Posted in Cleveland December 11, 2017 by Nikki Rhoades

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:

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1. A stunning Christmas display in the Chancel of Zion Lutheran Church (circa 1942).

2. A balloon character (which is arguably scarier than it is festive) walking in the Christmas parade in December, 1950.

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)

4. The unforgettable Higbee's Santa in December, 1955.

5. Clevelanders are bundled up as they await the Christmas Parade at East 6th and Euclid (circa 1955).

6. A cozy Christmas at Dunham Tavern in December of 1956.

7. An elephant walks in the Cleveland Press Christmas Parade in November, 1961.

8. Overlooking the decorated balcony at Halle's (1963).

9. Public Square glimmers and gleams before the first snowfall in November, 1963.

10. A dreamy December at Erieview Plaza (1965).

11. Holiday shopping on Euclid Avenue (circa 1967).

12. The hectic May Co. sales following the holiday season. (December, 1967)

13. The spectacular 50-foot-tall Higbee's tree in Terminal Tower (circa 1968).

14. Cleveland State University decorated as a Christmas Tree (December, 1972).

15. The (somewhat creepy) Christmas display at Halle's (circa 1977).

16. Holiday lights line Superior Avenue in November of 1980.

17. Higbee's festive holiday window display (circa 1980).

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.