CLEVELAND (Nov. 27, 2018) – The most wonderful time of the year is just getting started in The Land, and residents will want to make their lists (and check them twice) when it comes to all the holiday fun in Northeast Ohio. Destination Cleveland recommends locals and their visitors celebrate the holiday season throughout December with spectacular shows, foodie festivities, dazzling lights and many more special events.
Seasonal Shows
Black Nativity at Karamu House
For a retelling of The Nativity Story – performed in gospel style and with popular Christmas carols – residents can enjoy
Karamu House’s presentation of Langston Hughes’ "Black Nativity." This annual favorite tells the story of Mary and Joseph's journey using song and dance, culminating in an inspiring finale surrounding the birth of Christ.
- 2355 E 89th St., Cleveland
- Nov. 29 - Dec. 30
Playhouse Square
Locals can experience the magic of the holidays by visiting the dazzling lights of
Playhouse Square’s GE Chandelier and seeing one of the many seasonal shows offered in Cleveland.
- The weather outside may be frightful, but a performance by the North Coast Men's Chorus is always delightful. Residents can hear the sounds of the season and experience a winter wonderland of dance at the Hanna Theatre during the North Coast Men’s Chorus holiday show: Snowbound.
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m.
- Locals can treat their friends and families to a holly jolly performance of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.” This beloved holiday TV classic makes its way to the stage with everyone’s favorite characters like Santa, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster and, of course, Rudolph.
- Friday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m.
- Clevelanders can attend The Holidays with Helen!, a holiday musical performance, featuring Helen Welch and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at the Hanna Theatre.
- Locals can experience a contemporary re-imagining of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music at The Hip Hop Nutcracker. This fun-for-all-ages production includes a cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ and a violinist.
- Sunday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
- Presented by the Cleveland Ballet, the holiday favorite The Nutcracker will recount the classic tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King.
- Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m.
Cleveland Orchestra
Locals can hear the magic of the holidays unfold at Severance Hall during the
Cleveland Orchestra’s Brass Quintet performance and annual Christmas Concert. The Cleveland Orchestra’s Brass Quintet performance features short selections of holiday classics from trumpets, a horn, a trombone and a tuba, while the Christmas Concert showcases musicians from the Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus who will entertain guests with Christmas songs and sing-alongs. If locals can’t make it to one of the holiday concerts, they can still see Severance Hall in its holiday splendor on a free public tour.
- 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Brass Quintet, Friday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m.
- Christmas Concert, Friday, Dec. 14 - Sunday, Dec. 16; Thursday, Dec. 20 - Sunday, Dec. 23
- Public tours, Friday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 28. For more information on tour times, please visit, www.clevelandorchestra.com
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Quicken Loans Area
Clevelanders won’t want to miss the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s performance of “The Ghost of Christmas Eve” at
The Q this holiday season. The concert, complete with a light and laser show synchronized to holiday music, will have residents rocking out in their seats.
- One Center Court, Cleveland
- Sunday, Dec. 30, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Wine and Dine through the Holidays
Winter Wine and Ale Fest
Music of the holiday season will fill the Global Center for Health Innovation as residents are walkin’ through the wine-ter wonderland at
Winter Wine and Ale Fest. Locals can spend the evening trying samples from Ohio craft breweries, sipping on fine wine and noshing on food from some of Downtown Cleveland’s best restaurants.
- 1 Saint Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 - 10 p.m.
Breakfast with Santa and Sip and Shop at Merwin’s Wharf
Santa Claus is comin’ to town to eat breakfast with Clevelanders at Merwin’s Wharf this holiday season. Locals can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet overlooking the scenic views of the Cuyahoga River, and kids can make their own crafts, receive creations from a balloon artist and watch a magician’s tricks.
Merwin’s Wharf’s Sip and Shop event will also offer residents holiday shopping with gifts from local vendors and holiday-themed beverages and menu items.
- 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
- Breakfast with Santa, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 1 – 23; reservations recommended
- Sip and Shop, Dec. 7 and Dec. 13, 5 - 7 p.m.
- For more information on breakfast seating times, visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com
Teddy Bear Tea and Holiday Afternoon Tea at Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
The elegant
Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland will host two versions of the classic English afternoon tea throughout December. Families can hear a holiday story from Mrs. Claus, sip tasty tea, and kids can even take home their very own teddy bear at the whimsical Teddy Bear Tea. The Holiday Afternoon Tea features a classic tea and lunch menu fit for British Royalty including tea sandwiches and English tea pastries.
- 1515 W. Third St., Cleveland
- Teddy Bear Tea, Dec. 15 - Dec. 22, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; reservations required
- Holiday Afternoon Tea, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 15 - 22, 2 - 4 p.m.; reservations required
Think and Drink at Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Locals can raise a glass (and increase their knowledge) at the
Cleveland Museum of Natural History during December’s Think and Drink event. This month, guests will learn about the Winter Solstice while enjoying happy hour beverages from Great Lakes Brewing Company. Locals can participate in interactive demonstrations, chat with museum staff and researchers, and explore the museum after hours.
- 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland
- Thursday, Dec. 20, 6 - 10 p.m.
