A Christmas Carol at Mimi Ohio Theatre
If you have never heard of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, you’re either living under a snowbank or before 1843. While considered as a story about generosity during the holidays, human redemption is painted with a broader stroke. Scrooge’s compliance with a corrupt system in which selfishness is an engine drives the story’s theme into a realm of timelessness for all ages. $30-$80, Nov. 26- Dec. 23, various times, 1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, greatlakestheater.org
A Garden Holiday at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Cleveland Botanical Garden has decked its halls for holiday glory. While visitors can immerse themselves in a cheerful spectacle of poinsettias, gingerbread houses and conifer trees, special events will be taking place throughout the season, including a Kids Dance Party with DJ Kris Koch on Nov. 26, Krampusnacht Dec. 4 and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19. $16-$40, Nov. 20-Jan. 3, various times, 11030 E. Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, holdenfg.org
Cleveland Turkey Trot at Downtown Cleveland
One can think of this race in two ways: as a run to earn the great food you’ll be gorging later or donning a turkey costume to reenact a bird’s Thanksgiving dinner escape. For 40 years, this tradition in Cleveland has brought runners together, not unlike the holiday brings together families. Check out other November races in the area here. $40, Nov. 25, 8:45 a.m., 500 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland, 216-623-9933, turkeytrotcleveland.com
Downtown Cleveland Alliance’s 2021 Winterfest and Holiday Tree Lighting at Downtown Cleveland
This Saturday will see to the official beginnings of Christmas in Cleveland. Around 7 p.m., Public Square’s tree will be illuminated, signaling to Santa that Northeast Ohio is ready to believe. Winter activities will be occurring throughout the holidays as part of this celebration in downtown though, so be sure to keep your Saturdays open. Activities on Nov. 27 begin at 4 p.m. Free, Nov. 27-Feb. 27, various times, 3 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-736-7799, downtowncleveland.com
Festive Family Day at Gordon EverGreen Tree Farm
Drop in Gordon Square for some holiday magic with family and friends this Sunday. Local vendors will ensure shopping opportunities for the perfect gift. Warm your hands on a hot cup of cocoa and reside by a firepit. Real, live (magic?) reindeer will be on the scene, too. Free, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., 5400 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, gordongreenevents.com
Fresh Williamsburg Wreath Workshop at Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
In a fix, anyone can run in Joann Fabrics & Crafts for a holiday wreath to impress their in-laws, but there’s always a sense of pride when you make something yourself. Imagine describing the process of weaving fresh boxwood and using dried oranges, juniper, eucalyptus and of course, pinecones. Not only will the decoration look beautiful, but maybe it will distract family members from the dinner being slightly overcooked. $35-$40, Nov. 27, Dec. 4-5 & 11, 10 a.m.-noon & 2 p.m.- 4 p.m., 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, 330-829-7050, beechcreekgardens.org
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas at the Hanna Theatre
Jim Brickman will remind his audience of all that Christmas can be. While sweet melodies from his original songs, “Sending You A Little Christmas” and “Angel Eyes” rippling from his piano may conjure images of sparkling Christmas trees and crackling fireplaces, it’s the people with you that matter and make the spirits bright. $50-$75, Nov. 26-28, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation
Here’s a challenge: after putting on those Thanksgiving pounds, pile the reunited family on a toboggan and see how fast you can go. Cleveland Metroparks’ 700-foot refrigerated chutes begin operation the day after the holiday, so if you’re not much for the flurry of Black Friday shopping, this one’s for you—just make sure you’re bundled up and register before you go. $11-$13, Nov. 26-March 6, noon-5 p.m., 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, 440-572-9990, clevelandmetroparks.com
Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
See Christmas through the eyes of a child again, with a walk (or drive) through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Constructed with more than a million lights, walk-throughs include almost everything there is to love about the holiday season, including model trains, costumed characters, ice carvings, music and, through Dec. 23, the man in the red suit himself. $18-$60, Nov. 16-Jan. 2, various times, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo