Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure : Through Dec. 21, passengers will depart Rockside Station in Independence on journey to the North Pole. The rides are at 5 and 7:55 p.m. and include holiday music, elves, lights, cookies, hot cocoa, Santa letters and a special gift for each child. Tickets are available at www.cvsr.org .
Meet Santa at Summit Mall : Nov. 15 through Dec. 24. The Santa Photo Experience will be Monday through Sunday, except for Thanksgiving Day, at Dillard’s North Court. Go to https://www.simon.com/mall/summit-mall for reservations. Pet photos will be 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 1.
Akron Zoo Wild Lights : 5-9 p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-23, Dec. 26-27 and Dec. 29-30. Over 1 million lights, music, treats, plus Santa and Grinch visits. Tickets are $16-$24 for adults ($12-$20 members) and $12-20 for children ($8-$16 members). Children under 2 are free. Zoothing Wild Lights will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, without crowds, loud music or flashing lights. Tickets are available at akronzoo.org .