Lights, poinsettias, trees, and "A Christmas Carol" -- all are Cleveland Christmas traditions. Check out the top Northeast Ohio holiday events. (updated for 2008)
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 2008, the theme is the Nativity and the main house will be adorned with sets from around the world, part of the University of Dayton's collection. There'll also be trees, lights, and floral decorations. 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 8 through December 28 (except Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas) from 630pm to 830pm.
The event dates are November 8 through December 28 (except Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas) from 630pm to 830pm.
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 2008, the Great Lakes Theater Festival production of the classic Dickens story will run from November 28 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 28 - December 14 and December 18 - January 4; Sunday - Thursday: 6pm - 9pm, Friday and Saturday: 6pm - 11pm; $15 per carload.
WinterShow at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
(Courtesy of the Cleveland Botanical Garden)
For the 2008 holiday season, the Cleveland Botanical Garden will transform itself into a "City Sidewalks" 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 2008, the show runs from December 5 to January 2, 2009. Hours are 10am to 4pm daily and admission is free.
Lighting Display at Nela Park
(© Cetta Sole Hartman/used with permission)
Christmas at Hale Farm
The holiday season at Hale Farm, in Bath, harkens back to the 19th century with Lantern Tours of the historic site, all decked in traditional fashion for the holidays. The dates for 2008 are December 5-6, 12-13, and 19-23.The Black Nativity at Karamu House
An annual Cleveland tradition, the Black Nativity, written by hometown literary master Langston Hughes, is a retelling of the Gospel according to St. Luke, set to the music and dance of the Black church. The 2008 presentation will run from December 5 to December 28. For tickets and information, call 216 795-7077.Festival of Trees at the Cleveland Playhouse
(courtesy of the Cleveland Playhouse)
Over 70 professionally-decorated holiday trees grace the inside and outside of the Cleveland Playhouse, from November 28 to January 4, 2009. Admission is free.
