11/18-ongoing: Holiday Displays

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — already! Getting the jump on the traditional Thanksgiving weekend Christmas-season kickoff, a slew of Christmas-themed shows open this week. Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens (714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330.836.5533) offers evening tours of the manor house with 25 decorated rooms, each with a different Christmas collection, from snow globes to Christmas quilts. The garden and grounds will be adorned with lights, and hot chocolate and Christmas pastries will be available in the café. It runs from 5-8 p.m. today through Sunday, and Thursday through Sunday most subsequent weekends through December 30. Tickets: $14 adults, $2 ages 6-17. Check the website for dates and more info.

On Saturday, the Cleveland Botanical Garden (11030 East Blvd., 216.721.1600) opens its annual WinterShow featuring a giant tree, model trains, holiday plants, a special display of amaryllis in the Costa Rica Glasshouse and its signature exhibit of lavish gingerbread houses. It’s free with Garden admission — $7.50 adults, $3 ages 3-12. It runs through January 3. Skating on nearby Wade Oval begins Saturday. Check the web site for hours. Admission is free, skate rental is $3.

And starting with the official tree-lighting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, you can stop in at the Cleveland Play House (8500 Euclid Ave., 216.795.7000) to ooh and aah over the 50 locally sponsored, professionally decorated trees adorning the lobbies for the annual Festival of Trees. The trees will be on display every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas through January 3. It’s free. — Anastasia Pantsios