Winterfest: Everything You Need To Know About Downtown Cleveland's Holiday Kickoff

On Nov. 27, Winterfest will transform downtown Cleveland into a festive mix of twinkling lights and fun winter activities. The ceremony kicks off at 4 p.m. on Nov. 27 with the lighting of the 52-foot-tree in Public Square, a ceremony that ends with a brilliant display of fireworks.

“Winterfest is for everyone,” says Heather Holmes, the Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s executive vice president for downtown experience and chief marketing officer. “It’s common to see three generations of families gather just to watch the tree-lighting ceremony.”

This year’s festival will also feature carriage rides, food trucks, fire pits and ice skating in Public Square. “It’s truly a Cleveland tradition that everyone looks forward to,” says Holmes.