Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Bundle up for the evening and enjoy hundreds of lighting displays across a variety of holiday-themed areas, including a dynamic light show featuring a massive 50-foot tree. Drive-through and walk-through nights are available. The walk-through event features dazzling walk-through displays, carousel rides, costume characters, model train displays, ice carvers and live music from festive choirs. Guests can also take photos with Santa at his workshop during the walk-through event until December 23. $18-$60, Nov. 16 - Jan. 2, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m., check website for available dates and times and advance ticket purchase, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com
Visit A Christmas Story House & Museum
Relive this holiday movie classic in Ralphie’s original house which includes props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Some of the things you’ll see are toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop across the street to buy your very own Major Award Leg Lamp and other movie memorabilia. The Christmas Story House offers public tours and overnight stays. $11-$15, visit website for overnight stay information, Sun. – Th. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Dec. 24 & Dec. 31 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1, 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216-298-4919, achristmasstoryhouse.com
Ice Skating
Nothing says winter break like ice skating at an outdoor rink. And Clevelanders have quite a few options. There is the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink at Public Square, The Rink at Wade Oval in University Circle and a new rink at Merwin’s Wharf. Crocker Park in Westlake and Halloran Park just west of downtown also have seasonal outdoor rinks. Prices range from $5-$15, check websites for dates, times and locations, clevelandpublicsquare.com, universitycircle.org, clevelandmetroparks.com, crockerpark.com, clevelandohio.gov
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
This 70-acre estate, including five buildings and 10 fully restored gardens, offers the ideal family holiday outing. First, tour the Manor House, featuring 25 decorated trees as well as 21 staged scenes from classic and favorite Christmas movies located throughout the historic mansion. Outside, the gardens and grounds are amazingly covered in one million holiday lights, the perfect setting for a brisk winter stroll. You will know you are nearing the end of your walk when you start to smell freshly baked gingerbread wafting from the Gingerbread Hut. Other post-tour snack options include a hot cookie, hot cocoa or a hot pretzel from the Salty Reindeer. Dress for the weather and plan on a 60-minute outdoor walking experience. $7-$22 (tickets are presale only), select nights through Dec. 30, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org
Stroll Downtown Chagrin Falls
You will feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie as you walk through the Main Street area of this charming little town. The lights, the festive decorations and window displays of local businesses all add to the ambiance during the holiday season. Riverside Park, located in the center of it all next to the falls, hosts more than a dozen imported trees theme-decorated by local businesses. When it’s time to warm up, head into Heartwood Coffee Roasters for hot chocolate made from fresh, local ingredients complimented by a treat of your choice from their selection of freshly made cookies, pastries and baked goods. Bonus: You can admire the town’s prized, giant Christmas tree they ceremoniously light every year on the day after Thanksgiving from Heartwood’s window. Mon. – Sat. 6 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., 20 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, 440-337-0089, heartwoodroastery.com
A Garden Holiday at Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Surround yourself in all of the beauty of this popular tradition, including dozens of trees decorated by affiliate garden clubs from Northeast Ohio, amazing candy-coated gingerbread houses assembled by local bakers, a stunning 16-foot holiday tree with handcrafted decorations by a local artisan and countless holiday plants from evergreen conifers to poinsettias in shades of white, pink and red. Children (and the young at heart) will enjoy special play areas both indoors and out, complete with light displays, a slide, seasonal crafts, hot cocoa storytime, marshmallow roasting, games, and more. $12-$16, free for members, Nov. 20 - Jan. 2, Tue. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. noon - 5 p.m., closed Mondays except Dec. 20 & 27 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Christmas and New Year’s day, 11030 E. Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, holdenfg.org
Snowshoeing in the Cleveland Metroparks
When the flakes start to fall, snowshoeing is a great way to get out and explore the Cleveland Metroparks. But don’t worry, you don’t have to own snowshoes. There are plenty of places to rent them and even more places to put them to use. However, you will need at least a four-inch base of snow. Call for pricing, locations and availability, clevelandmetroparks.com
See the Lights
Whether you’ve had a busy day or you are just looking for a way to get stir-crazy kids out of the house, going to see holiday lights is a fun and entertaining way to end the day. The displays at Public Square, the Arcade and NELA Park are all free to walk through and enjoy. A good drive-through option is the Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. $21-$35 per vehicle for drive-through, now – January, clevelandpublicsquare.com, theclevelandarcade.com, magicoflights.com
Scuba Claus Meet & Greet Days at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
This is sure to be your most memorable visit with Santa. Guests can explore the Aquarium and complete an animal seek-and-find activity before spending a few minutes chatting with “Scuba Claus” while he’s immersed in 230,000 gallons of saltwater along with sharks, eels, angelfish and puffers. You can discuss holiday cookie preferences, ask your diving questions or just wish him a merry “fish-mas.” Guests receive a complimentary digital photo with Scuba Claus, a commemorative “I Saw Scuba Claus” sticker, a coloring sheet and a temporary tattoo. Advance tickets are required. $5-$24.95, Dec. 18-19, Dec. 20-22, various times, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Winter RiverFest
Rivergate Park and Merwin's Wharf have transformed once again for the holiday season into a winter wonderland full of festive décor, an ice-skating rink, appearances by Santa (Fridays-Sundays), retail shops and an igloo-dining village along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats. Igloo and skating reservations are suggested and available online. Free admission; ice skating $8-$15; igloo rental $50 for 2 hours plus food and drink minimum, Nov. 26-Jan. 2, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, (216) 664-5696, clevelandmetroparks.com
Explore the Iconic Westside Market
Treat your children to a culturally-diverse shopping experience at Cleveland’s oldest, continuously operating public market. Home to over 100 vendors, it offers everything from sweet treats, ready-to-eat foods, hand-crafted coffees, meats, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fresh flowers, spices and more. Don’t forget to try something new and bring some goodies home to enjoy with your holiday meals! Free admission, Mon., Wed., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., special holiday hours: Dec. 23, 30 & 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Dec. 24, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m, 1979 West 25th St., Cleveland, 216-664-3390, westsidemarket.org
Elf the Musical at Beck Center for the Arts
This hilarious, beloved holiday comedy about Buddy the Elf and his quest to find his true identity in New York City during the holiday season promises an afternoon or evening of fun and laughter for the whole family (maple syrup not included). $12-$34, Dec. 3-Jan. 2, various days and times, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, (216) 521-2540, beckcenter.org
