Lights, poinsettias, trees, and "Babes in Toyland" -- all are Cleveland Christmas traditions. Check out the top Northeast Ohio holiday events. (updated for 2007)
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
(courtesy of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens)
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens transforms itself each holiday season into a winter wonderland. For 2007, the theme is the "Babes in Toyland," and the main house will be adorned with trees, lights, and decorations reflecting the classic story. Outside, the gardens will be strung with thousands of glittering lights. The museum shop will be open for holiday shopping and the cafe will serve hot chocolate, cookies, and other holiday treats.
The event dates are November 23 and 24, December 7-9, December 14-23, and December 26 -30, from 630pm to 830pm. Admission is $14 for adults and $2 for youth for the house and grounds, and $8 for adults and $1 for youth for the grounds only
The event dates are November 23 and 24, December 7-9, December 14-23, and December 26 -30, from 630pm to 830pm. Admission is $14 for adults and $2 for youth for the house and grounds, and $8 for adults and $1 for youth for the grounds only
WinterFest - Tree Lighting at Public Square
(courtesy of travelcleveland.com)WinterFest is the annual holiday celebration in Cleveland's Public Square. Held the weekend after Thanksgiving each year, the evening of music, dance, and hot chocolate culminates in the lighting of the unique holiday light displays in each quadrant of the square and the Christmas tree in front of Tower City. Over 50,000 people attend the event each year. The light display is kept up until after New Year's Day. The event is FREE and is usually televised.
"A Christmas Carol" by the Great Lakes Theater Festival
(courtesy of the GLTF)Seeing "The Christmas Carol" at the Ohio Theater at Playhouse Square is a Cleveland Tradition. For 2007, the Great Lakes Theater Festival production of the classic Dickens story will run from November 23 to December 23. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the Playhouse Square box office at 216 241-6000.
Holiday Lights at Blossom Music Center
(Courtesy of Live Nation)Drive through the Blossom Music Center grounds, in Cuyahoga Falls, and see thousands of festive displays; November 15 - January 6; Sunday - Thursday: 6pm - 9pm, Friday and Saturday: 6pm - 11pm; $12.50 per carload.
WinterShow 2007 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
(Courtesy of the Cleveland Botanical Garden)
For the 2007 holiday season, the Cleveland Botanical Garden will transform itself into a Gingerbread Dreams fantasyland. Features included large gingerbread houses with window vignettes, designed by the Garden's affiliate garden clubs, and the Garden's exhibition area was filled with gingerbread house contest entries, lights, trees, and other holiday accents. Of course, the wonderful Garden shop was loaded with special holiday gift items.
Holiday Display at the Rockefeller Greenhouse
(© 2006 S. Mitchell)
Each holiday season the Cleveland Greenhouse, just north of University Circle, transformed itself into a holiday wonderland with hundreds of red, white, and pink Poinsettias and other Christmas flowering plants. For 2007, the show runs from December 1 to January 5, 2008. Hours are 10am to 4pm daily and admission is free.
Lighting Display at Nela Park
(© Cetta Sole Hartman/used with permission)
The Nutcracker
(© John Gerbetz/courtesy of the San Jose Ballet)Though the Cleveland Ballet is no longer with us, guest companies traditionally perform this holiday favorite in Cleveland. For the 2007 season, Ballet San Jose is dancing to the music of Tchaikovsky at Playhouse Square from November 23 to December 2. For tickets, visit the Playhouse Square Center website or call the ticket office at 216 771-8403 or 800 352-0212.
