The temperatures may be getting colder, but there is no need to take off for warmer climates. There is still plenty of fun to be had right here in the City of Mentor.
We kick off the month of December with the annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:00pm. We invite you to join us as we light our stunning Norwegian spruce and municipal campus. Santa will arrive in his horse drawn carriage and will be available for photos and making Christmas wishes. Choirs from Mentor Schools will sing and hot chocolate and cookies will be served. This event will take place at the Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. There will also be a free Holiday Public Skate with free skate rental at the Civic Center Ice Arena the same night from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The fun continues Sunday, December 7th when the Mentor Community Rec Center hosts the Jingle Jamboree Winter Carnival for those aged 5 to 10. Kids can enjoy carnival-style games, festive crafts, prizes, and sweet treats – all with a merry winter twist. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season without having to bundle up. For more information, call the Mentor Parks Department at (440) 974-5720.
The month of January kicks off with Mentor Skate Day on Saturday, January 3rd from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This free public skate event offers complimentary skate rentals and features a lively atmosphere with a DJ spinning the tunes. Open to all ages, but since we prioritize safety, all skaters under age 11 must wear helmets. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to glide, spin, and twirl on the ice with friends and family.
For all of you that embrace the frigid temps and snowy weather, the fun continues with the annual Mentor Chill Out held on Saturday, January 17th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. If you missed it last year, be sure to mark your calendar, call your friends, bundle up the family and come on up to the Mentor Civic Center Park and Amphitheater. There will be something for everyone, food trucks, outdoor ice skating, carved ice sculptures, a chili cook off, a fantastic fireworks display and much more!
For more outdoor excitement, don’t miss the biggest winter golf event of the season with the Lake County Chili Open at Black Brook Golf Course and Practice Center on January 24th. Tee off with orange balls on this snowy 9-hole course. After the round, warm up with chili, hot dogs, and hot chocolate. Proceeds will benefit the United Way of Lake County. Over 200 golfers joined us last year, so make sure you register early by calling Parks and Rec at (440) 974-5720.
We kick of February by royally inviting all princesses to the Little Princess Valentine’s Dance on Friday, February 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Springbrook Gardenhouse. Come join us for a regal evening of dance, music, snacks, crafts, and majestic memories. Again, space is limited, so register online or call the Parks Department at (440) 974-5720. Springbrook Gardenhouse is located at 6776 Heisley Road.
2026 will also mark the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, and we kick off our celebration on President’s Day, February 16th, with your chance to Meet President George Washington. Dale Fellows of “We Made History, Presidential Living Historians” will share his extensive knowledge of the Founding Fathers and will discuss the newly inaugurated president’s thoughts on being the first President of the United States. Come meet the President at Wildwood Cultural Center, located at 7645 Little Mountain Road. Light refreshments will be served, and you can register online or by calling Wildwood at (440) 974-5735.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do during these cold, snowy months. Come on out and join us for some winter fun! Visit cityofmentor.com/calendar for more information.