It’s easy to feel like winter is unforgiving when you live in an area with lake effect snow. However, Cleveland and the surrounding area take on a certain sort of magic in the winter months. There are tons of things to do in Cleveland in winter, both outdoors and indoors. Bundle up this season, because you’ll want to spend the coldest months of the year exploring the most incredible places in and around Cleveland.

1. Visit ice gardens on Lake Erie's shore
Edgewater Park, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
© Gabe Leidy Photography
Throughout Cleveland's coldest months, Lake Erie actually acts as a source of heat. Yes, believe it or not, Downtown Cleveland itself is not even in Lake Erie's snow belt. However, it still gets chilly around The Land, and that means that vegetation on the lake shore is likely to freeze into an incredible ice garden. Visit a coastal place like Edgewater Park this winter and see if you can spot any natural ice sculptures!
2. Check out a frozen lighthouse
Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse, 2800 Whiskey Island Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102, USA
© Gabe Leidy Photography
About a decade ago, conditions on Lake Erie were volatile enough to splish splash the West Pierhead Lighthouse with waves. Combined with the icy cold conditions of Cleveland winter, the lighthouse froze in a layer of ice... and it has repeatedly done so throughout ensuing winters. Check out this winter from the comfort of a lakefront park like Wendy Park.
3. Play Polar Putt Putt at Lock 3 in Akron
Lock 3 Park, 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
Lock 3 Akron, Ohio/Facebook
Polar Putt Putt is an annual event that takes place around the New Year, and it's super fun. This Lock 3 tradition is particularly fun for kids, and it often features some of their favorite characters. The best part? This pop-up event is affordable fun that won't break the bank! Visit Lock 3 online for this information on this year's dates. While you are on the website, be sure you check out all the other fun winter activities going on!
4. Visit the local ski resort after hours
Brandywine Ski Area, 1146 W Highland Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Boston Mills / Brandywine / Alpine Valley Ski Resorts/Facebook
Did you know that you can go night skiing at Brandywine Ski Resort? This annual attraction allows daredevils to embrace the thrill of the slopes under the glow of the moon and stars, and it's truly magical. Of course, you can always visit Brandywine during the daytime, too! Night or day, taking advantage of the cold weather to go skiing is always a great thing to do in Cleveland in winter.
5. Cozy up somewhere colorful ...
Amherst, OH, USA
Airbnb
There's a certain sort of magic that comes with staying indoors where it's warm and watching the snowfall. Over in Amherst, Bock's Jukejoint is a cool little bed and breakfast that's crazy colorful and is complete with its own fireplace. Get a fire roaring and sip hot cocoa at the on-site saloon!

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6. ... or somewhere delectably quaint.
The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, 6838 Co Rd 203, Millersburg, OH 44654, USA
The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast/Facebook
Want to feel like you're in a Hallmark movie this winter? Visit a small, sleepy town with quaint features, sip on some hot cocoa, and admire the surrounding farmland. Here in Ohio, such majesty is often found in Amish Country, where you can also stay at The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast... an actual historic barn that's been converted for your comfort.
7. Prepare to snack on some paczki
Rudy's Strudel & Bakery, 5580 Ridge Rd, Parma, OH 44129, USA
Rudy's Strudel and Bakery/Facebook
While some communities throw a massive Mardi Gras celebration each year, Clevelanders know that each year around Fat Tuesday means tons and tons of paczki. These decadent and rich Polish donuts are a local masterpiece, with places like Rudy's (pictured) offering a variety of delicious flavors each year.
8. Explore a local waterfall
Mill Creek Falls, Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Greater Cleveland is home to a number of waterfalls, as you likely know. The largest in the country is Mill Creek Falls (pictured), and it's one of many that is absolutely transformed by the presence of winter snow. Some waterfalls in the area totally freeze over in the winter, encasing the local landscape in an ice sculpture carved by the hands of mother nature.
9. Find your own fairytale at a frozen castle
Squire's Castle, 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Step aside, Queen Elsa... Squire's Castle is the real deal when it comes to frozen castles. This historic structure is largely open-air, having no windows or doors. It's open to the public all year round, so you might as well pay it a visit and make yourself at home this winter in Cleveland!
10. Take a winter walk
infowidget/Flickr
Last but not least is an obvious choice, but one can't talk about winter fun in Cleveland without bringing up the fantastic network of local parks that we're surrounded by. Winter hikes in Greater Cleveland are endlessly rewarding, and many area parks hide fascinating features that are transformed by the presence of snow.

As you can see, there’s an incredible number of things to do in Cleveland in winter. Which of these annual attractions is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!

Winter eventually ends, and the local landscape only grows more beautiful as verdant shoots break through the frozen earth. Be sure to check out the stunning spring flowers at Daffodil Hill following an entire wintertime of adventures.

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More to Explore

Winter In Cleveland

Katie Feldkamp | November 17, 2022

What are some things to do during winter in Cleveland?

Winter in Cleveland is downright cold, but that shouldn’t keep you indoors. Make the most out of all the snow and check out some of these fun winter activities in Cleveland:

Still looking for more things to do? Make some memories with any of these unforgettable winter activities in Cleveland.

What should you expect when it is winter in Cleveland?

Due to its location in Northern Ohio, the first thing to expect about winter in Cleveland is that is cold! More than just being cold, here are a few other interesting facts about Cleveland during the winter months:

  • The coldest temperature ever reached was -20 degrees in 1994.
  • Winter typically averages a total of 60 inches of snow.
  • There are several outdoor ice skating rinks that pop up throughout the city.
  • Winters in Cleveland don't come without their oddities.
  • The possibility of a May snow shower can never be ruled out.
  • A lot of people agree that to beat the cold, head inside to a Cavaliers NBA game.

If you’re still curious about what to expect about winter in Cleveland, check out this list of what no one tells you about surviving a Cleveland winter.

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