Your perfect guide to the holidays in Cleveland is here! Explore all the best festive events and activities. From those who call Cleveland home to those who wish they did, this guide ensures a memorable yuletide experience.
Take a stroll through the iconic A Christmas Story House, where you can relive the magic of the beloved film and explore its fascinating exhibits. In addition, the Great Lakes Theatre's A Christmas Carol brings Charles Dickens' timeless tale to life with vibrant performances that capture the spirit of the season. And the Behind the Camera: "A Christmas Story" Official 40th Anniversary is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a unique glimpse into the making of this holiday classic. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cleveland
- A Christmas Story House
- Great Lakes Theatre's A Christmas Carol
- Behind the Camera: "A Christmas Story" Official 40th Anniversary
- WinterFest at Kings Island (Mason)
- Ohio Theater's A Christmas Carol (Columbus)
- A Taft Holiday Tradition at the Taft Museum of Art (Cincinnati)
- Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory (Columbus)
- Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Columbus)
- Christmas at the Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction (West Chester)
- Holiday Lights at Carillon Historical Park (Dayton)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cleveland Holiday Light Displays
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a dazzling spectacle with Conservatory Aglow, featuring intricate light displays, live entertainment, and festive activities throughout the gardens and interior biomes.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
What to Expect:
Intricately detailed miniature buildings and trains in a 600-square-foot display.
Description:
The Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library features miniature trains, tracks, tunnels, bridges, and replicas of historic German homes and castles, all made from natural materials like leaves, bark, and moss. The display includes a 6-foot-tall cathedral, an 8-foot-tall castle, and a waterfall that pumps 600 gallons of water per hour.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Holiday Lights at Carillon Historical Park
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historical exhibits and festive activities.
Description:
Carillon Historical Park transforms into a vibrant holiday setting with thousands of lights, festive activities, and historic exhibits.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Holiday Lights at Carillon Historical Park
Downtown Jingle Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive drive-thru light show synchronized to holiday music.
Description:
Downtown Jingle Lights is a free drive-thru light show in downtown Dayton, featuring interactive holiday lights choreographed to music. The event transforms downtown streets into a vibrant display of lights, perfect for a family outing. While enjoying the light show, visitors can also explore Rike’s Holiday Windows and Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Downtown Jingle Lights
Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony & A Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour
What to Expect:
Historic village setting with candlelighting and lantern tour.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Historic Roscoe Village with the Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony and Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour. Stroll through beautifully lit streets and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the village comes alive with holiday cheer.
Where: Coshocton | More Info: Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony & A Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour
Cleveland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas in Zoar at Historic Zoar Village
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a historic village setting.
Description:
Explore Historic Zoar Village during the holiday season with self-guided tours, extended shopping opportunities, and visits from Santa and carolers.
Where: Zoar | More Info: Christmas in Zoar at Historic Zoar Village
Cleveland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Behind the Camera: "A Christmas Story" Official 40th Anniversary
What to Expect:
Largest cast reunion in "A Christmas Story" history.
Description:
The Behind the Camera: "A Christmas Story" Official 40th Anniversary event features a historic cast reunion with behind-the-scenes stories from the production, moderated by Al Roker, and includes autograph and photo opportunities with the cast.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Behind the Camera: "A Christmas Story" Official 40th Anniversary
Great Lakes Theatre's A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Classic adaptation of Dickens' iconic story with a strong focus on social responsibility.
Description:
Great Lakes Theatre presents Charles Dickens' timeless tale of redemption, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge's transformative journey on Christmas Eve.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Great Lakes Theatre's A Christmas Carol
Ohio Theater's A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional elements and contemporary scoring.
Description:
CAPA and Short North Stage present a reimagined production of A Christmas Carol at the Ohio Theatre, featuring local and national talent, expanded dance and music sequences, and a distinctive take on the classic Dickens tale.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Ohio Theater's A Christmas Carol
WinterFest at Kings Island
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
Kings Island WinterFest features over seven million lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, and an extravagant WinterFest Wonderland Parade. The event includes non-stop live entertainment, 20 thrilling rides, and festive attractions that transform the park into a holiday spectacle.
Where: Mason | More Info: WinterFest at Kings Island
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
What to Expect:
Dazzling pyrotechnics and lasers in a rock opera performance.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with their all-new show celebrating the 20th anniversary of "The Lost Christmas Eve." This spectacular event features pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling, along with a high-energy second set of the band's greatest hits and fan favorites.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
A Motown Christmas at Lorain Palace Theatre
What to Expect:
Live performance of Motown legends' hits with live brass.
Description:
A Motown Christmas at Lorain Palace Theatre features an all-star lineup of vocalists and musicians performing iconic Motown hits and holiday classics with impeccable harmonies and dazzling choreography.
Where: Lorain | More Info: A Motown Christmas at Lorain Palace Theatre
Dave Koz and Friends at Connor Palace Theater
What to Expect:
Jazz-infused holiday concert with special guests.
Description:
Renowned saxophonist Dave Koz and friends celebrate the 27th anniversary of their longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour, featuring fresh renditions of timeless classics and a Chanukah medley.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: Dave Koz and Friends at Connor Palace Theater
Cleveland Other Holiday Activities
A Christmas Story House
What to Expect:
Immersive experience in the cinematic world of Ralphie Parker.
Description:
The A Christmas Story House is a meticulously restored residence immortalized in the beloved holiday film. It offers year-round tours and the option for overnight stays, providing a distinctive experience that goes beyond traditional film memorabilia appreciation.
Where: Cleveland | More Info: A Christmas Story House
A Taft Holiday Tradition at the Taft Museum of Art
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historical tea receptions and sustainable installations.
Description:
The Taft Museum of Art offers a variety of holiday traditions, including delightful teas, unique holiday displays, and festive art activities. The museum's historic house is adorned with gleaming tea and coffee services, and a variety of sweet treats. The Taft also partners with Indigo Hippo for a new festive installation celebrating sustainability alongside the holiday season.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: A Taft Holiday Tradition at the Taft Museum of Art
Christmas at the Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction
What to Expect:
World's Largest Indoor Train Display with historical accuracy.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at EnterTRAINment Junction with a festive Christmas display featuring the World's Largest Indoor Train Display and an Expo Center filled with amazing holiday trains and decorations.
Where: West Chester | More Info: Christmas at the Junction at EnterTRAINment Junction
Hayes Train Special at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library
What to Expect:
Interactive model train display with Victorian holiday scene.
Description:
The Hayes Train Special at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library features an intricate model train display winding through a Victorian holiday scene, with interactive buttons allowing visitors to control aspects of the trains.
Where: Fremont | More Info: Hayes Train Special at Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library
Merry & Bright Holiday Nights at Sauder Village
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday activities and events.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season with Sauder Village's Merry & Bright Holiday Nights, featuring fun-filled evenings for the whole family to enjoy.