Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation Annual Holiday at the Plaza Centennial Peace Plaza on MLK December 21, 2025
CCGF Executive Director Tom Turkaly
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted a community Christmas event at the Centennial Plaza on MLK Blvd. on Sunday December 21, 2025. There were cookies and hot chocolate, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and toys for the kids.
CCGF Board Chair Dr. Wael Khoury welcomed the crowd.
Dr. Wael Khoury
The Antioch Baptist Church Choir gave a special performance.
Antioch Baptist Church Choir
Founded in 1893, Antioch Baptist Church was the second African-American Baptist church established in Cleveland, Ohio. It is now located at the corner of E. 89th Street and Cedar Avenue in Cleveland's Fairfax Neighborhood. The Choir performed Christmas music such as this audience favorite - Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory. Watch.
Here is their version of the song Emmanuel.
Another highlight was The Night that Christ was Born.
After their performance, the choir joined Santa Claus, CCGF leaders and community members for the singing of Jingle Bells and other songs. Then Santa and CCGF volunteers handed out toys to the children and they sang Christmas songs in front of the large Christmas tree. Watch.
Here are some other images from the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation Holiday at the Plaza event.
Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation Board Members
Sawssan Khoury, Samy Tanious and Carl Ewing
Board member Yaminah Sattarian
Santa Pierre
Toys for kids
Sawssan and Dr. Wael Khoury
Antioch Baptist Church Choir
Bob and Sheila Crawford and Tom Turkaly
Christmas Caroling at Cultural Gardens Plaza
Sawssan, Carl, Santa Pierre, Qaisra, Samy
Antioch keyboard player, Nick Mulbach and Johnny Wu
Fran Burik, Tom Turkaly and Carl Ewing
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