Cleveland, Ohio, a vibrant city nestled on the shores of Lake Erie, truly comes alive during the Christmas and holiday season. Despite the often snowy and brisk weather, the city transforms into a festive wonderland, offering a plethora of activities to delight residents and visitors alike. From dazzling light displays to heartwarming theatrical performances, The 15 Best Christmas and Holiday Activities in Cleveland for 2022 promise to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
This guide will navigate you through the most enchanting and exciting holiday experiences Cleveland has to offer. Prepare to be immersed in a world of twinkling lights, captivating performances, and heartwarming traditions as we explore the best ways to celebrate the season in Northeast Ohio.
1. Tour Stan Hywet Hall in Akron: A Tudor Revival Winter Wonderland
Venture just outside of Cleveland to Akron and discover the magic of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. This historic Tudor Revival Manor House, boasting 65 rooms and sprawling across 70 acres, undergoes a breathtaking transformation each holiday season. The "Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings" tours, offered on select dates from November 25th through December 30th, 2022, provide an immersive experience into a world of festive elegance.
Imagine strolling through rooms adorned with exquisite holiday decorations, marveling at a towering Christmas tree that reaches for the sky, and gazing upon meticulously decorated shop windows that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Over a million twinkling lights illuminate the grounds, creating a magical ambiance that captivates visitors of all ages. Don’t miss Gingerbread Land, a delightful exhibit that showcases intricate gingerbread creations, and indulge in festive food and drinks available for purchase. For those seeking unique gifts, Molly’s shop offers a curated selection of holiday treasures. Stan Hywet Hall is located at 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303.
2. Experience WinterLand at Public Square: Cleveland’s Festive Heart
At the very heart of Cleveland, Public Square becomes the epicenter of holiday cheer with WinterLand. This annual holiday celebration, held the weekend after Thanksgiving, is a spectacle to behold. The evening commences with a vibrant display of music and dance, setting the stage for the grand illumination. As darkness falls, the square comes alive with unique holiday displays in each of its quadrants, culminating in the lighting of the magnificent Christmas tree in front of Tower City.
WinterLand attracts over 50,000 attendees each year, drawn by the festive atmosphere and the sense of community it fosters. The dazzling light display remains illuminated until after New Year’s Day, ensuring that the holiday spirit lingers throughout the season. Best of all, this magical event is free to attend and is often televised, allowing everyone to share in the joy. Public Square is located at 50 Public Square Suite 1910, Cleveland, OH 44113.
3. Visit Glow at Cleveland Botanical Garden: An Indoor and Outdoor Winter Fantasy
Step into a realm of botanical beauty transformed into a winter wonderland at the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s "Glow." From November 30th through December 30th, 2022, the gardens become an enchanting escape, both indoors and outdoors.
Marvel at the intricate details of large gingerbread houses, peer into charming window vignettes, and wander through pathways illuminated by twinkling lights. Discover whimsical gnome homes nestled among the foliage and gaze in awe at a 16-foot-tall live white fir tree adorned with festive ornaments. The Garden Store is a treasure trove of special holiday gift items, making it the perfect place to find unique presents for loved ones. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is located at 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
4. View the Lighting Display at Nela Park: A Century-Old Tradition
Since 1925, the lighting display at the GE Lighting Center in East Cleveland’s Nela Park has been a cherished holiday tradition. Each year, a new theme brings a fresh perspective to the dazzling display. From December 1st, 2022, through January 2nd, 2023, witness the "Merry and Bright" theme come to life along several blocks of Noble Road.
Be mesmerized by over half a million LED lights that create a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Admire the impressive 38-foot gingerbread house and a replica of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. Nela Park is located in East Cleveland, OH 44112, along Noble Road.
5. Take a Lantern Tour at Hale Farm & Village: A Glimpse into the Past
Journey back in time at Hale Farm & Village in Bath and experience the holidays as they were celebrated in the 19th century. The Holiday Lantern Tours, offered on select December dates leading up to Christmas (December 3rd through December 23rd, 2022), provide a unique and immersive experience.
Explore the historic village and its decorated homes, all adorned in traditional fashion for the holidays. As you wander through the village illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and customs of a bygone era. Hale Farm & Village is located at 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Akron, OH 44333.
6. Take in a Gospel Performance at Karamu House: A Soul-Stirring Celebration
Experience the power and emotion of gospel music at Karamu House, Cleveland’s renowned Black theater. From December 9th through December 18th, 2022, Karamu House will present "Black Nativity," a soul-stirring gospel celebration that retells the traditional New Testament account of the Nativity story.
