Experience the magic of Christmas in Cleveland, OH, with a variety of festive activities and events sure to delight locals and visitors alike. From skating at the Cleveland WinterFest and exploring the A Christmas Story House, to marveling at the cultural and artistic displays at Holiday CircleFest, the city offers something for everyone during the holiday season.
Embrace the winter wonderland as Cleveland becomes a hub of holiday spirit, where twinkling lights, nostalgic aromas, and creative displays turn the season into an unforgettable experience. Whether you're strolling through ice sculptures or joining in traditional celebrations, Cleveland's holiday events promise joy and enchantment for all.
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The Top Christmas Events in Cleveland
- Cleveland WinterFest
- A Christmas Story House Tours
- Holiday CircleFest
- GLOW at Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Christmas at the Zoo
- Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
- Great Lakes Theater's "A Christmas Carol"
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Concert
Cleveland Holiday Light Displays
GLOW at Cleveland Botanical Garden
What to Expect:
Botanical-themed holiday light display
Description:
GLOW illuminates the Cleveland Botanical Garden with nature-inspired light installations. The event transforms the garden's diverse biomes into luminous landscapes. Visitors can wander through a glowing forest of towering trees adorned with thousands of LED lights. The display pays tribute to Ohio's native flora with oversized illuminated wildflowers. You'll discover interactive light features that respond to movement, creating a dynamic experience. The event also showcases the garden's commitment to sustainability with energy-efficient lighting technologies.
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GLOW at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Christmas at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration combined with wildlife education
Description:
Christmas at the Zoo blends holiday cheer with wildlife conservation awareness. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo comes alive after dark with animal-themed light displays. Visitors can observe nocturnal animals during special evening hours, offering a rare glimpse into their nighttime behaviors. The event highlights the zoo's conservation efforts, educating guests about endangered species. You'll have the chance to create enrichment toys for the animals, supporting their well-being during winter months. The zoo's historic buildings, dating back to the 1900s, provide a charming backdrop for the festivities.
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Cleveland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics
Description:
The Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert elevates holiday music to new heights. This renowned ensemble, founded in 1918, performs a mix of classical and popular Christmas pieces. The concert takes place in Severance Hall, an architectural gem known for its superior acoustics. Visitors can experience the rich, full sound of a live orchestra bringing familiar tunes to life. You'll have the opportunity to join in a community carol sing-along, accompanied by the orchestra. The event often features guest soloists and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, adding depth to the performance.
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Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
Great Lakes Theater's "A Christmas Carol"
What to Expect:
Long-running adaptation of Dickens' classic in a historic theater
Description:
Great Lakes Theater's production of "A Christmas Carol" brings Dickens' timeless tale to life on stage. This adaptation, performed annually since 1989, has become a Cleveland holiday tradition. The play takes place in the historic Hanna Theatre, opened in 1921 and recently renovated. Visitors can marvel at the elaborate Victorian-era costumes and sets that transport them to 19th-century London. You'll experience the story through innovative staging, including flying ghosts and falling snow. The production often incorporates local references, connecting Dickens' story to Cleveland's history.
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Great Lakes Theater's "A Christmas Carol"
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Concert
What to Expect:
Rock opera-style Christmas performance with elaborate light show
Description:
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas concert fuses rock music with holiday themes. This high-energy show features a full rock band, orchestra, and choir performing original compositions and Christmas classics. Visitors are treated to a state-of-the-art light show synchronized with the music, creating a multi-sensory experience. The concert often tells a story through its music, weaving together holiday themes with broader narratives. You'll feel the power of the music through the arena's sound system, which brings the intricate arrangements to life. The TSO has been touring with their Christmas shows since 1999, developing a devoted following.
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Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Concert
Cleveland Other Holiday Activities
Cleveland WinterFest
What to Expect:
Outdoor winter activities in the heart of downtown
Description:
Cleveland Winter Fest transforms the city center into a frosty playground. Visitors can glide across an outdoor ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and the urban skyline. The event pays homage to Cleveland's industrial heritage with ice sculptures depicting famous city landmarks. You'll have the chance to try your hand at curling, a sport with a growing following in the region. As you explore, the aroma of freshly roasted chestnuts fills the air, evoking nostalgic winter memories.
