Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall
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.$7+, 3-8 p.m., Various dates through Dec. 30, 714 North Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org
(Courtesy Stan Hywet)
Frost at Cleveland Botanical Garden
A reworking of previous years’ Glow and Twinkle in the 216, Frost features special horticultural displays celebrating Cleveland’s historical and cultural landmarks, plus outdoor light displays and, of course, gingerbread houses. Also returning this year is Breakfast With Santa and the monster-filled Krampus Night. $7+, Various times, Through Dec. 31, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, holdenfg.org
(Courtesy Susan Bestul Photography)
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. Artistic director Gladisa Guadalupe, has created a distinctly Cleveland version of the familiar story that has a twist, making it a must-see performance. $28-$131, Dec. 14-17 and 21-23, Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandballet.org
(Courtesy Cleveland Orchestra)
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
From Dec. 13-23, Severance Music Center will again host the holiday sounds of the Cleveland Orchestra, with a variety of contemporary and traditional songs, and some special guests.Tickets $49+, Various times, Dec. 13-23, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
(Courtesy TRG Multimedia)
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. $35-$80, Nov. 24-Dec. 23, Mimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, greatlakestheater.org
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Experience the enchanting magic of the holiday season with the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Join them for a single, unforgettable day as this exceptionally talented group invites you to embark on a whimsical and breathtaking journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Eve. Let the captivating melodies and mesmerizing performances of TSO transport you to a world of wonder and joy, igniting your Christmas spirit like never before. Don’t miss this iconic musical celebration – it’s a holiday experience you’ll treasure forever. $39+, Dec. 22,, 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 1 Center Court, Cleveland. rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at Great Lakes Theater
In one of Agatha Christie’s most famed stories, detective Hercule Poirot is stranded with passengers of the Orient Express on a snowy track as he fights time to find out who killed a passenger before the murderer strikes again. Great Lakes Theater’s stage adaptation will have audience members invested in the winding road of Poirot’s journey. $15-$89, Feb. 9-March 3, 2024, Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square, 2607 Fourth St., Cleveland, greatlakestheater.org
(Courtesy Mr. Kringle's Inventionasium)
Mr. Kringle’s Inventionasium
After a two-year layoff due to COVID-19, the Inventionasium returns to Tower City.
The immersive, theatrical, STEM-accredited educational event allows kids to design and build a toy. Expect a few surprises, too. $34+, Various times, through Dec. 24, Tower City, 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, mrkringle.com/kringles-inventionasium
Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios
Every third Friday of the month, 78th Street Studios opens more than 50 studios inside the building at the same time in order to present a variety of visual exhibits, music, food and pop-up vendors. Boasting four floors of architecture, displays and 60-plus businesses, Third Fridays offer a unique experience for visitors to shop, appreciate and interact with local artists. Also, don’t miss Cleveland Bazaar’s ultimate gift shopping experience taking place on Dec. 9-10 at the building, bringing holiday vendors and plenty of festive cheer. Free, Every third Friday of the month, Oct. 20-April 18, 5-9 p.m., 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com
Cavaliers Games
Cleveland’s favorite basketball team has games throughout the winter, giving fans an excuse to hide inside, away from the cold reality of Northeast Ohio winters. Take a trip to watch them in one of their many home matchups at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. $33+, Dec. 21-Mar. 11, 2024, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, nba.com/cavaliers/tickets
Jim Brickman in concert
A Shaker Heights native, Brickman is a regular on the adult contemporary chart. The Grammy-nominated singer and pianist has worked with a variety of well known gospel and country artists. His A Joyful Christmas tour arrives at Playhouse Square for three shows with Chrissy Mentz this season. $50+, 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 16 and 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St, Cleveland, jimbrickman.com
(Courtesy Erik Drost via Flickr)
Browns Games
The Browns face three opponents at home in December. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and New York Jets. The last game is a Thursday night matchup against the Jets on Dec. 28 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Here’s to hoping that this game is warmer than when they played the New Orleans Saints last December in the coldest regular-season home game in Browns history, with a kickoff temperature of only 6 degrees. $41-$356+, Dec, 10, 1 p.m., Jaguars; Dec. 17, 1 p.m., Bears; Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m., Jets; Cleveland Browns Stadium, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, clevelandbrowns.com/tickets
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