Nope. It isn’t Santa who's about to give you that “city-sidewalks-busy-sidewalks-dressed-in-holiday-style” kind of weekend experience. This year, it’s Cleveland that’ll be your holly-jolly gift giver.
Though, thankfully, we aren’t about to squeeze ourselves down the chimney and into your living room. (You’re welcome.)
DAY 1
Breakfast
Start your day right smack dab in downtown Cleveland at Betts Restaurant in the Kimpton-Schofield Hotel. It's a great place with tasty morning grub and tons of coffee (and morning cocktails), which might just be the stuff you'll need to survive the holidays.
Morning
Step into the house where scenes from the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” were filmed. Scrunch yourself up and hide under the kitchen sink like Randy, try on the bunny pajamas from Aunt Clara or explore the backyard where Ralphie defeated Black Bart and the boys at House from A Christmas Story in Tremont. You’re on your own if you shoot your eye out.
Lunch
Located across the street from House from A Christmas Story, the Rowley Inn is a laid-back Tremont bar that’s been catering to Cleveland’s working class since 1906. Recently rejuvenated, the Rowley is known for its great beer selection and uniquely Cleveland dishes like Polish Boys, pierogi omelets and kielbasa dinners.
Afternoon
Think you know what Santa Claus’ workshop looks like? Think again. Switch up the holiday season with a stop at Kringle's Inventionasium Experience in Tower City Center where you’ll get to tour the innovative lab of Mr. Kringle himself (aka Santa), meet his wacky team of assistants, craft a few Christmas creations and experience the holiday on a totally new (and somewhat oddball) level.
Dinner
When you walk into Cibréo off of festive Euclid Avenue, you’re in an Italian wine cellar accompanied by the sweet smells of fresh bread and rustic Italian cuisine. Good thing calories don’t count during the holidays.
Evening
Top off a day of “A Christmas Story” adventuring with a theatrical performance of the holiday classic at Playhouse Square. Performed by the Cleveland Play House, “A Christmas Story” features Ralphie, Randy and the rest of the Parker family in a reimagining of Jean Shepherd’s famous short story for the stage.
DAY 2
Breakfast
As you might imagine, The Cleveland Bagel Co. is known for their bagels. These bagels aren’t great — they’re outstanding. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll pick up one of their delicious rosemary sea salt bagels next time you’re in their Detroit Shoreway storefront. We wouldn’t lead you astray.
Morning
From a tunnel of flowers to hundreds of ornately decorated trees and plants, FROST at the Cleveland Botanical Garden is the perfect way to add some dazzle and a fair bit of sparkle to your CLE holiday adventures.
Lunch
Need a drink and a view? That was a rhetorical question. Anyway, head over to Collision Bend Brewing Company for a fresh, hand-poured 8 Crazy Nights brew that pairs excellently with any of their delicious menu items and a view of the massive freighters gliding along the Cuyahoga River.
Afternoon
Head over to University Circle to experience and learn the history of the holidays at the Cleveland Museum of Art. From ancient festivals of the solstice to the celebrations we know and love today, the Holiday Traditions Tours will leave you excited for the holidays and educated on culture and stories past.
Dinner
Experience an elegant pre-show dinner at Chef Zack Bruell's L'Albatros in University Circle. The menu showcases a refreshing twist on classic French cusine befitting this chic brasserie set amid a rustic carriage house. Take your time here; it’s worth every bite.
Evening
A Cleveland holiday tradition, The Cleveland Orchestra’s Christmas Concerts feature sing-along music performed by the internationally recognized orchestra, accompanied beautifully by guest choirs, as well as a visit from a jolly man in a red suit.
Get the Hook Up
Did you like this post? Click here to sign up for one of our e-newsletters and we'll send you periodic info on what's up in Cleveland.