WARNING: If you’re looking for cheesy knickknacks or plastic, off-the-shelf toys for your gift-giving essentials, then turn back now. Seriously. We’re not kidding.
Here in Cleveland, we’re a town of makers and shakers who prefer indie craft shows and art walks to the long lines (and bumps and bruises) of Black Friday at big box retailers. Dazzle your friends and family with gifts from these holiday shopping standouts.
It might be cold out, but Tremont is just heating up. The monthly walkabout moves inside for the holidays, but still offers the same shopping, gallery openings, live music and food/drink specials as always. Scope the neighborhood’s best art while sampling some holiday-themed specials.
Crocker Park gets in on the holiday action with shopping and activities for all ages. Hop on Santa’s sleigh for a picture with the big man himself, before picking up some treasures from the PolarX ornament and gift shop. Don’t leave without checking out — and snapping a selfie — in front of the 50-foot Christmas Tree. C’mon, do it for the gram.
Bundle up for a weekend exploring Little Italy's art scene and supporting small business. Pick out the perfect poinsettia at Urban Orchid and sample the port at Little Italy Wines. Shop — and eat — your way down Murray Hill, with the galleries, boutiques and restaurants all decked out for the holidays.
Hale Farm welcomes more than twenty vendors for a holiday market in the Gatehouse. Grab artisan gifts from Ohio and holiday brands, not to mention exclusive gifts handcrafted at Hale.
The tree-lighting and winter fireworks get all the love, but this annual event is also a wonderful chance to do a little shopping. Check out Lakewood’s best shops, but not before dropping by the Roundstone beer garden. Shop the outdoor vendor village while grooving to the sounds of live music and DJs, then be sure to catch the Holiday Parade.
Deck the halls Old World-style. Get that traditional holiday vibe with Hudson’s take on those famous European Christmas markets. We’re talking authentic German food (and drink), live holiday music and tons of shopping — including vendors all the way from Hudson’s sister city in Germany.
A holiday celebration of the arts for all ages. Get the day off to the perfect start with a movie at the Capitol Theatre. Then fill those holiday stockings at the many pop-up shops around the Gordon Square Arts District, including Queer the Halls at the LGBT Center and Cleveland Bazaar at 78th Street Studios. When you’re done shopping, grab dinner and drinks at one of the amazing neighborhood restaurants, then warm up with s’mores over by the fire pits.
Northeast Ohio’s longest-running indie craft show has been delighting customers for more than a decade. At 78th Street Studios, count on one-stop shopping for local loot that runs the gamut from jewelry to confections. Kick your gift giving up a notch and support local makers all at the same time.
The Lake Erie Building, better known to locals as the “Screw Factory”, houses some of our city’s top artists. For one weekend, this unique industrial space throws open its doors for an expanded open-studio holiday shopping experience. With nearly one hundred artists participating, there will be something for everyone.