STRONGSVILLE – Sure, Santa Claus came to SouthPark Mall on Nov. 5. But Christmas doesn’t really arrive in the city of Strongsville until Sunday, Nov. 20. That’s when the Winter Wonderland and Lighting Celebration on the Commons comes to life.

The festivities get underway at 5:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m., but you want to make sure you get a good spot on the Commons prior to the scheduled start because the annual fireworks display, this year set to music, will take place shortly after sunset. It could also be problematic if you are running late because entrance to the Commons from the east (Ehrnfelt Recreation Center side) will be prohibited in order for the fireworks display to be set.

The major attraction for children is, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will come to the Commons on a decorated float and will entertain Christmas wishes in the Crystal Palace (gazebo) at the center of the Commons.

A train will take people onto the Freedom Trail and back to the front of the police station throughout the evening. There will also be horse-drawn wagon rides.

Be advised no one will be able to gain entrance to the lines for Santa, train and horse-drawn wagons after 7:45 p.m.

Cartoon characters the Grinch, Mickey Mouse, Shrek, Tigger and Winnie the Pooh will be on hand for photo opportunities. Elsa, Olaf and Anna from “Frozen” will also meet and greet families on the Commons.

A new aspect to the lighting ceremony is what is called digital projection mapping where images will be projected onto the Old Town Hall on Royalton Road across from the Commons.

“It will allow for some interesting things we can project on there. It will be mostly a lot of Christmas things and be tied to our 200th birthday,” said David Sems, director of communications and technology with the city of Strongsville. “When Santa Claus comes by we’ll have a program that will play and it will loop all evening. It’s going to be really special.”

The bicentennial cake will appear in the parade that takes Santa, Mrs. Claus and cartoon characters to the Commons. This will be its last hurrah in the city of Strongsville.

A live reindeer exhibit and ice carver are provided courtesy of the Strongsville Lions Club, which also provides free refreshments and the aforementioned horse drawn wagon rides.

Parking is at a premium. The best opportunity would be at the Strongsville Middle School lot.

United Church of Christ

Cross Pearl Road and you will find more Christmas cheer at the Strongsville United Church of Christ.

A live Nativity featuring animals, shepherds, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus will greet visitors just outside the main entrance to the church.

Inside the church there will be music, snacks and refreshments in the banquet hall.

Historical Village

A short walk north on Pearl Road will bring visitors to the Strongsville Historical Village, which is participating in the Winter Wonderland and Lighting Celebration on the Commons.

The historic buildings will be open from 5-8 p.m. and decorated for their period in history. You can also find refreshments there.