Freeze in time at “FROST” – an indoor and outdoor immersive experience at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Guests can look forward to brand new displays, new forest creatures and an expanded outdoor light trail that leads into more areas, including the newly renovated Hershey Children’s Garden.
Nov. 23 – Jan. 5; schedule & tickets online

Medina, Ohio is home to the country’s largest year-round indoor Christmas attraction, Castle Noel, featuring the world’s largest private collection of holiday movie props from “A Christmas Story,” “Christmas Vacation,” “Elf,” among so many more. Wander through animated store windows from famous department stores and the “I Had That” toy experience with thousands of toys from the 50s to the 80s. You’ve never seen so much yuletide spirit under one roof.

Enjoy the thrills and chills of the tallest, fastest toboggan chutes in Ohio. At The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, your family can spend the day laughing all the way down the twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes (no snow necessary). For a post-run warm-up, pop inside The Chalet for a quick bite and some hot cocoa. And remember: no gloves or mittens, no tobogganing. Rules are rules, so glove up. 

Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC features over 1.5 million lights across holiday-themed areas including Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway, and Santa’s North Pole Lodge presented by CrossCountry Mortgage, where guests can take photos with Santa Claus. Enjoy a dynamic musical light show featuring an enchanting 50-foot tree.

As part of the event, be sure to get your Golden Ticket with the purchase of a ride around Waterfowl Lake on Cleveland Metroparks Railroad presented by Whistle Express Car Wash. Wild Winter Lights is also supported by community partners Meijer, MetroHealth, and Ganim Company.

DRIVE-THROUGH DATES:
November 19, 20, 26
December 3, 4, 10, 11

WALK-THROUGH DATES:
November 21-24, 27, 29, 30
December 1, 5-8, 12-23, 26-30

On November 28th, The 43rd annual Thanksgiving tradition returns for 2024. Sponsored by Onyx Health Club, this family-friendly race features 1 mile, 5k and 5 mile distances, with a course that takes you through Downtown and Ohio City past CLE landmarks like Progressive Field, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and the Westside Market. Register today and get those steps in before you sit down to that turkey and pumpkin pie.

https://www.turkeytrotcleveland.com/

On November 30th, 2024, The holiday season kicks off in a bright way at the annual WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony in Public Square. Locals can gather for an evening full of jolly good offerings such as live entertainment, activities, food, ice skating and more. It all wraps up with a flip of the switch to light the Public Square tree, followed by a dazzling fireworks finale. A walk through the light display and a visit to the Cleveland Foundation Ice-Skating Rink keeps the cheerful vibes going all season long.

Nov. 30th, 2024
Ice Skating at the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink: 12-10 PM
Pre-Show Activations: 3 PM
Food trucks, DJ, face painting, ice skating and holiday wreath toss
Live Stage Show: 4-6 PM
SHOUT! Band: 4 PM
Ice skating show followed by Skate with the Stars: 4:30 PM
RealPopFusion: 5 PM
Cleveland All City Musical 5:30 PM
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 6 PM
Fireworks Spectacular: Immediately Following Tree Lighting

Dive into a unique aquatic experience this holiday season at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium as Cleveland’s own SCUBA Claus takes the plunge in the 230,000-gallon shark habitat. Meet and greets with the jolly red man and his dive buddy elves include full aquarium access, a winter-themed activity sheet, a candy cane and a commemorative digital photo of the memorable experience.

DATES AND TIMES BELOW

Saturdays, December 14 & 21, 8:30 – 10am (All welcomed!)

Sundays, December 15 & 22, 8:30 – 10am (All welcomed!)

Fridays, December 13 & 20, 5 – 7:30pm (Passholder-Only Milk & Cookie Nights)

Cleveland’s annual Christmas Connection is back at the I-X Center Nov. 22nd-24th! From specialty foods and crafts to ornaments, jewelry and more, find the perfect gift from one of more than 550 exhibitors before visiting SantaLand for a picture and heading to the stage for holiday song favorites. And for those wanting to be first to shop, take advantage of early bird shopping from 8-10 a.m. opening day (limited tickets available).

Date and Time
Friday, November 22, 2024
10am - 7pm

Saturday, November 23, 2024
8am - 7pm

Sunday, November 24, 2024
10am - 5pm

Kringle's Inventionasium Experience in Cleveland is a magical, interactive journey where guests of all ages can step into the whimsical world of Mr. Kringle, the chief inventor at the North Pole. This one-of-a-kind experience invites visitors to explore a series of enchanting rooms filled with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and mysterious gadgets.

Upon entering Kringle's Inventionasium, guests are greeted by lively elves who guide them through the various challenges and activities designed to help Mr. Kringle complete his latest invention in time for Christmas. From designing special ornaments to crafting unique toys, visitors have the opportunity to indulge their creativity and imagination as they assist in the invention process.

Kringle's Inventionasium is the perfect destination for families, friends, and individuals looking to create lasting memories and celebrate the spirit of the season. Whether you're a longtime believer in Santa Claus or simply looking for a fun and festive experience, this magical journey is sure to warm your heart and ignite your imagination.

So come join Mr. Kringle and his merry band of elves at Kringle's Inventionasium Experience in Cleveland, where holiday magic comes to life in the most enchanting way possible. Book your tickets today and prepare to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure that will leave you feeling merry and bright all season long.

Located east of Cleveland, Lake Metroparks offers some of the best cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on six miles of trails at Chapin Forest Reservation. Rentals for cross-country skis or snowshoe equipment are on a first-come, first-served basis from Pine Lodge Ski Center. View the downtown Cleveland skyline from the overlook and ski/snowshoe under a mile of lights aglow on the Arbor Lane Loop Trail from dusk until the park closes. If conditions aren’t ski-worthy, take a serene, evening hike. Photo by Jim Marquardt.

Queer the Halls is back AND BIGGER THAN EVER!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 07, 2024, and get ready for a festive celebration at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland’s annual Queer the Halls event!

Join for a day full of holiday fun, queer joy and community connection. AND NEW THIS YEAR, the event will be held at both The Center AND Near West Theatre to accommodate growing demand. (Geo check-in location only available at The Center!)

Mrs. Claus is coming to Pinecrest! Say hi to her when she's here and enjoy story time at select locations and times. Pre-registration required for children attending story time, parent registration not necessary.

DATES AND TIMES BELOW

Friday, December 6 from 4-7 PM

Saturday, December 7 from 11 AM-2 PM, Story time at Becco Bags at 12 PM

Friday, December 13 from 4-7 PM, story time at Kawai Piano Gallery at 5 PM

Saturday, December 14 from 11 AM-2 PM, story time at Fount at 12 PM

Friday, December 20 from 4-7 PM, story time at Color Me Mine at 5 PM

Think: twinkling lights, festive holiday trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa, food trucks, caroling, live music and so much more. The holiday season commences in Downtown Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 25, with the kind of full-on holiday hoopla that’ll have you ready for the jolliness of the season. Oh yeah, we also decided to extend the party with events and merrymaking all the way through the winter season. Because that's how we do it in The Land. The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink opens Friday, Nov. 24. and runs through Monday, Jan 15.