Through gospel music, dramatic dance, and a powerful biblical narrative, "Black Nativity" offers a unique and moving perspective on the Christmas story. Karamu House is located at 2355 E 89th St, Cleveland, OH 44106-3403.
7. Attend a Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert: A Symphony of Holiday Cheer
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of holiday carols performed by the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Each December, Severance Hall comes alive with a series of holiday concerts featuring all of your favorite classics.
These approximately one-hour performances, held on Thursdays through Sundays from December 8th through December 18th, 2022, are the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends. Severance Hall is located at 11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106.
8. Delight in Country Lights at Farmpark: A Rural Holiday Escape
Escape the city bustle and embrace the charm of Country Lights at Lake Metroparks’ Farmpark. Throughout the holiday season, Farmpark transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a variety of festive activities.
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides through the festively decorated landscape, visit Santa’s workshop for kids, and admire the grove of decorated trees in the visitors’ center. Keep an eye out for frequent visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves! This season’s drive-throughs will be offered from Nov. 30 through December 23, 2022. Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.
9. Be a Part of University Circle’s Circlefest: A Celebration of Arts and Culture
Join in the festive spirit at University Circle’s Circlefest, a free event held annually on the first Sunday of December. This vibrant celebration features a lantern procession around Wade Oval, as well as exhibits, music, food, and activities at many of the area’s renowned museums and institutions.
Free transportation is provided from place to place, making it easy to explore all that University Circle has to offer. Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106 is the primary location.
10. Go Holiday Shopping at the Little Italy Holiday Art Walk: A Feast for the Senses
Combine holiday shopping with Cleveland culture at the Little Italy Holiday Art Walk. The first weekend of December each year, more than 25 galleries open their doors, showcasing a diverse array of artwork and crafts.
Many galleries offer cookies, hot chocolate, wine, or other treats, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Some of the galleries are only open to the public during the art walks, making this a truly unique opportunity. Little Italy is located in Cleveland, OH 44106.
11. Marvel at a Performance of The Nutcracker: A Timeless Holiday Classic
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker, a timeless holiday ballet that captivates audiences of all ages. Cleveland Ballet and partners will present adaptations of the traditional ballet at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, with nightly performances beginning December 15 through December 18, 2023.
The production is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family outing. Playhouse Square is located at 1511 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115.
12. Have Fun at Candy Land: A Life-Sized Board Game Adventure
Step into a life-size version of the classic board game Candy Land at Penitentiary Glen Reservation at Lake Metroparks. This holiday attraction, usually lasting several days in December, will take place from Nov. 19 through January 1, 2023.
The event features wildlife, holiday trees, music, food, and prizes. Enjoy holiday gift shopping at The Nature Store, and rent snowshoes or ride a train for fun (weather permitting). Admission is free. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.
13. Surround Yourself With Poinsettias: A Floral Holiday Display
Immerse yourself in a sea of red, white, and pink at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse and Botanical Garden. Each holiday season, the greenhouse transforms into a holiday wonderland with hundreds of poinsettias and other Christmas flowering plants at the Friends of Greenhouse Annual Poinsettia Sale. This year’s plant sale takes place on December 2-3, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is located at 750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108.
14. See Great Lakes Theater’s Production of A Christmas Carol: A Beloved Tradition
Experience the heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge at Great Lakes Theater’s production of "A Christmas Carol." Seeing this classic play at the Mimi Ohio Theater at Playhouse Square is a Cleveland tradition enjoyed by people of all ages. This year’s performances run from Nov. 25 through December 23, 2022.
15. Meet Scuba Claus at the Cleveland Aquarium: An Underwater Holiday Adventure
Dive into a unique holiday experience at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, where you can meet Scuba Claus! The aquarium transforms into a winter, water wonderland for the holidays, with lights and decorations, special animal displays, and an appearance by the man in red himself. Children can talk to Scuba Claus while he’s underwater by purchasing a "Merry Meet & Greet," available December 14-18, 2022. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is located at 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113-2340.
The 15 Best Christmas and Holiday Activities in Cleveland for 2022 offer a diverse range of experiences to create lasting memories. From traditional performances to unique encounters, Cleveland promises a holiday season filled with joy, wonder, and festive cheer. So, bundle up, gather your loved ones, and embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure in Cleveland!
