9 Things to Do For the Holidays in Cleveland

Tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation
Slice like a knife through the thrilling twin chutes at The Chalet, piling as many as four of your closest (and warmest) friends on a toboggan. Hot beverages and food will be available at the concession stand. This year reservations are required, so make sure you call first. And don’t forget to wear fingered gloves! $12-$14, Nov. 25- Feb. 26, noon- 5 p.m., 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com

Sleigh & Carriage Rides at Ma & Pa’s
Gallop into Geauga County wilderness with a sleigh or carriage ride. Bring those you love on a picturesque journey through the crisp air and scented wood. Afterward, relax by a warm cabin fire while sipping maple coffee and hot chocolate. Ma & Pa’s can accommodate a family ride or secluded, romantic night for two. $18-$85, Nov. 26-March 1, noon- 8 p.m. Saturdays & noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 15161 Main Market Road, Burton, 440-548-5521, maandpas.com

North Pole Adventure at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Until the Polar Express trudges through Ohio streets on Christmas Eve, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is your ticket to the North Pole. Warm yourself with hot chocolate and cookies as you compose a letter to Santa before joining his elves in song and dance. At the end of the journey, hand deliver your letter to Santa’s postmaster and maybe even see St. Nick himself! $45-$92, Nov. 11-22, 25-30 & Dec. 1-21, 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, 330-439-5708, cvsr.org

Holiday Tours at the Cleveland History Center
From the Slovenian Kurentovanje festival to the grand department store displays by Higbee’s and Sterling-Linder-Davis, Cleveland’s history is steeped in holiday tradition, whether they’re traced to the 20th century or celebrations families brought over from the Old World. The Cleveland History Center invites you to explore all through the month of December. $15-$20, Dec. 1-29, Thursdays 5 p.m.-8 p.m., 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-5722, wrhs.org

A Christmas Carol at Playhouse Square
As the city gears up for the holidays, our local stages get festive as well. Head down to Mimi Ohio Theatre for a timeless classic fit for the entire family. Grab dinner before the show and remember, don’t be a Scrooge.  $35-$80, Nov. 26-Dec. 23, various times, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

Light Displays Around The Land
If your neighborhood isn’t particularly well-lit, don’t even worry. There are plenty of beautiful displays and exhibits around Cleveland to get you feeling the cheer, including Twinkle in the 216 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Most displays run through the month of December. See individual events for info.

Holiday-themed Bar Crawls
A not-so-family-friendly option, grab some friends of drinking age and head out on the town in your ugliest Christmas sweaters. The 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl will rip its way through Cleveland, while events like the Chagrin Falls XMAS Bar Crawl brings the festivities to the suburbs. See individual events for details.

Seasonal Local Markets
When snow hits The Land, there’s no shortage of winter shopping popping up. Head to events like the Beachland Holiday Flea or the Cleveland Bazaar Holiday market for locally made artisan gifts. Check out our Greater Cleveland Holiday Market Guide for more. See individual events for info.

Season of Joy at Sawmill Creek
Sawmill Creek turns into a wonderland with comedic performances, live music, holiday decorating for you to enjoy and cocktails for the adults to sip their evenings away, cozy inside the resort. Don’t miss out before the season is over. Free with booked room, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-31, various times, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive W, Huron, sawmillcreekresort.com

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