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A Christmas Story House Tours
What to Expect:
Immersive experience in the actual house from the beloved film
Description:
Step into cinematic history at the actual house featured in the classic film "A Christmas Story". This meticulously restored 19th-century Victorian home transports visitors to 1940s Indiana. You can recreate iconic scenes, like posing with the infamous leg lamp or peeking into the Parkers' oven. The house tour reveals behind-the-scenes facts about the movie's production in Cleveland. Authentic props and costumes from the film are on display, allowing you to relive your favorite moments from this holiday classic.
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Holiday CircleFest
What to Expect:
Celebration of arts and culture in University Circle
Description:
Holiday CircleFest showcases Cleveland's cultural institutions in a vibrant winter celebration. The event spans University Circle, home to world-class museums and gardens. Visitors can enjoy ice sculpting demonstrations, creating a temporary outdoor gallery of frozen art. The festival honors Cleveland's diverse communities with multicultural performances and exhibits. You'll have the opportunity to craft your own holiday ornament in hands-on workshops. As night falls, thousands of luminaries illuminate the pathways, guiding guests between venues.
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Nearby Events
The Polar Express Train Ride (Peninsula)
What to Expect:
Interactive train journey based on the beloved children's book
Description:
The Polar Express Train Ride brings the classic children's story to life on the rails. Passengers board a vintage train, embarking on a journey to the "North Pole". The experience features characters from the book, including dancing chefs serving hot chocolate. Visitors can listen to a reading of the story while the train chugs through the snowy Ohio landscape. You'll receive a silver sleigh bell, just like the one in the tale. The event takes place on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which has been operating since 1880.
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Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit (Kirtland)
What to Expect:
Diverse collection of nativity scenes from around the world
Description:
The Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit showcases hundreds of unique nativity scenes from across the globe. The display highlights the cultural diversity of Christmas traditions worldwide. Visitors can admire intricate craftsmanship in nativities made from materials ranging from wood to precious metals. The exhibit is housed in a restored 19th-century village, providing a glimpse into early Ohio settler life. You'll learn about the symbolism and stories behind different nativity representations. The peaceful setting allows for quiet reflection on the religious aspects of the holiday season.
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Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Castle Noel (Medina)
What to Expect:
America's largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction
Description:
Castle Noel houses an extensive collection of Christmas movie props and costumes. This unique museum showcases items from beloved holiday films, including the Santa slide from "A Christmas Story". Visitors can explore elaborate department store window displays from New York City, rescued and restored. The attraction features "Santa's Chimney Squeeze", where you can experience what it's like to be Santa going down a chimney. Castle Noel also preserves the history of American Christmas celebrations, with vintage decorations and toys on display.
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Crocker Park Christmas Tree Lighting (Westlake)
What to Expect:
Elaborate tree lighting ceremony in an outdoor shopping center
Description:
The Crocker Park Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season with flair. This event centers around the illumination of a towering Christmas tree in the heart of the outdoor lifestyle center. Visitors can enjoy live performances by local choirs and dance troupes leading up to the main event. The ceremony often features special guests, including local celebrities or athletes. You'll have the chance to participate in a countdown to the tree lighting, creating a sense of community. Crocker Park, opened in 2004, has quickly become a holiday tradition for many Cleveland families.
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Crocker Park Christmas Tree Lighting
Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display (East Cleveland)
What to Expect:
Historic lighting display at GE's first industrial park
Description:
The Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display illuminates GE Lighting's historic campus. This tradition, dating back to 1925, showcases cutting-edge lighting technology. Visitors can drive through the campus to view elaborate light installations and decorated buildings. The display often features a theme, with past years honoring Cleveland landmarks or national events. You'll see how lighting technology has evolved over the decades, from incandescent bulbs to modern LEDs. Nela Park, established in 1911, is considered the world's first industrial park and has been at the forefront of lighting innovation.
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Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display
Winter Waterland (Sandusky)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Description:
Winter Waterland transforms the Greater Cleveland Aquarium into an underwater holiday spectacle. The event features aquatic-themed holiday decorations throughout the exhibits. Visitors can spot scuba diving elves feeding the fish and interacting with marine life. The aquarium's historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building, dating back to 1892, provides a unique industrial backdrop for the festivities. You'll have the opportunity to learn about how marine animals adapt to colder waters during winter months. The event also raises awareness about ocean conservation, connecting holiday cheer with environmental stewardship.