Photograph by Alana Clark

By BARRY GOODRICH

Whether it’s a trip to the new outdoor ice-skating rink, a theater performance or a unique program organized by the police department, the city of Solon knows how to celebrate the holidays.

“The holiday season is a special time in Solon,” said Mayor Ed Krause. “It’s a time to come together, reflect upon the year and celebrate faith, family and community.”

The festivities get underway Wednesday, Nov. 21 with the annual tree lighting ceremony from 6:30-9 p.m. at City Hall and the Solon Center for the Arts.

The city’s holiday spirit is exemplified by Solon’s Shop with a Cop program. For the 16th year, police officers will help support children in need by taking them shopping for gifts for themselves and their families. Raffle tickets supporting Shop with a Cop are available at the Solon Police Department Records Room from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Solon Community Park’s new outdoor ice-skating rink will be open from Dec. 26 through Jan. 6 and Grantwood Golf Course will once again be open for cross-country skiing.

The Solon Center for the Arts will host performances of “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” by the Spotlight Youth Theater (grades 6-8) Nov. 30-Dec. 2. The center will also host a reading of “The Nutcracker, a Winter Dance Showcase” and a free screening of the film “Polar Express.” For more information and tickets, visit solonarts.org.

The Solon Civic Club hosts “Lunch with Santa” for the 44th year from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 at Solon Middle School and Parkside Elementary School. Pre-sale tickets for the event are available Nov. 27, Dec. 1 and Dec. 5 at the Solon Community Center.

Tired of the typical holiday office party? Fun is guaranteed for everyone at Roll House Solon, (33185 Bainbridge Rd.), where bowling, games and great food come together. For holiday parties, a 10 percent discount is offered on all games, including laser tag, a laser maze and a Ninja Warrior climbing course. Catering with custom menus is available for off-site events.

Holiday shoppers who work up an appetite have plenty of delicious options in Solon. Burgers 2 Beer Bar and Restaurant (33003 Aurora Rd.) will have beer and burger specials throughout the season and is offering a free $5 gift card with the purchase of any $25 card.

Doing simple things well is the philosophy of Ruchi Ohio Restaurant (7205 Aurora Rd.), which offers authentic Indian cuisine. It’s also a perfect spot for a holiday gathering.

At Hunan of Solon (6050 Enterprise Parkway), you can select from an eclectic menu sure to please all tastes. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Our restaurant, featuring an authentic Chinese menu and Thai cuisine, is newly remodeled with a garden room that accommodates 80 people…visit us and see our new design. And a visit to 56 Kitchen (33587 Aurora Rd.) will reward you with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for artisan pizzas, small plates and salads.

Keeping fit and finding time to relax can be difficult during the hectic holidays so a visit to Oasis Yoga and Fitness (33180 Station St.) and Very Berry Smoothie & Café (33200 Station St.) provide a much-needed time out. And from Nov. 15 through the end of the year, $50 gift cards at each location come with a free $10 card.

Need to look your best for a holiday party? Stop in at the American Barbershop (33536 Aurora Rd.) and receive a 20 percent discount on any haircut through the end of the year. And you can take advantage of The Judgment Free Zone at Planet Fitness (33605 Aurora Rd.) to work off all those holiday treats.

This is also the time of year for many people with health account flex dollars to spend by the end of 2018. At Berris Optical (33532 Aurora Rd.), glasses and sunglasses make great gifts and a gift card lets anyone on your list pick out their own style.

You’ve shopped, you’ve eaten and now it’s time to take care of your car. Dirty cars are wanted at Finish Line Car Wash (33060 Solon Rd.), where you can join one of several monthly unlimited car wash clubs starting at $19.99.