Held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Downtown Cleveland's annual WinterLand (formerly Winterfest) is everything you want out of a holiday season kickoff: twinkling lights, festive holiday trees, hot cocoa and caroling. Since this is Cleveland, we also throw in some live music and a massive fireworks display.
Oh, and did we mention we’re extending this hopped-up holiday party for the entire season? That’s just how we do it in The Land.
Home Base for the Holidays
WinterLand marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Cleveland, so, as you might expect, the event culminates in the lighting of the city's own Christmas tree. But there's plenty to do before that happens, just after sundown. You'll see a scene out of a timeless holiday classic: ice skating, activities for kids, live music and shopping at the 5th Street Arcades with Cleveland Bazaar. After dark, once the tree is lit, stay for the fireworks show and a visit from Santa Claus himself. And what's a market without food and drinks, right? Full details are coming soon, so check the WinterLand website for all the latest.
A Citywide Celebration
Downtown Cleveland, which puts on WinterLand, also partners with other entities who roll out the holiday carpet, as well. From Public Square to Playhouse Square, the entire city gets in on the holiday hijinks all season long with events like:
- Downtown Living Experience Tours: These themed, guided tours give participants an inside look at life in Downtown Cleveland. Tours include stops at multiple residential buildings, where they experience the amenities, conveniences, food, and beverages that over 20,000 people already enjoy by calling Downtown home. Tour dates coming soon.
- Bright Nights: These events feature music, seasonal cocktails, s’mores, and firepits, they are the perfect “backyard” experience to complement a fun Saturday night Downtown. Dates and locations coming soon.
- Snow Days: Spontaneous pop-up winter activations on Mall B. Announcements will be shared via Downtown Cleveland social media, and all are invite to sled, tube, roast marshmallows, build snowmen, and have more winter fun.
Settle Down for a Pre-Winter Nap
The minute you set foot in The Land, there’s so much to do it might be hard to figure out where to start. Whether you’re making a pilgrimage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, enjoying a culinary revelation from one of our world-class dining establishments, catching a Browns Game at FirstEnergy stadium or starting the holiday season off right with lights and wintry shenanigans, it’s all accessible from Downtown Cleveland.
Check out the first-class accommodations available to you in the heart of all Cleveland has to offer.