There’s so much to do and so little time before the end of the year! Make the most of the fun filled season with our picks for the best events and things to do December.
Look at Christmas Lights
Northeast Ohio is home to some AMAZING Christmas lights – drive thru displays, community light festivals, neighborhood houses all decked out. Pick up some hot cocoa, turn on the holiday music and drive around to see these over the top Christmas light displays.
Cut Down Your Christmas Tree
There is something magical about a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner of our living room. Support local farmers and head to the fields at one of these charming local Christmas tree farms.
Attend a Holiday Parade
December is bursting at the seams with Christmas events. Head out early in the season to take in a Christmas parade or festival including community tree lighting ceremonies. Several malls have indoor Santa arrival parades and many local communities kick off the season with holiday parades. One of our favorites is the City of Akron where you can also visit Archie the Snowman or go ice skating at Lock 3. The Jack Frost Festival & Parade in Berea is also a great choice. Get all the details about these Christmas events and many more.
Go Ice Skating in Cleveland Public Square
Conveniently located in the heart of public square in downtown Cleveland, the rink is a festival place to skate at night because of the music and all the lights and holiday displays throughout public square. Families will want to make time to stop in Tower City to check out their holiday activities including Bruce the Spruce and more!
Cleveland Foundation Ice Rink
1 Public Sq., Cleveland, OH 44114
Open November 24, 2023-January 15, 2024
Website
You may also be interested in: More seasonal outdoor skating rinks. Admission is typically inexpensive (and sometimes FREE) and there is a small fee to rent ice skates (assuming you don’t have a pair of your own).
Play the Life Sized Candy Land at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
During the month of December part of Penitentiary Glen Nature center is transformed into a life-sized Candy Land gameboard with fun interactive features, decorations and a playset. You can easily spend hours exploring all they have to offer and there are so many interactive exhibits and places for imaginative play. Make sure to bring your warm clothes so you can also explore the wildlife center and a HUGE nature playground.
Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Website
You may be interested in: More nature centers in Northeast Ohio
Listen to Christmas Carols Played by Tubas
If you haven’t been to see Tuba Christmas, you simply must plan to attend this year. Listening to and singing along to Christmas Carols being played by a group of Tubas is a unique holiday experience you don’t want to miss! There are over 10 performances across Northeast Ohio at various locations.
Get Dinner or Drinks at Blitzen’s Holiday Pop-Up
Located at Hudson’s Restaurant in downtown Hudson during the holidays the restaurant transforms into a festive wonderland – literally covered floor to ceiling in decor. It’s by far the most family friendly holiday pop-up bar. To avoid crowds we recommend planning a lunch trip when the kids have off school during Winter break.
Blitzen’s
80 North Main Street, Hudson, Ohio 44236
You may also be interested in: More fun things to do in Cleveland
Visit the Train Display at Puritas Nursery
Don’t miss the HUGE Holiday Trains display at Puritas Nursery! The annual display has over a dozen trains on 4 different gauges. Opening Thanksgiving weekend through the end of the year and is FREE for all to enjoy. Get the details for this amazing display and more Holiday Trains here
FREE Holiday Trains at Puritas Nursery
19201 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135
Website
You may also be interested in: More holiday trains – both rides and model train displays
Shop Local During the Holidays
Support small business, local markets & craft shows. Check out our experience gift guide for amazing gifts that keep on giving all year long. One of our favorite gifts to give is a membership to a local museum or the zoo. It gives families a go-to outing all year long and supports the cultural institutions that make Northeast Ohio great.
Celebrate the Start of Winter
December 21 marks the official first day of winter. Of course the weather in Northeast Ohio can be very unpredictable, especially in December. Whatever the temperature is this year, dress for the weather and head out for a winter hike to kick off the start of the season. Hit the trails by Squire’s Castle in the North Chagrin Reservation. Bring bird seed for the wildlife you’ll see hiking at Firestone Metro Park.
Ring in the New Year
End the year on a high note with these fun filled ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, including many fun events taking place across Northeast Ohio and ways that you can celebrate the holiday at home.
Looking for more ideas & inspiration? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide filled with 100+ things to do during the holiday season, or if you are looking for non holiday events, out Winter Fun Guide has you covered.
