I’m so ready to kick off the holiday season in Cleveland! We had such a great time last year going to lots of festive events, so I thought I’d share some of our family favorites with you to help your holiday planning.
Date: Saturday, November 26
Location: Cleveland Public Square and throughout Downtown Cleveland
What: Food trucks, a children’s stage, a Cleveland Bazaar pop-up shop, the tree lighting, free ice skating courtesy of the Cleveland Foundation, and more
Pro tip: This is one of Cleveland’s classic holiday events. Don’t miss it!
Admission: Free
Dates: November 19 – January 1 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve)
Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation in the Lake Metroparks
What: An indoor, life-sized Candy Land game perfect for kids of all ages
Pro tip: Make sure to snag a deck of cards and actually play your way through the game.
Admission: Free
Date: Saturday, December 3
Location: The Connor Palace Theatre lobby at Playhouse Square
What: Holiday crafts, hot chocolate, Santa, toy basket raffles, and the opportunity to get some great pictures in the beautiful theatre lobby
Pro tip: Your raffle tickets purchases benefit the Playhouse Square Bus Fund, so be generous!
Admission: $18 for children, $12 for adults, $50 for a family four-pack (all prices are 50% off for Pals members)
Dates: November 25 – December 31 (closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
What: Beautifully decorated Christmas trees and gingerbread houses created by local groups and individuals, train rides, live music, and more
Pro tip: Save time to visit the nearby University Circle Rink at Wade Oval too!
Admission: $16 for adults, $12 for children ages 3-12, free for members
Dates: November 18 – December 24
Location: Tower City Center
What: A truly imaginative and unique experience that takes you on a journey through Mr. Kringle’s workshop and includes a private audience with Mr. Kringle himself
Pro tip: Check out my recap of our visit last year
Admission: Prices vary based on date and experience. Click here for more information.
Dates: November 25-27 and December 1-4, 8-23, 26-30
Location: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
What: Beautiful lights, a decorated Manor House, seasonal treats, animated Christmas windows, and more
Pro tip: Bundle up! It’s a lot of outdoor walking to see the lights. And skip the Manor House if you have little ones.
Admission: Sunday-Thursday: $18 for adults, $7 for youth ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under (lower prices for members). Friday-Saturday: $22 for adults, $9 for youth ages 6-17, free for children 5 and under (lower prices for members).
And two experiences we loved but that are both SOLD OUT for this year are listed below, so they can be on your radar for next year:
The Polar Express (SOLD OUT for 2016)
Dates: November 12-22, 25-30 and December 1-20
Location: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
What: The classic story (movie) brought to life with a train ride to the North Pole and a visit from Santa
Pro tip: These tickets sell out in a hot minute so mark the on-sale date in your calendar and have multiple computers at the ready!
Admission: Varies based on Standard Coach, Deluxe, or Executive seating.
Country Lights (SOLD OUT for 2016)
Dates: November 25 – December 23
Location: Lake Metroparks Farmpark
What: A wagon ride through outdoor lights, cookie decorating, a train room, and a chance to make your own toy in Santa’s workshop with the help of the elves
Pro tip: These tickets sell out in a hot minute so mark the on-sale date in your calendar and have multiple computers at the ready!
However you celebrate, I hope you find lots of ways to incorporate the incredible culture and unique magic of Cleveland into your holidays!
***Disclosure: I am the vice co-chair of Playhouse Square Partners, which puts on Tinsel Town. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
I need to get to Glow this year!