There’s No Place Like My Hometown of Cleveland for the Holidays

I know, I know. A Cleveland Christmas? What we locals call The Best Location in the Nation may have a, ahem, reputation beyond the city limits. But the holiday season is pure magic in our little slice of city paradise. From iconic locations that were the backdrop for A Christmas Story to celebrations in town and unique attractions beyond the metropolitan area, there's much to do if you're spending the holidays in Cleveland. Since the city is tucked up against Ohio's northern border, you might want to pack some winter essentials for your trip, but it's worth braving the cold for all the city has to offer.

Picture yourself walking along quaint, snowy streets framed by historic architecture and glowing lights. The snow is falling, enveloping the landscape in a pleasant stillness that's only broken by the muffled sloshing of car tires against pavement. You're bundled up, so not even the brisk Lake Erie breeze bothers you as you stroll through a quaint winter wonderland.

Each winter, a holiday celebration in Downtown Cleveland kicks off in late November. This incredible event covers Public Square and the surrounding streets in multicolored lights, and attractions like outdoor ice skating, live caroling, and a Christmas Village offer all sorts of family-friendly fun. As the cranberry on top of your holiday sundae, Tower City also tends to light up in festive green and red colors.

One of my favorite places in Cleveland at Christmastime is the Old Arcade. I'll never forget my first time seeing the inside of this historic building... My sister and Papa went to catch a Tribe game, so Grandma and I decided to go shopping. The 1890 structure, complete with a skylight that spans from Superior to Euclid Avenue, is absolutely resplendent with luxurious architecture. And it should be, because it cost nearly a million dollars at the time of its construction, an equivalent of nearly $24.5 million dollars today.

When the holidays arrive, the Cleveland Arcade transforms into something unbelievably magical. A massive tree or two will sit under its grand skylight to greet visitors, and gorgeously-lit garlands will adorn its balconies. Its various storefronts decorate their windows at the start of each holiday season, resurrecting memories of the old-school window shopping days when going Downtown for Christmas shopping was a big event. Paired with periwinkle hues from the winter sky and the warmth of the old building, it's an absolute treat.

The magic continues beyond Downtown Cleveland. Many communities in the suburbs decorate their own city centers with lights, so you can't go wrong with finding a small town gazebo as a setting for photos. Local businesses offer seasonal flavors to indulge your palate, and the entirety of Northeast Ohio feels like a cozy Hallmark movie.

I especially love venturing down to Medina at Christmas, thanks in part to Castle Noel (a year-round Christmas museum where old movie props are displayed). The Medina Historic District is like a model train town, delightfully charming and done up in ornate lights. I love swinging by Root Candles and stocking up on holiday scents. They make great gifts, but selfishly, this trip fuels my own candle collection. They're that good!

A bit closer to Downtown Cleveland, I also love spending time in Ohio City during the holidays. The West Side Market takes me back to my childhood, and its decorations are a delightful accoutrement for its historic architecture. I grew up making pierogies for the holidays, but we'd sometimes cheat during especially busy seasons and pick them up here. I also love swinging by the Great Lakes Brewing Company's brewpub for a seasonal drink and some warm comfort food.

Of course, one of the best aspects of the holidays in Cleveland is hunting for all the locations featured in A Christmas Story. This classic holiday movie from 1983 features all sorts of locations around town, from the old Higbee's Department Store to Public Square and Ralphie's house, which is now a museum. If you loved the vibes in this movie, you're going to love the holiday in Cleveland. And after you explore the iconic destinations from the movie, you might consider seeing where the crew hung out between shoots: The Rowley Inn.

All in all, Christmas in Cleveland is a magical time of year that can't be beat. I think every Ohioan should swing through our Christmas-lighted city at least once, as it's an experience you won't soon forget.

Looking for more ways to make the holiday season in Ohio memorable? Check out our favorite Christmas towns in the Buckeye State to grow your winter bucket list.