Things to do in Cleveland This Holiday Season: Winter Fun Guide

Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Take an evening stroll through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as it glows with 1.5 million lights during Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC. The holiday tradition features themed areas like the Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake and Frosty Lane, plus festive costumed characters and model train displays. Guests can enjoy a mesmerizing musical light show centered on a towering 50-foot holiday tree, free carousel rides presented by MetroHealth, and a visit with Santa at his North Pole Lodge. $24+ Nov. 18 - Dec. 30, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com 

North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a magical holiday journey through the North Pole. Train cars are decked out in festive themes as families sip hot chocolate, enjoy cookies and take in the scenic views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Kids can write letters to Santa and deliver them straight to his mailbox before catching a glimpse of the man in red himself. $59+, Nov. 8-Dec. 21, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, cvsr.org

Candy Land at the Metroparks
This holiday season, Candy Land gets a wilderness twist. Embark on a colorful adventure as you discover what’s wild in Ohio through vibrant exhibits, themed crafts and scavenger hunts. Stop by The Nature Store for nature-inspired gifts, then cozy up with hot chocolate inside Snowshoe Lodge. Snowshoe rentals are available, weather permitting, for even more outdoor fun! Free, Nov. 22 - Jan 4, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

Cleveland Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Playhouse Square
Returning to Playhouse Square with new dances, characters and costumes, Cleveland Ballet’s rendition of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker promises to dazzle audiences. Prices vary, Dec. 12-14 and 18-21, Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandballet.org

Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
The Severance Music Center once again hosts the holiday sounds of The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, filling Mandel Concert Hall with festive favorites and timeless carols. Led by conductor Sarah Hicks and joined by the Blossom Festival Chorus, the performances also feature The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus, Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble and the Wooster Chorus of The College of Wooster for a joyful celebration of the season. $49+, Various times, Dec. 11-22, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

Frost at Cleveland Botanical Gardens
"Frost: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience" returns with an immersive holiday event that transforms the gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Wander through sparkling light displays, icy archways and interactive themed rooms, then warm up with marshmallow roasting and live performances by local musicians. Guests can also explore newly expanded outdoor lighting trails and the always incredible glasshouse exhibits showcasing faraway biomes like the Spiny Desert of Madagascar and the Costa Rica Cloud Forest. Enjoy family favorites such as the gingerbread house competition and icicle xylophone. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $7 - $28, Nov. 22 - Jan. 4, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, holdenfg.org/frost

A Christmas Story House and Museum
Step into the world of A Christmas Story at this iconic Cleveland landmark. Tour the fully restored house, complete with the famous leg lamp, and explore original movie props and memorabilia at the museum across the street. During the holiday season, it’s a must-visit destination for fans, with the option to book an overnight stay. Perfect for a nostalgic holiday experience. $20, 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, housefromachristmasstory.com

WinterLand
WinterLand kicks off the holiday season in Cleveland every year with their beloved winter festival. Centered around Public Square, the event features the grand lighting of the Christmas tree, live performances, festive fireworks, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, roasting s’mores and capturing photos with Santa, all set against the backdrop of stunning holiday lights. With markets at Tower City and pop-up events throughout downtown, WinterLand brings holiday magic to life. Free, November 29 - February, 50 Public Square, Cleveland, winterlandcle.com

Boston Mills/Brandywine
Located in Northeastern Ohio within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Boston Mills/Brandywine offers winter fun for all ages. With 18 trails, including some of Ohio’s steepest at Boston Mills and beginner-friendly slopes at Brandywine, the resort is perfect for both new and experienced skiers and snowboarders. Visitors can also enjoy Polar Blast, a massive snow tubing park, along with night skiing, lessons, and rental equipment. Open December through March, it’s a top destination for winter sports and family-friendly activities in the Cleveland and Akron area. Prices vary, open December - March, 1146 West Highland Road, Sagamore Hills, bmbw.com

Snow Trails
Just an hour down Interstate-71, Mansfield’s charming Snow Trails has been  providing winter fun since 1961. It features more than a dozen trails and lifts, plus a quaint lodge restaurant perfect for apres ski. Snow Trails is Ohio's oldest ski resort, located in the Possum Run Valley, and is popular for its wide range of winter activities catering to skiers, snowboarders, and snow tubers of all ages and skill levels. Prices vary, open December - March, 3100 Possum Run Road, Mansfield, snowtrails.com

Toboggan Chutes in Strongsville
Fly down the toboggan chutes at Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville. This winter thrill features two 700 ft. refrigerated ice chutes that operate with or without snow. Book your reservation on the Cleveland Metroparks website and choose a one-hour time slot. Riders must be 42 inches taller and wear winter gloves or mittens that cover their fingertips to ride the chutes. $13-15, Nov. 28 - late February, 16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, clevelandmetroparks.com

