The holidays are a magical time here in Cleveland. The entire region dazzles with an air of festivity, and it is plain to see why locals describe the season as magical. There is so much to see and do, but these local traditions always top the holiday bucket list:
- Pay a visit to the Old Arcade.
Erik Drost/Flickr The splendor of Cleveland’s loveliest shopping center is only accentuated by the extravagant holiday decorations that adorn its interior. When it is bathed in the warm glow of lights and adorned with richly colored ornaments, it becomes the embodiment of Cleveland’s wintertime splendor.
- Pick up a pack of Great Lakes Christmas Ale.
Erik Drost/Flickr This drink is a Cleveland classic, and locals look forward to its seasonal release all year long.
- Make a wish in the Tower City fountains.
Erik Drost/Flickr Why tell Santa what you want when you can just wish for the perfect gift? After you toss your coin, swing by the food court and grab some grub while you people watch.
- Swing by Public Square to see the lights.
Erik Drost/Flickr Following Winterfest, Downtown Cleveland gets festive with a splendid display of holiday lights. This display only gets better year after year, so it’s always worth a visit.
- Visit Nela Park to see General Electric’s stunning display.
GE Lighting/Facebook Not only is it a local tradition to visit Nela Park each holiday season, but it’s also one of the loveliest light displays in the entire state. Celebrate the season and the legacy of one local landmark as you explore the majesty of Nela Park.
- Go to the Botanical Garden’s Glow to see some super sweet gingerbread cities.
Barry Cunningham/Flickr Locals love to go to Glow! This event features all things Christmas, ranging from decorative trees to gifting opportunities. The best part? This event takes place in the tropical interior of the Cleveland Botanical Garden, which will make the snowy outside world seem a thousand miles away.
- Embark on a tobogganing excursion.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook At the Chalet in Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation is an attraction that’ll awaken the adventurer in you. For the best deal, purchase a ticket that’s good all day and zip down the chutes again and again.
- Find the best sledding hill near you and be a kid again.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook Growing up, my favorite thing about winter was those rare visits with my grandparents to the Coasting Hill in Hinckley Reservation. As I grew up and began to drive, I found that the Metroparks are overflowing with incredible sledding spots, and the magic of the season was renewed. Where is your favorite Greater Cleveland sledding hill?
- Go ice skating at Public Square.
Erik Drost/Flickr This is still a brand-new attraction, having opened only a year ago. However, its incredible atmosphere has already made it a favorite of adventurous Clevelanders. Could this be your next new holiday tradition? Take the family and find out!
Cleveland transforms into a winter wonderland once it begins to snow, and the incredible holiday displays and community cheer help make it truly magical. What does your family do every winter break that makes the holidays memorable? Tell us about your traditions in the comments!
Erik Drost/Flickr
The splendor of Cleveland’s loveliest shopping center is only accentuated by the extravagant holiday decorations that adorn its interior. When it is bathed in the warm glow of lights and adorned with richly colored ornaments, it becomes the embodiment of Cleveland’s wintertime splendor.
This drink is a Cleveland classic, and locals look forward to its seasonal release all year long.
Why tell Santa what you want when you can just wish for the perfect gift? After you toss your coin, swing by the food court and grab some grub while you people watch.
Following Winterfest, Downtown Cleveland gets festive with a splendid display of holiday lights. This display only gets better year after year, so it’s always worth a visit.
GE Lighting/Facebook
Not only is it a local tradition to visit Nela Park each holiday season, but it’s also one of the loveliest light displays in the entire state. Celebrate the season and the legacy of one local landmark as you explore the majesty of Nela Park.
Barry Cunningham/Flickr
Locals love to go to Glow! This event features all things Christmas, ranging from decorative trees to gifting opportunities. The best part? This event takes place in the tropical interior of the Cleveland Botanical Garden, which will make the snowy outside world seem a thousand miles away.
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
At the Chalet in Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation is an attraction that’ll awaken the adventurer in you. For the best deal, purchase a ticket that’s good all day and zip down the chutes again and again.
Growing up, my favorite thing about winter was those rare visits with my grandparents to the Coasting Hill in Hinckley Reservation. As I grew up and began to drive, I found that the Metroparks are overflowing with incredible sledding spots, and the magic of the season was renewed. Where is your favorite Greater Cleveland sledding hill?
This is still a brand-new attraction, having opened only a year ago. However, its incredible atmosphere has already made it a favorite of adventurous Clevelanders. Could this be your next new holiday tradition? Take the family and find out!
Ready for a road trip? Let’s go look at the best local holiday light displays.
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