Start your winter break with a full weekend of family fun!
Featured Events
Kringle's Inventionasium® Experience
Discover how holiday memories are made with an unforgettable adventure inside Mr. Kringle's top secret laboratory. Become an inventor and work with Kringle's elite team to create toys. Visit privately with the Master Toy Maker, himself, to discuss your invention and Christmas wish list. This STEM accredited experience sparks the imaginations of children and adults alike.
Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience entertains diverse families from all over the world and boasts one of the “Best Santas in the U.S.” according to TIME.com.
When: November 23 – December 24 2019
Where: Tower City Center at 230 W. Huron Rd in Cleveland, Ohio (Map It)
Admission: $24 - $44, Infants (0-23 Months) Free. Group rates available.
Phone: 1-855-MRKRINGLE (675-7464).
Reservations: Book Now
Celebrate the Holidays at the Cleveland History Center
Celebrate the season with the Cleveland History Center beginning November 22nd! Guests are invited to explore the holiday season’s most beloved traditions while learning about the gifts that have delighted Clevelanders young and old.
This holiday experience includes themed holiday exhibits, crafts, scavenger hunts, special collections, and more.
You’re also invited to our Holiday Open House November 24th! Help decorate our historic mansion for the holidays! Get a behind-the-scenes look as we install our special holiday exhibits. Children will have the opportunity to make cards, decorate cookies, and listen to classic holiday favorites during our story time readings!
As always, admission includes access to all exhibits PLUS two rides on the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel!
For more information on Holiday programming, head to WRHS.org!
Deals & Discounts
This weekend -> 65% Off Tickets to see Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” in Cleveland
30% off Holiday Nights at Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. Details Here
Less that $20 a carload to see Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
Get more discounts -> Special Offers and Northeast Ohio Deals
Check Out Our Ultimate Holiday Guide!
Countdown to Christmas! Less than One Week Away!
Find the best holiday events, including:
Christmas Events this Weekend – Including Christmas parades, tree lightings & festivals, holiday markets, sleigh rides, and Christmas crafts!
Tuba Christmas – Enjoy Christmas Music performed entirely by tubas. There are various events happening throughout the season!
Breakfast with Santa – Santa Claus is coming to town…and he's hungry! We've got details on many different places you can eat with Santa this weekend.
Pictures with Santa – Santa is coming to town – all over the town actually, AND we've put together a long list of where to find him! Our huge photo ops list includes locations for all the kids, pets, and several special calm and sensory-friendly locations too.
Live Nativity – These reenactments can be found all across Northeast Ohio and they really make the first Christmas magical.
Christmas Trains – Details on all the places you can go to ride trains and see model train displays!
Nutcracker Ballet Performances – All the info on where to see the Nutcracker Ballet this season. Get your tickets before the sell out!
Christmas Tree Farms
Take the family out to one of these local Christmas Tree farms for a day of fun to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Many of the farms offer special services (Wagon Rides, Hot Chocolate, Shaking, Baling Trees, etc). View our list of Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Farms to find out more.
Must-See Christmas Light Displays – Now with Map
The list of Amazing Christmas Light Displays is growing more and more each day. Many thanks to those who have emailed to let us know about new displays to add. We've added a map to make it even easier for you to plan your driving routes!