Ho Ho Ho-liday Happenings
Lolly the Trolley Holiday Lights Tour
For a dazzling display of holiday lights, Clevelanders can choose from either the Silver Bells CLE tour or Christmas Story House tour aboard
Lolly the Trolley. Residents will journey through the Tremont neighborhood and Downtown Cleveland to see festive sights like A Christmas Story House and the lights of Public Square, JACK Cleveland Casino and Playhouse Square all while listening to their favorite songs of the season.
- Tours start at 1101 Winslow Ave., Cleveland
- For a complete tour schedule (few select dates available), visit lollytrolley.com
University Circle Holiday CircleFest
Residents can walk through the winter wonderland of
University Circle’s Holiday CircleFest. This weekend-long holiday festival includes ice skating at Wade Oval (with the special “Polka Skate” on Friday night), shopping for gifts at the outdoor holiday market, riding in a horse-drawn carriage, musical performances and free admission on Sunday afternoon to more than a dozen of University Circle’s museums, gardens, galleries and churches.
- 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland
- Friday, Nov. 30, 5 - 9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1 - Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 - 7 p.m.
A Christmas Story 5K/10K Run
Residents can take a jog down memory lane as they run in the
A Christmas Story 5K or 10K. The race starts at Public Square – the location of the former Higbee’s Department Store – and finishes at A Christmas Story House & Museum in Tremont. Runners, joggers or walkers alike can dress like Ralphie, wear a leg lamp costume or jog in a bunny suit through the streets of Cleveland. And with this year’s theme, the Bumpus Hounds, dogs can even participate in the race!
- Starting line, Tower City Center at Public Square
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.
Rock & Roll Holiday Ball at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Residents can rock out and spread the joy of the holiday season at the
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural Rock & Roll Holiday Ball. Guests will enjoy a performance from Grammy Award Winner Mike Farris, an exclusive holiday dinner menu prepared by chef Rocco Whalen and special holiday activities throughout the museum.
- 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland
- Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 - 11 p.m.
Ma and Pa’s Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides
It's lovely weather for locals to take a sleigh ride together with their friends and family on one of
Ma and Pa’s Horse Drawn Sleighs. After locals go dashing through the snow, they can warm up by a cozy fire with Ma's cookies, hot chocolate and maple coffee.
- 15161 Main Market Road, Burton
- Dec. 1 - March 1
Winter Lights Lantern Procession at Cleveland Museum of Art
Beginning at the
Cleveland Museum of Art and continuing into the Environment of Lights installation on Wade Oval, the Winter Lights Lantern Procession will brighten up Clevelanders holiday celebrations. In conjunction with Holiday CircleFest, locals can make their own lantern in workshops provided by the Museum staff and participate in the procession along with community lantern artists, illuminated dancers and giant puppets.
- 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
- Sunday, Dec. 2, 1 - 5:30 p.m.; lantern procession begins at 5:30 p.m.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting at Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
The
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will be celebrating Hanukkah by inviting children of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights. Guests will enjoy learning about the story of Hanukkah, singing traditional songs, making holiday crafts and touring special exhibits throughout the museum.
- 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood
- Wednesday, Dec. 5, 5 - 6 p.m.
Santa’s Workshop at Make Believe Family Fun Center
For festive fun, families can stop by
Make Believe’s Santa Workshop. Dressed in their best “ugly” holiday sweaters, locals can spend the afternoon playing arcade games, eating yummy treats, taking pictures with Santa and making holiday crafts.
- Sunday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Winter Wonder Days at Great Lakes Science Center
Clevelanders looking to get out of the house and still stay warm this winter can wander into the
Great Lakes Science Center’s Winter Wonder Days where science demonstrations, hands-on activities, and programs will entertain the whole family. Locals can also tour the new exhibit, “Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body” to learn the science behind body odor, passing gas and more impolite functions.
- 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
- Dec. 26 - 30
Ice Rinks at Public Square and Wade Oval
Locals can lace up their skates and hit the ice at either the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink in Public Square or The Rink at Wade Oval in the University Circle neighborhood. Both rinks are open now throughout the holiday season for locals to show off their figure eights, jumps and spins.
Stocking up on Gifts
Wintertide at Gordon Square Arts District
For an afternoon of winter fun, local can check out Wintertide in the
Gordon Square Arts District. From viewings of “A Christmas Story” at the Capitol Theatre (for only $1!) to performances from local music and theater groups to kids’ activities, Clevelanders of all ages will be able to partake in the day’s festivities. Residents can also shop and dine in the dozens of local shops and restaurants including Artful Living, Oceanne, Brewnuts, Sweet Moses and Toast.
- Gordon Square Arts District, 6516 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 2 - 6 p.m.
Cleveland Bazaar Holiday
‘Tis the season for artisans from across Northeast Ohio to gather once again at 78
th Street Studios for
Cleveland Bazaar Holiday. Locals can find one-of-a-kind gifts from a variety of vendors including 2 Odd Birds, ApeMade, Elizabeth Vilkas Design, CLE Cookie Dough, Cleveland Blacksmithing, Cuyahoga Collective, and
more.
- 78th Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland
- Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Holiday events continuing over from November:
For more holiday events or to learn more about Destination Cleveland or new attractions and activities, please visit
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DON’T FORGET: Destination Cleveland’s Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact our team through email at
cleconcierge@destinationcle.org, live chat at
thisiscleveland.com or stop in the Cleveland Locals Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 44114) Mon.
- Sat., 9 a.m.
- 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland’s destination marketing and management organization. This private, non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18.5 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.