9 Ways To Celebrate The Holiday Season In Cleveland Without Spending A Dime
The holiday season is all about merrymaking and memories, not gift-giving. We do, however, hustle hard for the opportunity to give presents to our loved ones, which can make winter is a season of budgeting. Clevelanders are fortunate, as our landscape hides many incredible attractions and holiday festivities that are totally free, allowing you to spend time with those you love most without breaking the bank during the holidays.
(For a festive event that is totally worth making room in your budget for, check out Northeast Ohio’s very first guided holiday lights tour! You can find details and ticket information here.)
1. Enjoy a festive Holiday Tree Festival to support the Akron Children's Hospital.
Akron isn't that far from home, and this festive event benefits research into an area that truly hits close to home. Now in its 37th year, the Holiday Tree Festival displays more than 200 enchanting trees, 85,000 strings of lights, and countless ornaments. This event is free to visit and will be hosted at the John S. Knight Center through November 25. If you adore the decor, they'll be selling these lovely displays to help fund research at the Akron Children's Hospital.
2. Attend the beloved City of Bedford Tree Lighting Ceremony.
On November 21 at 6 p.m., the charming City of Bedford becomes nothing short of a winter wonderland. The annual tree lighting ceremony is cherished by locals and visitors alike, and everyone loves seeing Santa escorted in on a firetruck by the Bedford Firefighters Local 1683. Donuts from Go Nuts Donuts will be served, making this one sweet experience.
3. You certainly won't want to miss the Middleburg Heights Community Tree Lighting.
There's nothing quite like holiday festivities on a Friday night. This fun-packed night includes the ceremony, a visit from Santa, and all sorts of performances that will leave you dazzled. Mark your calendar for November 23 from 5 to 9 p.m., because you will want to swing by the Middleburg Heights Community Center.
4. Enjoy a visit with Santa's reindeer at Winterfest.
Bain Park Cabin is wonderful in the wintertime, and that may be why Santa and his reindeer love to stop by each year! At Winterfest, you'll enjoy food trucks, entertainment, and seasonal fun galore. The event takes place on November 23. Be sure to swing by between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
5. Fill up on that warm fuzzy feeling at Downtown Cleveland's Winterfest.
Locals love Winterfest, and it's not hard to see why, This giant celebration of seasonal splendor takes place on November 24 from 1 to 7 p.m. You'll find winter fun all across Cleveland's landscape, with locals continually raving about the sleigh rides, ice skating, fireworks, and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself.
6. Drive around to admire quaint neighborhoods at Christmastime.
Many lovely neighborhoods light up brilliantly, basking in the glow of pleasant holiday lights and festive inflatables. There are many homes in the area famous for their extravagant light displays, and even the simplest strand of white lights can add a special glow to your season.
7. Visit Crocker Park for a chance to swing by Toy Train Town.
Toy Train Town will take you back to the nostalgia of your childhood. This charming little village is assembled and customized by the Northern Ohio Garden Railway Society, and it is made particularly charming with the addition of handmade gingerbread houses. This festive display will be up through December 28, so be sure to arrange a visit.
8. You haven't experienced the true cuteness of this season until you've celebrated Christmas in the Alpaca Barn.
Alpacas are adorable, and you can get up close and personal with these incredible little creatures at this free festivity. This event takes places on November 24 and December 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Our Little World Alpacas LLC.
9. There's nothing quite like an Old-Fashioned Holiday at the Carriage Barn.
Lorain County Metro Parks' Vermilion River Reservation is lovely, and this event will take you back in time and add a bit of magic to the landscape. You'll love the reenactments of pioneer holiday traditions, and donation-based horse-drawn carriage rides make this event truly memorable. Are you ready to travel back in time? Mark your calendar for December 1 and 2, and plan to visit Saturday between 3 and 8 p.m. or Sunday between 2 and 6 p.m.
There’s so much to do in Northeast Ohio, particularly when the most wonderful time of the year arrives. Which of these activities are you most excited to experience? Are there other holiday traditions that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
If these free festivities tickled your fancy, you will most definitely adore these magical places.
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