More Fun This Weekend
FREE Wild Days of Winter at Lake Metroparks
This indoor holiday tradition continues! Candy Land comes to life as a giant game board that takes you on a fun birding adventure through an enchanting display featuring a variety of colorful habitats. Scavenger hunts, a new craft, and other activities are fun for the whole family! Each Saturday, enjoy an outdoor campfire with s’mores and animal chats. Each Sunday meet live animals and their keepers at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Snacks and nature-themed gifts are available for purchase. Snowshoe rentals, weather permitting. {Find Out More}
When: November 23, 2019-January 1, 2020; 12pm-5pm, Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & New Year's Eve
Where: Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
See Pictures and Read a Review of Our Trip to Wild Days of Winter Game
FREE Winter Celebration: The Magical Woods at Mill Creek Metroparks
Come visit a magical land of gnomes and fairy families throughout the Davis Center lobby, and discover other mythical creatures in The Enchanted Hollow. Plus, enjoy the annual holiday tree walk, scavenger hunt, and seasonal flowers. Accepting donations of non-perishable food items for the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday-Sunday, November 30-December 29, 2019; 10am-5pm
Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
Cost: FREE
Skatetacular in The Square
Skatetacular in the Square, a season-long celebration of winter in Public Square, features a stunning holiday light display throughout the 6.5-acre park as well as entertainment, including live choral performances, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus every Saturday and Sunday in December, and other holiday character appearances. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 30, 2019-January 7, 2020; varies
Greater Cleveland Aquarium Animal Trivia: Friday, December 21, 2019; 1pm-3pm
Santa in the Square: December 21-22, 2019; 2pm-4pm
Cleveland Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker: Friday, December 21, 2019; 5:30pm-6pm
Fairy Godmother in the Square: Saturday, December 22, 2019; 12pm-1pm
Charlie Brown Christmas: Saturday, December 22, 2019; 5pm-9pm
Where: Ice Skating Rink at Public Square, 50 Public Sq., Cleveland, OH 44113
Cost: FREE, fee for skating
You may also be interested in: Places to Ice Skating in Northeast Ohio
FREE Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
This Christmas season, enjoy this annual nativity exhibit. With nearly 1,000 nativities from all over the world on display, you won’t want to miss it! {Find Out More}
When: December 1, 2019-January 6, 2020; Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm & Sun: 1pm-8pm (Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day)
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
FREE Hunt of the Month: Pinecones at Cleveland Metroparks
Pinecones protect the tree's seeds by closing up their scales in cold weather. If you need to protect yourself from the cold, be sure to stop in and search for the 20 paper pinecones hidden in the center. {Find Out More}
When: December 1-31, 2019
Where: Canalway Center, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Skywalker Adventure at Belden Village Mall
Meet your favorite characters from a galaxy far away before Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters on Friday, December 20th. Get your chance to meet Galactic Heroines, a Galactic Hero, and Galactic Villains. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 19, 2019; 6pm-8pm
Where: 4230 Belden Village Mall Cir. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Cost: FREE
FREE Make-and-Take Craft at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Drop in to make a seasonal craft. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 20, 2019; 3pm-4pm
Where: Bay Village Branch, 502 Cahoon Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Cost: FREE
FREE Friday Night Movie: Frozen at Cleveland Metroparks
It’s not just the people of Arendelle who live in the winter weather. The animals of northeast Ohio have interesting ways of surviving, too. Some of it sounds like magic! Talk about how a few of Ohio animals survive before watching the epic of adventure: Frozen. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 20, 2019; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Cost: FREE (Registration is required; register by phone.)
Pie Iron Cooking at Cleveland Metroparks
Cooking over fire and coals is quite simple. Join in to prepare a pie iron breakfast. Ages 12 and up with an adult. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 9am-10:30am
Where: Brecksville Reservation, Trailside Program Center, 9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: $5 (Registration is required; register by phone.)
FREE Hand Feed a Chickadee at Brecksville Reservation
Looking for something to do with your family and friends over the holidays? Stop by to hand feed the chickadees. Black oil sunflower seeds and instructions will be provided to help make this experience one to remember. {Find Out More}
When: December 21-31, 2019; 10am-12pm
Where: Brecksville Reservation, Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE
FREE Drop-In Discovery: Snakes of Ohio at Cleveland Metroparks
Come by Brecksville Nature Center to see two of Ohio's common snakes: the Gray Ratsnake and the Eastern Milksnake. Learn about how snakes hunt, grow and survive in the wild. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 10am-12pm
Where: Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE
FREE Through the Woods Hot Chocolate Hike at Cleveland Metroparks
Enjoy a pleasant morning hike through Bedford Reservation while sipping on complimentary hot chocolate. Walk through mixed mesophytic forests and discuss how the forest and its creatures prepare for winter. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 10am-12pm
Where: Bedford Reservation, Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook, 18753 Egbert Rd., Bedford, OH 44146
Cost: FREE
FREE Story Time: Winter Solstice at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Celebrate the first day of winter with stories, a craft, and a snowflake cookie to decorate. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 10:30am-11:30am
Where: Green Branch, 4046 Massillon Rd., Uniontown, OH 44685
Cost: FREE
FREE Fun With Flotus: Christmas at the White House at the National First Ladies Library
Learn how the White House is uniquely decorated for the holidays each year and discover how first families celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza through stories, games, songs, and an art activity. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 10:30am-12pm
Where: 205 Market Ave. S, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: FREE (Registration is required; register here.)