A Christmas Carol at Great Lakes Theater
Ebenezer Scrooge returns to Cleveland for Great Lakes Theater’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. People of all ages can get into the holiday spirit and experience the magic of the season as the protagonist of Charles Dickens’ classic novella does the same on stage. $36+, Nov. 28 - Dec. 21, Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, greatlakestheater.org

Castle Noel in Medina
Get in the holiday spirit year-round at Castle Noel in Medina. This Christmas entertainment experience contains 40,000 square feet of holiday attractions. Featuring the world’s largest privately owned collection of Christmas movie props and costumes, Castle Noel makes everyone feel like a kid again. Enjoy public and private tours of the facility along with large group reservations. $24.95+, 260 S. Court St., Medina, castlenoel.com

Holiday Tea at the Ritz Carlton
A timeless tradition, Holiday Tea at The Ritz-Carlton is an intimate afternoon with festive flair. The Radiant Room sparkles with holiday decor as guests pick from a selection of seasonal teas, petite sandwiches and towering trays of holiday pastries and fresh baked scones. Now celebrating 35 years, this elegant experience is held one weekend only in December. Tickets are on sale now for this exclusive event. $65-$125, Dec. 27-29, 1515 W. 3rd St., Cleveland, ritzcarlton.com

A Christmas Story at Cleveland Play House
The Allen Theater hosts the movie-to-stage adaptation, following Ralphie's yearning for an official Red Ryder carbine-action, two-hundred-shot range model air rifle for Christmas. This year, the cast features Dan Butler (known for roles on Frasier, Roseanne and Hey Arnold!) as Ralph. $36-$102, Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandplayhouse.com

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall
Experience holiday magic on a grand scale at Stan Hywet Hall’s annual Deck the Hall celebration. The inscription above the Akron estate’s front door, “Non Nobis Solum,” (Not For Us Alone) shows that the home was always intended for public display, and it’s never more evident during the holiday season. The 65-room Tudor revival home, first owned by Akron rubber magnate and co-founder of Goodyear F.A. Seiberling is decorated to the hilt for the holidays. More than 1 million lights will be displayed on the estate’s 70-acre grounds. $10-$28, 3-9 p.m., Various dates Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, 714 North Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

Magic of Lights Wonderland Walk
Once known for its dazzling drive-through displays, Magic of Lights has transformed into a brand-new walk-through experience. Guests can wander beneath shimmering light tunnels, towering installations and vibrant holiday scenery. $9.43+, Nov. 27-Jan. 1,  7777 Victory Lane, North Ridgeville, magicoflights.com

The SpongeBob Musical at the Beck Center for the Arts
SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs and other Bikini Bottom stars surface to the Beck Center for this under-the-sea musical adventure based on the iconic Nickelodeon cartoon. The show’s music stands out, with original tunes written by Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, Panic! At The Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and more top pop and rock talent. $18-$46, Dec. 5-Jan. 4, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

Sledding
Race down the hills this winter at various Cleveland Metroparks designated sledding hills. Barrett Sledding Hill at Rocky River Reservation boasts a 200 ft. slope and is located a quarter mile north of Valley Parkway. Fly down Coasting Hill at South Chagrin Reservation located South of Solon Road. There is ample parking at the Coasting Hill parking lot, as well as the Shadow Lake Picnic Area. Engle Road Sled Riding Hill at Big Creek Reservation is the perfect slope for younger kids to build their confidence and is located off Engle Road between Bagley and Fowles Roads. Free, Various locations, clevelandmetroparks.com

Kringle's Inventionasium at Tower City
Visitors enter Mr. Kringle’s imaginative workshop, known as the Inventionasium, where they can engage in various activities, such as toy-making, decorating, and creating holiday inventions alongside Mr. Kringle’s team of elves. The whimsical, interactive environment lets children become part of the holiday preparations. Children also get to experience a private visit with Mr. Kringle, festive photo opportunities and personalized holiday keepsakes. $21+, Nov. 22 - Dec. 24,  230 W. Huron Road #7294, Cleveland, mrkringle.com

A Motown Christmas at Hanna Theatre
Motown legends will fill the Hanna Theatre for this holiday concert — featuring a mix of both Christmas classics and non-festive songs by The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, and more. The show is a Karamu House production, with direction by Tony F. Sias, musical direction by David M. Thomas and choreography by Errin Weaver. $30-$84, Nov. 28-Dec. 14, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

Spend Some Time With Mr. Jingeling
While Santa is busy checking his list twice, families can visit his trusted helper, Mr. Jingeling, the Keeper of the Keys and Head Elf. Since 1956, Mr. Jingeling has delighted children with his jingling ring of keys, each said to unlock a different door at Santa’s North Pole workshop. Guests can expect stories, songs and plenty of holiday cheer and might even catch a glimpse of Santa himself. Appearances run on select dates from Nov. 22 through Dec. 21 at locations including Tower City Center, Severance Hall and more, mrkringle.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Rocket Arena
What if you took Christmas music classics and threw in over-the-top dances, a laser light show and headbang-worthy rockouts? You get the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a festive rock opera group which has toured through Cleveland for more than 25 years. $84+, Dec. 26, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, trans-siberian.com

