Christmas in Cleveland: The Ultimate Guide
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Those long dark winter days and nights can be hard for many. Personally, I love snow, ice skating, cross country skiing, and cozying up with a holiday movie drinking hot cocoa. However, many long for the bright, warm days of summer. I see many houses around the Cleveland metro display flamingos all year.
Fortunately, most cities around the country organize a number of festive events and light displays this time of the year to brighten up the dreary, overcast skies. A colorful light display, cheerful seasonal events, and nostalgic holiday activities can make the season so much more enjoyable for those who hate winter. I love taking holiday trips to various cities around US and exploring the local traditions. After living in the Cleveland metro this past year, I have compiled a list of my favorite attractions in and around the city.
A Christmas Story House Tour
- Location: 3159 W 11th St.
- Highlight: You will learn a lot of fun facts about the filming process
- Hours: Open all year. Tours start at 10am and go from 3-7pm depending on time of year
- Admission: $20 plus fees
You can’t visit Cleveland over the holiday season without taking a tour of A Christmas Story house. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time of the year to do so. When I first visited this house many years ago during the summer season, we were the only ones on the tour. Last year, in December there was a line 100+ people long just to get in.
No matter when you plan your visit, you will have a blast learning all about the cast, the filming process, whether or not the snow was real, and just how much the interior was actually used for filming. This is one of my favorite tours I’ve ever taken. I have been a fan for a long time – way before it developed a cult following. After your tour, I recommend browsing the free museum housing film memorabilia. Also, you can walk across the street and enjoy authentic perogies at The Rowley Inn where we learned (via our tour) that the cast hung out after filming!
Rockefeller Gardens Poinsettia Display
- Location: 750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108
- Highlight: Hundreds of beautiful poinsettias
- 2025 Dates: Dec. 6th-Jan. 3rd, 10am-4pm. Poinsettia display on Dec. 5th & 6th
- Admission: Free
I love visiting botanical gardens in various cities across the country. Most look really gorgeous this time of year as they deck the space with hundreds of colorful poinsettias – the staple christmas plant that we have all come to love.
Rockefeller Greenhouse is a free gem that was donated to the city by John D. Rockefeller back in 1905. Today, you can explore over 12 gardens, both inside and out. I like taking a quick stroll in the winter to enjoy the warm, cozy tropical setting. Note – it’s really small, so I recommend combining a visit here with other attractions. Don’t miss out on the annual Poinsettia sale, taking place Dec. 5th and 6th this year. Best of all, admission is free all year long!
Afterwards, treat yourself to an authentic pizza at Mamma Santa’s in Litlte Italy. Also nearby is the Cultural Gardens, which consists of 33 gardens dedicated to different nationalities. The full walk is about 3 miles. I like strolling around in winter when it is extra peaceful.
A statue honoring poet Heinrich Heine in the German garden. I love all the snow surrounding the gardens this time of year.
Lorain County Metro Parks Holiday Lights
- Location: Walking trail at Carlisle Visitor Center (12882 Diagonal Rd. in LaGrange) Drive through at Carlisle Equestrian trail (13630 Diagonal Rd. in LaGrange)
- Highlight: Santa shop where you can shop for local crafts
- 2025 Dates: Nov. 28th-Dec. 21st, 5:30-9:30pm, Wed-Sun
- Admission: Free
Lorain County hosts a number of fun and free holiday events that the whole family can enjoy without spending a dime. Carlisle Reservation hosts 2 free events: a one mile long spirited drive through LED display at Carlisle Equestrian Center and a free walk-thru display at the Carlisle Visitor Center. Santa visits and holiday markets on select days and cocoa/cookies are available for purchase at the visitor center.
Although it was a bit of a drive from the city, I enjoyed the whimsical holiday themed displays. The walk through was just so-so, but the drive through was really nice.
Holidays at Crocker Park
- Location: 177 Market St, Westlake
- Highlight: Nightly synchronized tree light show with festive music
- 2025 Dates: Nov. 22nd – Jan. 4th. Tree lighting at 6 on Nov. 22nd
- Admission: Free
At Westlake’s upscale outdoor mall, you can enjoy a whole month long lineup of festive activities. Taking centerstage is a nightly synchronized show on a 50 foot Christmas tree. Other notable attractions include a walk-through ornament (great for holiday photos), a dazzling walk-through snowflake tunnel, and a Saturday indoor farmers market. The entire mall is decked out in colorful lights and displays, so it’s a fun place to take a date or the family out for a night of holiday cheer. You can learn more about special seasonal events on the mall website.
Also, Crocker is a great place to shop and dine – you will find lots of fun chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory and typical suburban stores like World Market, Barnes and Noble, Macy’s, Athleta, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I love that there is a Starbucks so I can treat myself (to my 1-2 times per year) Peppermint mocha while I enjoy the lights. As for dining, my favorite places are Condado Tacos and 2 Palms Pizzeria.
Nela Park
- Location: 1975 Noble Rd, East Cleveland
- Highlight: 100+ year old tradition (2024 marked the 20th anniversary)
- 2025 Dates: Dec. 6th-Jan. 6th. Lights stay on 24/7
- Admission: Free
The world’s first industrial park in East Cleveland sparkles each year with thousands of colorful lights and LED displays. 2024 marked the grand 100th anniversary of one of the metro’s biggest light shows. You can walk or drive to see the lights although it is located in a high crime neighborhood, and thus, considered safest to view via car.
Either way, the lights are beautiful and help to brighten up the oftentimes long and dark winter days! Best of all, this event is free. Lots of sparkly LED Christmas displays such as Santas, candy canes, and stockings are jam packed into a small space. It’s a lot to take in so I drive past 2 or 3 times to justify the drive.
