 for more information.

Kiwanis Santa Delivery

Every year, the Brecksville Kiwanis Club brings Santa Claus to Brecksville with its Santa’s Delivery Service program.

Santa stop will stop at homes throughout the city in his sleigh to deliver gifts to children and grandchildren for free on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Wrapped presents can be dropped off to the Kiwanis deposit location at Chippewa Place, 7005 Stadium Dr., on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 12-5 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 12, from 12-5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 13, from 12-7 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Santa’s elves will call participants five minutes before Santa’s arrival. For more information, visit brecksvillekiwanis.org/santa-delivery.html.

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa will be served buffet-style on Monday, Dec. 23, at 8:45 and 10:45 a.m., at the Community Center. Santa will arrive at approximately 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. to read a story to children, followed by an opportunity for each child to visit with him for a picture.

Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 1-16. Children under 1 are admitted free. Register in person at the Community Center beginning Sunday, Dec. 1.

The North Pole connection

Brecksville children’s telephone lines will be hooked up to the North Pole on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 11, between 6-8 p.m., so that they can talk to Santa.

There is no fee, but parents must complete an instruction sheet at the Community Center. Call 440-546-2300 for information.

Gingerbread house decorating contest

Families can celebrate the holiday season together by entering the eighth annual gingerbread house decorating contest.

There is no entry fee. Houses may be made with kits, but the complete house may not be store-bought. Bring entries to the Community Center during business hours on Dec. 20, 21, or 22. The public can vote on Dec. 23 and 24 until 10 am. Prizes will be announced at 11 am on Dec. 24. Participants may retrieve entries after 10 a.m. on Dec. 24.

Featured image photo caption: Brecksville holiday celebrations return with annual favorites like children’s play. Photo by J. Kananian