10 Minutes to Midnight: 9 Quirky Plays for the Holidays at Cleveland Public Theatre
Assuring a concoction of hilarity, humanity, communion, loneliness, hope and disaster, Cleveland Public Theatre’s latest collection of work probably sums itself up with the word “quirky.” The variety show turned cabaret turned play festival is a way to celebrate all that can happen — or what we hope will happen — during the holidays. Be advised, this show includes language, violence and drug use. Pay as you can, Dec. 2-18, Wed.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. & Sun. 3 p.m., 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-2727, cptonline.org
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Utah Jazz at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Even if you’re still sluggish after Thanksgiving leftovers, the Cleveland Cavaliers are ready to go Sunday, as they face off the Utah Jazz. Settle in for an afternoon of basketball for an evening with the family — whether at the game or watching from the comfort of your couch. $24-$397, Dec. 5, 3:30 p.m., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Funny Bus Holiday Lights Tours at Cleveland
They say the holidays are about family, but sometimes you need an adults-only break from the stress of wrapping gifts and basting turkeys. Cleveland’s Funny Bus has you covered. Climb aboard to see the holiday lights of our historic city, while gleaning a fresh, comedic perspective. $28, Nov. 26- Dec. 23, various times, 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-404-7786, funnybus.net
Holiday CircleFest at Wade Oval
Cut across fresh ice on The Rink or watch ice carvers cut their own creations. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage, see Santa and peruse an outdoor Holiday Market. All this is happening at Wade Oval this Sunday, with plenty more seasonal festivities around the neighborhood that incarnate the holiday spirit. Be advised, tickets must be reserved for The Rink and parking rates may range from $8-$10. Free, Dec. 5, noon-7 p.m., 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-707-4640, universitycircle.org
Holiday Lantern Tours 2021 at Hale Farm & Village
Some traditions are imbedded in the blizzard banks of myth. Hale Farm & Village invites visitors to shovel some snow off these stories, as they take a tour back in time and discover the holiday’s transformation through the 19th century. These tours are available during weekends and the days leading up to Christmas Eve. A delicious treat is promised at the end. $15-$20, Dec. 4-23, 5:20 p.m.–9 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org
Holiday Market on the Farm at Hale Farm & Village
Why go for the mainstream Christmas lists when you can get your Michigan and Pittsburgh friends something local and all-Ohio? Hale Farm & Village’s The MarketPlace will be open this Friday to offer its handmade goods, along with other local makers and artisans at the Gatehouse for a true Buckeye shopping excursion. Free, Dec. 3, 4 p.m.- 8 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity at Karamu House
From the York Theatre to President Kennedy’s International Jazz Festival, to an enthusiastic reception at Spoleto, Italy’s Festival of Two Worlds, Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity continues to circle stages across the country and Cleveland — where the prominent poet previously lived— is no exception. With one step in the direction of blues, the other in gospel, the play is sure to course electricity through one’s soul. $20-$45, Dec. 2- Dec. 24, various times, 2355 East 89th St., Cleveland, 216-795-7070, karamuhouse.org
Light Up Lakewood 2021 at Downtown Lakewood
Warm hands against a cup of cocoa amid twinkling lights and the bright voices of carolers may sound like something out of a Christmas movie, but LakewoodAlive is determined to bring this early holiday gift to you. Complete with a holiday parade, beer garden, Santa, lighting ceremony and fireworks, there’s few better ways to kick off the most wonderful time of the year. Free, Dec. 4, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., 14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-0655, lakewoodalive.org
Michael Stanley: A Celebration with The Resonators & Jonah Koslen at MGM Northfield Park’s Center Stage
Staggering response from Michael Stanley fans has proven 50 years’ worth of musical talent cannot be covered in two nights, but at least three. This third and final concert added in late October features members from The Resonators along with Jonah Koslen. Not only does it celebrate the accomplishments of Michael Stanley, but a portion of every ticket sold goes to The Cleveland Foundation’s 10,000 Watts of Holy Light Fund. $35-$109, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7625, michaelstanley.com
The Great Divorce at Playhouse Square
One would think choosing between heaven and hell would be a no-brainer, but it proves not so in C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce. Discover what took Dante three canticles over valleys and mountains in an 85-minute metaphorical bus ride with Lewis. $49-$99, Dec. 4, 4 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org