Snowshoe at Holden Arboretum
The next time North East Ohio is blanketed in snow, consider a picturesque hike snowshoeing at Holden Arboretum. With beginner-level and more challenging trails, hikers may traverse any snow covered trails and fields. Snowshoe rental rates are based on 2-hours of use and range in kids and adult sizes. $4 - $7 (plus admission), 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org

Cleveland Bazaar Holiday Markets
Get holiday shopping done and see the local independent maker scene come together at these Cleveland Bazaar markets this month. Unique makers will display their creations and food trucks will be on hand if you work up an appetite. Free to attend, Various dates and locations, clevelandbazaar.org  

Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights
Want to find the best Christmas lights? Look no further than the Hoag’s household. Since 1988, this family has been getting more creative each year to make its Christmas display bigger, brighter, and better. The display is a neighborhood and Northeast Ohio favorite that draws large crowds and will amaze you. Just don't burn your retinas out by gazing too long. Drop by on the weekends to see Santa. Nov. 27 - Jan. 1,  Lights run 5:30-10 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30-11 p.m. on weekends, Crown Point Pkwy., Strongsville, facebook.com/groups

The Ohio City Singers
At the end of every year, The Ohio City Singers emerge on local stages. If you’re headed to a show at Music Box (Dec. 6), the Winchester (Dec. 12), Forest City Brewery (Dec. 19-20) or The Treelawn (Dec. 21), break out an ugly sweater or a spiffy holiday accessory and be ready to have some festive fun with longtime fans. “We get people that come up to the shows with young kids that have been coming to our show since they were really little, and that’s their family’s Christmas music,” Allen says. “That’s just the biggest compliment you could get.” Various locations and ticket prices, Dec. 6, Dec. 12, Dec. 19-21, ohiocitysingers.com

Steelers vs Browns at Huntington Bank Field
Cleveland and Pittsburgh: One of the great football rivalries hits Huntington Bank Field for a potentially snowy gameday during the festive week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Expect the Muni Lot to be filled with festive, competitive energy. $73+, Dec. 28, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, clevelandbrowns.com

Holiday Festivities at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
The Lake Metroparks Farmpark will host its popular Country Lights Drive-thru every weekend of December (Dec. 5-7, Dec. 12-14, Dec. 19-21, Dec. 26-28), letting families see the expansive winter wonderland of lights from the warmth of their cars. Visitors should get their drive-thru tickets ($27.50 per car) in advance. Before the drive-thrus begin, the Farmpark will, for the first time, host the Holiday Ice & Lights Festival during the weekend of Nov. 28-30, where families can expect Santa photos, a North Pole train display, cookie decorating and ice carving. Hitch a wagon ride for an adventure through light displays and catch the festive equine show. Local vendors will supply seasonal sips, and the Farmpark gift shop will be stocked with gifts to take home. The festival is free with Farmpark admission. $7-$9. 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com  

Harlem Globetrotters
When you’re not dunking cookies into milk this holiday season, catch the Harlem Globetrotters as they celebrate their 100th anniversary tour. Watch them perform some of the craziest dunks, trick shots and alley-oops you’ll ever see. Basketball isn’t the only thing they bring to the court, so get ready for laughs, stunts and a little magic from this legendary team. $52+, Dec. 28, 3 p.m., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

Disney on Ice: Jump In!
Disney magic is taking over the ice. Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they journey through favorite stories like Frozen, Encanto, Toy Story and Moana 2. With new adventures, dazzling performances and a touch of Stitch’s chaos, Disney On Ice delivers family fun and memories to last a lifetime. $41+, Jan. 14-18, Various Times., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

Browns Games
Winter football will be in short supply when the Browns move to Brook Park. To end this season, Cleveland will have some offensive talent to take down with the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town. Buffalo is being led by a star quarterback, Josh Allen, and Pittsburgh has a legend under center with Aaron Rodgers. Both will have to avoid getting sacked by Myles Garrett. Ticket prices vary, Dec. 21 & Dec. 28, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, clevelandbrowns.com

Cavaliers Games
The Cavs are looking to build off of last year’s historic season, and to do so, they will need their core of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen to show up in these December games. The Cavs will have to face the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors in back-to-back games on Dec. 5 & Dec. 6. They will also face the Bulls, Hornets, Pelicans and Suns at home to close out the month. Ticket prices, dates & times vary, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

Monsters Games
When it comes to hockey in Cleveland, December is the perfect month to take the family to enjoy Downtown Cleveland and watch the Monsters hit the ice. On Dec. 20, against the Laval Rocket, they will have the Teddy Bear Toss. Fans can also enjoy a nostalgia-themed night for the Cleveland Barons on Dec. 29 and then end the month with a Superman Night vs the Toronto Marlies on Dec. 30. Ticket prices, dates & times vary, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

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