8 Winter Festivals In Cleveland That Are Simply Unforgettable
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 18, 2018
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
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.
Here in Northeast Ohio, winter may slow us down, but it certainly doesn’t stop us. The season may be filled with fewer festivals than in the summer and fall, but it has its own share of festivities that are not to be missed. The best wintertime festivals are in and around Cleveland, and they’re too close to home to pass up. Prepare for a festive and fun season, because these epic events will have you up to your elf ears in merrymaking.
(Don’t miss Northeast Ohio’s very first guided holiday lights tour. Tickets can be found here!)
This epic annual event is full of festivities you won't want to miss. From Public Square to Playhouse Square, our lovely city will be full of the coolest features of winter. Ice skating, music, cookies and cocoa, carriage rides, shopping, and encounters with Santa are just a few of the events being offered. For a full list of events in this day-long celebration, click here.
2. Home for the Holidays (November 30 - January 4)
Over 70 wondrous trees will greet you as you arrive at the Home for the Holidays event at the lovely Lake County History, bringing the festive feelings of an old-fashioned holiday to life. This winter wonderland is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 30 through December 2 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 3 through January 4. Admission is $12 on its opening weekend and $10 throughout the rest of its run. The event's Mistletoe Marketplace is the perfect place for stocking stuffers!
Beginning at 6 p.m. in Triangle Park, this cheerful celebration is sure to delight kids and grown-ups alike. A tree lighting ceremony will be followed by visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice sculpting, carriage rides, games, music, and so much more.
From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., the lovely community of Lakewood is transformed by a selection of merry activities. Ice carving, shopping, games, fireworks, and, of course, a parade and lighting ceremony make this evening memorable. This event is free, but be sure to bring some extra cash for the food trucks.
This charming historic village will bring to life an old-fashioned holiday right before your eyes. Led by the glow of a lantern, these indoor/outdoor tours will show you how locals likely celebrated the holiday season in the 1800s. Reservations are required for this event, so click here to reserve your spot.
Plan to spend your afternoon and evening in University Circle, because this vibrant neighborhood is aglow with celebration. You'll find fun festivities all throughout the circle, but you definitely won't want to miss the Winter Lights Lantern Display in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The fun concludes with a colorful procession through the Environment of Lights in Wade Oval at 5:30 p.m.
Hosted in Bedford Heights, this jolly jubilation takes place from noon to 4 p.m. There's so much to do in this celebration that four hours almost doesn't seem to be enough! The open house will be held at The Purr-fect Place and the Bedford Museum, and merchants will be lining Broadway to offer their fares in addition to free hot cocoa. You'll love seeing carolers and puppet shows between shopping sessions. Don't forget to bring nonperishable foods (for humans and pets alike) to help local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts give back to their community.
This spirited spooktacular is sure to spread all sorts of holiday cheer and fear. Though Lock 3 Park is a bit of a drive (as it is located in Downtown Akron), this free event is too cool to miss out on. An outdoor showing of a classic Tim Burton movie surrounded by pumpkins and holiday lights? Count us in!
This area is endlessly cozy and friendly in the holiday season, and these merry markets and cheerful celebrations help lessen the stress. Which of these celebrations are you most looking forward to? Are there others that belong on this list? Let us know in the comments!
