Candy Land at the Metroparks
Experience the magic of Candy Land with a natural twist as it comes to life in this fun, indoor holiday tradition. Explore Ohio’s wild habitats through vibrant exhibits, themed crafts, and scavenger hunts. Shop nature-themed gifts at The Nature Store and warm up with hot chocolate in Snowshoe Lodge. Snowshoe rentals are available, weather permitting, for even more outdoor fun! Free, Nov. 23 - Jan 1, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
(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. $30 - $131, Dec. 13-15 and 19-22, Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandballet.org
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
The 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. With the participation of The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus, The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble, and the Wooster Chorus, experience the holiday season through song. Tickets $54+, 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 with stunning ice arches, sparkling light displays, and interactive winter-themed rooms. Family-friendly activities include marshmallow roasting, an icicle xylophone, a gingerbread house competition, and special performances by local musicians. Visitors can explore newly expanded outdoor lighting trails, as well as unique glasshouse displays featuring biomes like the Spiny Desert of Madagascar and Costa Rica Cloud Forest. Highlights include Krampusnacht on Dec. 7 and Storytime with Santa on select Sundays. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $5 - $26, Nov. 23 - Jan. 5, 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 even book an overnight stay. Perfect for a nostalgic holiday experience. $20, 3159 W 11th St., Cleveland, housefromachristmasstory.com
(Courtesy Downtown Cleveland Inc.)
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 30 - 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 Rd., 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 Rd., Mansfield, snowtrails.com/
(Emily Metzger)
The Rink at Wade Oval
Enjoy outdoor ice skating at The Rink at Wade Oval, located in the heart of University Circle. This scenic rink is known for being family-friendly and affordable, with low admission and rental fees, making it accessible for everyone. The rink additionally offers special events like Skate with Santa and a cozy warming tent with concessions offering hot chocolate and snacks. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, it's the perfect winter destination for fun and festivities surrounded by Cleveland’s cultural landmarks. Prices vary, November - March, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, universitycircle.org/
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. 29 - late February,16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, clevelandmetroparks.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-$89, Nov. 23 - Dec. 22, 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. $23.95-29.95, 260 S. Court St., Medina, castlenoel.com
(Courtesy Stan Hywet Hall)
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. $9 - $24, 3-8 p.m., Various dates Nov. 29 through Dec. 30, 714 North Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org
Magic of Lights in Middleburg Heights
Experience a dazzling holiday light experience from the comfort of your own vehicle at Magic of Lights in Middleburg Heights. Featuring thousands of LED bulbs, this holiday tradition winds through Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds depicting familiar holiday scenes and characters. Priced per carload Magic of Lights is perfect for groups. At the Jolly Holiday Village guests can exit their cars for photos with Santa Claus, ice skating, hot chocolate and more! $17.50-$80, Nov. 27-Jan. 1, 19201 Bagley Dr., Middleburg Heights, magicoflights.com
Holiday Tea at the Ritz Carlton
A timeless tradition, Holiday Tea at the Ritz-Carlton is an intimate tea party with a festive flare. The Radiant Room at the Ritz is elaborately decorated for the holiday season. Pick from a selection of seasonal teas, petite sandwiches and towering trays of holiday pastries and fresh baked scones. Held only one weekend in December, tickets are one sale now for this exclusive event. $65-$125, Dec. 27-29, 1515 W 3rd St., Cleveland, www.ritzcarlton.com
Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It's Christmas Tour at Rocket Mortgage Field House
The Grammy Award winning acapella group Pentatonix returns to Cleveland for their “Hallelujah: It’s Christmas Tour”. Singing holiday classics from their extensive repertoire, the performance at Rocket Mortgage Field House is one you won’t want to miss. $30-$240, Dec. 8, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
(Courtesy Kringle's Inventionasium Experience)
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. $35+, Nov. 23 - Dec. 24, 230 W Huron Rd. #7294, Cleveland, mrkringle.com/
Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Take an evening stroll around Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as it’s illuminated by 1.5 million lights during Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC. This zoo tradition features holiday themed areas like the Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake and Candy Lane. Guests can meet and take photos with Santa Claus at Santa’s North Pole Lodge and enjoy a light show highlighting a 50-foot tree. Additionally, guests can receive a Golden Ticket when they purchase a ride around Waterfowl Lake on the Cleveland Metroparks Railroad. $24 - $73, Nov. 14 - Dec. 30, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com
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 FowlesFowels Roads. Free, Various locations, clevelandmetroparks.com
Spend some time with Mr. Jingeling
While Santa is busy making his list and checking it twice, parents can take their children to meet Santa’s main assistant, Mr. Jingeling, to confirm that their Christmas list has been submitted. They may also luck out and see Santa. Since 1956, when kids visit Mr. Jingeling, they can expect a warm smile and the sound of his giant ring of jingling keys. As the tales go, these keys unlock all of Santa’s doors at his headquarters in the North Pool, including his elf’s workshop that holds all of the toys. Various dates & times from Nov. 22 - Dec. 23. Locations include Tower City Center, Severance Hall, and more, mrkingling.com
