Tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation
Slice like a knife through
the thrilling twin chutes at The Chalet, piling as many as four of your closest
(and warmest) friends on a toboggan. Hot beverages and food will be available
at the concession stand. This year reservations are required, so make sure you
call first. And don’t forget to wear fingered gloves! $12-$14, Nov. 25- Feb. 26, noon- 5 p.m., 16200
Valley Parkway, Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com
Sleigh & Carriage Rides
at Ma & Pa’s
Gallop into Geauga County
wilderness with a sleigh or carriage ride. Bring those you love on a
picturesque journey through the crisp air and scented wood. Afterward, relax by
a warm cabin fire while sipping maple coffee and hot chocolate. Ma & Pa’s
can accommodate a family ride or secluded, romantic night for two. $18-$85, Nov. 26-March 1, noon- 8 p.m. Saturdays
& noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 15161 Main Market Road, Burton, 440-548-5521, maandpas.com
North Pole Adventure at
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Until the Polar Express
trudges through Ohio streets on Christmas Eve, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
is your ticket to the North Pole. Warm yourself with hot chocolate and cookies
as you compose a letter to Santa before joining his elves in song and dance. At
the end of the journey, hand deliver your letter to Santa’s postmaster and
maybe even see St. Nick himself! $45-$92,
Nov. 11-22, 25-30 & Dec. 1-21, 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., 7900 Old Rockside
Road, Independence, 330-439-5708, cvsr.org
Holiday Tours at the
Cleveland History Center
From the Slovenian
Kurentovanje festival to the grand department store displays by Higbee’s and
Sterling-Linder-Davis, Cleveland’s history is steeped in holiday tradition,
whether they’re traced to the 20th century or celebrations families brought over from the Old World.
The Cleveland History Center invites you to explore all through the month of
December. $15-$20, Dec. 1-29,
Thursdays 5 p.m.-8 p.m., 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-5722, wrhs.org
A Christmas Carol at
Playhouse Square
As the city gears up for the
holidays, our local stages get festive as well. Head down to Mimi Ohio Theatre
for a timeless classic fit for the entire family. Grab dinner before the show
and remember, don’t be a Scrooge. $35-$80, Nov. 26-Dec. 23, various times, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
Light Displays Around The
Land
If your neighborhood isn’t
particularly well-lit, don’t even worry. There are plenty of beautiful displays
and exhibits around Cleveland to get you feeling the cheer, including Twinkle
in the 216 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Wild Winter Lights at the
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County
Fairgrounds. Most displays run through the month of December. See individual events for info.
Holiday-themed Bar Crawls
A not-so-family-friendly
option, grab some friends of drinking age and head out on the town in your
ugliest Christmas sweaters. The 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl will rip its way
through Cleveland, while events like the Chagrin Falls XMAS Bar Crawl brings
the festivities to the suburbs. See
individual events for details.
Seasonal Local Markets
When snow hits The Land,
there’s no shortage of winter shopping popping up. Head to events like the
Beachland Holiday Flea or the Cleveland Bazaar Holiday market for locally made
artisan gifts. Check out our Greater Cleveland Holiday Market Guide for more. See individual events for info.
Season of Joy at Sawmill
Creek
Sawmill Creek turns into a
wonderland with comedic performances, live music, holiday decorating for you to
enjoy and cocktails for the adults to sip their evenings away, cozy inside the
resort. Don’t miss out before the season is over. Free with booked room, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-31,
various times, 400 Sawmill Creek Drive W, Huron, sawmillcreekresort.com
Get ahead of the weekend by signing up for our free weekly “In the CLE” newsletter — your guide to fun throughout The Land. Arriving in your inbox every Wednesday, this weekend to-do list fills you in on everything from concerts to museum exhibits — and more. Click here to subscribe.
