Ah, the holidays with young children. The wonder, the magic — the intense pressure to find this year’s coveted gift, play the perfect Santa and wedge a beautifully-wrapped package under the tree for your little one’s delight on Christmas morning. Did we mention this all has to be done without breaking the bank or arousing suspicion that the man in the big red suit might actually be mom and dad?
Try to relax and take a load off. In Cleveland, we know how to make the most of the season, including festive fun the entire family will enjoy. Check out the following activities guaranteed to give you those warm, fuzzy feelings — no eggnog needed.
This experience transports visitors to a festive holiday wonderland of indoor and outdoor gardens transformed with towering ice arches, dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals, more than 500 poinsettias and seasonal soundscapes to create a completely immersive new world for the holiday season.
Select dates through Jan. 4.
Santa Claus is comin’ to town and making a splash — literally — at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, where families can see him swim amongst the creatures of the deep. Stop for a photo op and have a chat with Scuba Claus as he navigates his way through the aquarium’s Shark Gallery.
Advance tickets recquired, Dec. 20-23.
If a fancy outing is your cup of tea, an afternoon at one of The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland’s tea parties is a must-attend. At Ritz Express Tea, the young and young-at-heart can raise their pinkies with a kid-friendly tea menu, teddy bear gifts and story time with Mrs. Claus. The Holiday Tea serves up festive teas, sandwiches and sweets.
Holiday Tea: Dec. 20 - 23, 11 AM and 3 PM.
Head to Public Square to check out Downtown Cleveland's official holiday tree, as well as six acres of magical lights that illuminate at the annual WinterLand event, but dazzle for the remainder of the season. The lights don't end there. Check out our video for more festive lights in The Land.
See the zoo’s wild residents in a whole new light — actually, make that more than one million new lights. The zoo, transformed into a winter wonderland, will offer guests a 50-foot-tall tree, carousel rides, model train displays, photos with Santa, live music and other holiday surprises galore. Drive through nights are also available.
Select dates Dec. 11 - Dec. 30.
Have a holly jolly time at this year’s Deck the Hall event. A short drive south in Akron, OH, the grand estate of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens celebrates the season by decorating its Manor House with 26 holiday trees and gorgeous decorations throughout. Visit with Santa, and shop at Molly's for unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Before or after your tour, enjoy cocoa and a HOT! gingerbread cookie or beer, wine and a pretzel from our new Molly's Courtyard Cafe. It's part of a perfect evening at Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall.
Select dates from Dec. 08 - Dec. 30.
Go classic or quirky with must-see holiday shows like “A Christmas Carol” and the timeless holiday favorite "The Nutcracker," performed by The Cleveland Ballet. There are even more festive options taking place on Cleveland stages before year’s end as well — check the season schedule and start your new family tradition.
“A Christmas Carol” runs Dec. 11 - Dec. 21; “The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 12 - 21.
Kringle's Inventionasium offers more than just meeting Santa. Kids embark on a top-secret mission, entering a magical world through hidden doors and secret tunnels. Alongside one of the "Best Santas in the U.S.," they’ll encounter elves, magical creatures and interactive activities like the Watchamacallit Workshop and Brainstorming Department, making Santa's workshop come to life.
Select dates Dec. 11 - Dec. 24.
All aboard for a holiday adventure packed with joy, cookies and just a dash of magic. Kids can write letters to Santa, personally delivered by the North Pole Postmaster (talk about first-class service). Rumor has it, the big guy in red might even show up with a conductor’s whistle for each kid. Throw on your comfiest pajamas, sip some hot chocolate and get ready for a ride so merry it’ll have you jingling all the way home.
Select dates Dec. 08 - Dec. 22.
Need More Holiday Fun?
Looking to add some holly jolly to your holiday season in The Land? Click here for more events.