(Courtesy Cuyahoga Valley Railroad)
North Pole Adventure on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for this holiday experience. Like a scene out of the Polar Express, riders depart from Rockside Station and enjoy the views of Cuyahoga Valley National Park while sipping on hot chocolate. Kids get to write a letter to Santa and deliver it directly to his mailbox, and even catch a glimpse of the man himself. $50-$97, Nov. 8-Dec. 21, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, cvsr.org
Trans Siberian Orchestra
The multi-platinum Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Rocket Mortgage Field House for its 20th-anniversary tour: “The Lost Christmas Eve”. This electric orchestra has become a holiday tradition for their modern remakes of classic carols and annual arena tours. In coordination with their anniversary, the band will surpass $20 million in charitable donations this year. Experience the return of “The Lost Christmas Eve” as it's performed for the first time since 2013. $49.99 - $350, Dec. 27, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.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. $3 - $6 (plus admission), 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, holdenfg.org
Scuba Claus at CLEAquarium
Sharks, jellyfish and stingrays also want Christmas presents, so Santa and his elves are putting on scuba gear and getting under the water. Kids will be able to see their favorite fish, share their Christmas list, and get their photos taken with Santa. Kids also get an “I saw Scuba Claus” pin or sticker and an I-Spy activity. $18.95+, Dec. 13-15 & 20-22, 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
(Courtesy Cleveland Bazaar)
Cleveland Bazaar Artisan Market Pop-up
Check out Cleveland Bazaar to meet some talented people who are selling amazing, homemade, and unique items that will surely make great gifts and stocking stuffers for family and friends this holiday season. Head to Lake Affect Studios on Dec. 7 for their east-side holiday event. The event you need to keep your eye out for is the Cleveland Bazaar 20th anniversary at 78th Street Studios on Dec.14-15, which will feature 125+ Bazaar artists, as well as resident art studios. Times Vary, Lake Affect Studios - 1615 E 25th St, Cleveland & 78th Street Studios - 1300 W. 78th Street, Cleveland, Cleveland Bazaar Events
Crocker Park Ice Festival
Live heart-warming music, 20+ ice sculptures to take photos with, shopping, and dining with winter vibes all at Crocker Park. What more could you want? Grab some Cleveland Gear at the Cleveland Clothing Co., a new book or two at Barnes & Noble or a Lego set for your kids at the Lego store, plus many more shops to choose from. Jan 24-26, Times vary, 177 Market St, Westlake, crockerpark.com
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. 28 - Dec. 31, Lights run 5:30-10 p.m. on weekdays and 5:30-11 p.m. on weekends, Crown Point Pkwy., Strongsville, facebook.com/groups/
Westside Market’s Home for the Holidays Celebration
Finish up your holiday grocery shopping here. You can grab the finest ingredients to make your delicious holiday meals and treats. Enjoy live Christmas music as you cruise the aisles of the historic Westside Market, and make sure to bring your kids so they can see Santa and pick up a sweet treat. Dec. 21, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 1979 West 25th Street, Cleveland, westsidemarket.org
Harlem Globetrotters
When you are not dunking your cookies into milk this holiday season, go watch the Globetrotters perform some of the craziest and most exciting dunks and alley-oops you will ever see. Basketball isn't the only thing Globetrotters bring to the court. Get ready to see some magic and have some laughs. $30+, Dec. 29, 3 p.m., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance!
If Cleveland feels frozen over, it's because the characters of Frozen are in town taking the ice. Go watch them and your other Disney favorites, like Moana, The Little Mermaid, Micky Mouse, and more, as they skate and remix your favorite Disney songs into a beautiful performance that your kids will remember forever. $25+, Jan. 15-19, Various Times., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Browns Games
No matter the record or who is taking snaps under-center, this city loves football. With that, the only game to look forward to is when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town on Dec. 15. Clevelanders can watch Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce and two-time NFL MVP and three-time Superbowl Champion Patrick Mahomes take the field. Who knows, maybe Taylor Swift will also be in attendance. Ticket Prices Vary, Dec. 15, 1 PM, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland clevelandbrowns.com
(Erik Drost via Flickr)
Cavaliers Games
With playoff hopes entering the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have some must-watch matchups early in the year. In December, the NBA reigning champions Boston Celtics, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, and Giannis Anteokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks come to town. Oklahoma Thunder and Phoenix Suns will make their only regular-season trip to Cleveland this January. With February being loaded, the Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Memphis Grizzlies matchup against the Cavs. The game to watch that month is when Kyrie Irving comes back to Cleveland with the Dallas Mavericks and Slovenian Star Luka Doncic. Ticket Prices, Dates, & Times Vary, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Monsters Games
When three-pointers aren't being hit deep in the Rock, pucks will be flying across the ice when the Cleveland Monsters play. Enjoy a hockey game and enjoy these awesome game day promotions. Fossil Faceoff, presented by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, is on Dec. 14, and the Monsters Scarf giveaway is on Dec. 28 for the first 5,000 fans. WMMS The Bzzard T-Shirt giveaway is on Jan. 11 for the first 10,000 fans. With Lumberjacks weekend on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Ticket Prices & Times Vary, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.