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 wee 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. After all, you’re in laid-back, friendly Cleveland for the holidays. 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 brand new experience transport 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 and to create a completely immersive new world for the holiday season.
Select dates through Dec. 31.
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 tckets required, Dec. 14-23.
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 Teddy Bear 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.
Teddy Bear Tea: Dec. 10, 12, 13, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Holiday Tea: Dec. 17, 19, 20, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
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.
Image © Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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 through 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 until 12/23 in Rudolph's Corral, 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 Nov. 24 - 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 Nov. 24 - Dec. 23; “The Nutcracker” runs Dec. 14 - 23.
Need More Holiday Fun?
Looking to add some holly jolly to your holiday season in The Land? Visit ThisisCleveland.com/holidays for events and trip-planning ideas.