Posted in Cleveland December 11, 2017 by

17 Nostalgic Photos Of Downtown Cleveland At Christmastime

For those of us that grew up in Cleveland, the holiday season is an especially magical time. Each year is different in many ways, but that same sense of seasonal magic and holiday cheer never ceases to return. Somehow, despite the differing decorations and ever-evolving shopping options, holidays are still incredibly nostalgic. Nowhere, aside from your childhood home, compares to Downtown Cleveland’s holiday traditions of eras past. Do you remember all the holiday splendor, the warmly glowing lights, and gigantic Christmas trees? Get ready for a walk down memory lane, because these pictures are bound to bring back a few happy moments:

1. A stunning Christmas display in the Chancel of Zion Lutheran Church (circa 1942).
James Meli / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
2. A balloon character (which is arguably scarier than it is festive) walking in the Christmas parade in December, 1950.
Cleveland Press Collection / Cleveland Memory Project
3. The incredible Sterling-Linder-Davis tree, covered in 1,000 yards of silver tinsel, 60 pounds of tinfoil icicles, and 2,500 ornaments! (circa 1952)
Clayton Knipper / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
4. The unforgettable Higbee's Santa in December, 1955.
Bob Tomsic / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
5. Clevelanders are bundled up as they await the Christmas Parade at East 6th and Euclid (circa 1955).
Byron Filkins / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
6. A cozy Christmas at Dunham Tavern in December of 1956.
Herman Seid / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
7. An elephant walks in the Cleveland Press Christmas Parade in November, 1961.
Frank Aleksandrowicz / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
8. Overlooking the decorated balcony at Halle's (1963).
Bill Nehez / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
9. Public Square glimmers and gleams before the first snowfall in November, 1963.
Paul Tepley / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
10. A dreamy December at Erieview Plaza (1965).
Cleveland Press Collection/Cleveland Memory Project
11. Holiday shopping on Euclid Avenue (circa 1967).
Frank Reed / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
12. The hectic May Co. sales following the holiday season. (December, 1967)
Tony Tomsic / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
13. The spectacular 50-foot-tall Higbee's tree in Terminal Tower (circa 1968).
Herman Seid / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
14. Cleveland State University decorated as a Christmas Tree (December, 1972).
Cleveland State University / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
15. The (somewhat creepy) Christmas display at Halle's (circa 1977).
Cleveland Press Collection/Cleveland Memory Project
16. Holiday lights line Superior Avenue in November of 1980.
Paul Toppelstein / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project
17. Higbee's festive holiday window display (circa 1980).
Larry Nighswander / Cleveland Press Collection-Cleveland Memory Project

There is no place lovelier than the Cleveland, and there is no better time to experience it than during the holiday season. What part of Cleveland do you find most nostalgic? Let us know in the comments!

For more holiday traditions, check out these 10 incredible winter destinations.