Super Science Saturday: A Dinosaur Christmas at the Akron Fossils & Science Center
Super Science Saturday is a monthly, all-day event filled with hands-on science activities exploring the month's theme. Come all day or just for the activities you want! Join in this month to study the science behind Christmas candy! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 10:30am-3pm
Where: 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321
Cost: $5-$12
FREE Barnes & Noble Story Time & Activities: Construction Site on Christmas Night
It's Christmas time at your favorite construction site! After the trucks finish their big, important job, they receive their very own Christmas surprise. Activities to follow. Plus, get a coupon for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4 (Café stores only).
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 11am
Where: Barnes & Noble locations across Northeast Ohio
Crocker Park, 198 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145 {Find Out More}
Akron, 4015 Medina Rd., Akron, OH 44333 {Find Out More}
FREE Kids Craft at Lakeshore Learning
Kids can make a thumbprint keepsake holiday ornament. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 11am-3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning, 27500 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122
Cost: FREE
FREE moCa Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Join in on Saturdays to explore the art and idea of time through special activities. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 11am-5pm
Where: 11409 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
Cost: FREE
FREE Planetarium Program: Seasons of Light at The Wilderness Center
This seasonal program favorite traces the history and development of many of the world’s most endearing holiday customs, all of which involve lighting up the winter season — from the burning Yule log, festive Christmas tree lights and sparkling candles in windows, to the lighting of luminarias and setting off fireworks in the American Southwest and the traditional ritual lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah. The show also recounts the historical religious and cultural rituals practiced during the time of winter solstice — not only Christian and Jewish, but also Celtic, Nordic, Roman, Irish, Mexican and Hopi. Naturally, there is some astronomy in Season of Light. Learn a selection of Northern hemisphere winter constellations and find out why we even have seasons, and of course, explore the possible astronomical explanations for a “Star over Bethlehem.” {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 21, 2019; Showtimes are 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3pm & 6pm
Where: The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave., Wilmot, OH 44689
Cost: FREE for members, $2 for nonmembers
FREE Holiday Movie Sing-Along Series at Beachwood Place
Join in to spread some cheer and sing-along to the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. While you’re there, celebrate the season with entertainment, holiday treats, family-friendly activities, and more! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019l 1pm-4pm
Where: 26300 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122 (in Center Court)
Cost: FREE
Winter Solstice Celebration at The Wilderness Center
Watch the full-dome planetarium program Seasons of Light and learn the how and why of the solstice and changing seasons and explore the festivals of light that abound in the northern world at this time of year. You can get crafty making candles and a yule log to celebrate the season of light at home. If skies are clear, you can also look at the early winter skies through TWC’s telescopes once it gets dark. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 21, 2019; 1pm-6pm (Showtimes are 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 6pm)
Where: The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave., Wilmot, OH 44689
Cost: Donation requested for Yule Log materials
FREE Homemade Gifts for the Holidays at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Let the kids help you get ready for the holiday with this hands-on workshop. They will make several food items and decorate the package to take home and give to family members and other loved ones. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 2pm-3pm
Where: Brecksville Branch, 9089 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Do You Want to Build a Snowman? at Akron-Summit County Public Library
The library has all the supplies you need to build a snowman (room temperature…or not) on this first day of winter! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Solstice Celebration & Hike at Summit Metro Parks
Celebrate the sun and the gradual lengthening of the days! Learn the significance of the solstice while stretching and hiking, then make a solstice-themed craft while sitting by a warm fire. Hot chocolate will be served, while supplies last. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 3pm-4:30pm
Where: F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Campfire Area, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
Cost: FREE
Winter Nights at Mill Creek Metroparks
Experience the outdoor light display and the Unicorn Games and crafts. Plus, find that perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens and savor refreshments available for purchase in the Garden Cafe. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 5pm-7pm
Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
Cost: Craft Fee: $1 (cash only)
FREE Winter Solstice Luminary Hike & Campfire at Cleveland Metroparks
Celebrate the start of winter by walking a luminary-lit woodland trail, then enjoy a warm campfire, hot chocolate, and fun stories. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 7:30pm-9pm
Where: South Chagrin Reservation, Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Rd., Bentleyville, OH 44022
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Solstice Celebration at Geauga Park District
Celebrate the longest night of the year as this program explores the roots of modern holiday celebrations indoors and out. Enjoy treats, hot beverages, and music by the Pilgrim Brass Choir. Make a solstice-themed craft. Stroll the self-guided Solstice Traditions Trail, a magical, candlelit route through the forest, complete with a bonfire, and watch interactive skits highlighting solstice traditions of various civilizations with costumed interpreters. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd. (Route 87), Russell, OH 44072
Cost: FREE
Holiday Movie Series at Canton Palace Theatre
Sensory Cinema Holiday Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life
An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 7:30pm-9:40pm
Where: 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: $6
FREE Sensory-Friendly Cinema Holiday Movie: The Polar Express
This showing is free and tailored to attendees on the Autism spectrum or with sensory processing sensitivities and their families. Sound levels will be lower, lights will remain on, and the offerings in the concession stand will be different than a standard movie showing. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 3pm-4:40pm
Where: 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: FREE
Sensory Cinema Holiday Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 7:30pm-9:10pm
Where: 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: $6
Sensory Cinema Holiday Movie: ELF
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. Holiday music on the Kilgen Organ prior to the movie. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 22, 2019; 7:30pm-9:10pm
Where: 605 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Cost: $6
FREE Drop-In Discovery: Pinecone Craft at Cleveland Metroparks
Stop in, warm-up, and make a pinecone ornament to take home. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 22, 2019; 10am-12pm
Where: Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE
FREE Fireside Story & Stroll at Cleveland Metroparks
Come in out of the cold and join Naturalist Natalie Schroder by the fireplace and listen to two stories about the winter season. Afterward, head outside for a short walk to see who is active. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 22, 2019; 10:30am-11:30am
Where: North Chagrin Nature Center, 401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy., Willoughby, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
FREE Campfire Open House at Summit Metro Parks
Stop in anytime between 1 pm and 3 pm to enjoy the warm glow of a campfire, roast marshmallows, and pick up seeds to try your hand at feeding the chickadees. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 22, 2019; 1pm-3pm
Where: F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron, OH 44313
Cost: FREE
The Magic of David Anthony at Crocker Park
Fun for the whole family! Experience the “Sinatra of Magic,” David Anthony, in this thrilling afternoon jam-packed with magic, laughter, excitement and audience participation. David is an award-winning entertainer that blends his unique style of magic with cutting-edge illusions for a show unlike any other. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 22, 2019; 4pm-5:30pm (Doors open at 3:30pm)
Where: Market Square at Crocker Park, 239 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: $25 general admission, $15 per child ages 12 and under (Tickets are required; get your tickets here.)
Outdoor Ice Skating
Lot of great places to go ice skating, including the festive outdoor rinks as well as the indoor ice arenas.
Tobogganing
Toboggan Chutes in Cleveland
When: The day after Thanksgiving through early March
Where: 16200 Valley Pkwy. in Mill Stream Run Reservation
Cost: Admission Rates Apply, Season Passes also available
Website | Our Review
Wondering what to expect? See Pictures and read about our trip Tobogganing
Christmas Tree Farms
Take the family out to one of these local Christmas Tree farms for a day of fun to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Many of the farms offer special services (Wagon Rides, Hot Chocolate, Shaking, Baling Trees, etc). View our list of Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Farms to find out more.
Plan Ahead
30+ FREE Things to do during Winter Break …this will help you save money and keep from hearing the kids say “I'm board”
Things to do on New Years Eve – We've got some tips on ways to celebrate New Year's Eve with your kids! Including:
- Ideas on places to go to celebrate (including “Noon” Years Eve parties)
- Suggestions on things to do at home
- Ways to celebrate early and keep the normal bedtime routine
- and fun things to do if you are planning on keeping your kids up until midnight
Have a great weekend!
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