35 things to do in Northeast Ohio this weekend
CLEVELAND, Ohio — This weekend marks the beginning of December, which means Northeast Ohioans are beyond ready to embrace all of the holiday happenings going on around town. From holiday markets to theme parties, there’s no shortage of things to do in Greater Cleveland this weekend and beyond. After the first real snowfall of the season this year, it’s time to bust out your jackets and snow boots to brace the cold for winter-themed fun.
Here are 35 things to do in Northeast Ohio starting Nov. 30, with plenty of festive options included.
Merry Christmas One and All TourMariah Carey
Mariah Carey at RocketMortgage FieldHouse
It might be a week away, but it’s never to early to plan for the concert of the holiday season. The pop diva brings her “Merry Christmas One And All!” to Cleveland to perform her ubiquitous holiday hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” plus many more seasonal songs and a few of her No. 1 hits, too. Tickets start at $59.95.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Dec. 7
rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
The Frost Portal is lined with a mix of real and artificial poinsettias. FROST: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience opens at the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Saturday, November 18, 2023 and runs through December 31st. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
“Frost” at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Described as an ice-capped garden experience, the garden’s new holiday show transforms the facility into an ethereal wonderland of towering ice arches, dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals and more than 500 poinsettias. Tickets $7-$26. Reservations recommended.
11030 East Blvd. Cleveland
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31
holdenfg.org
With more than a million lights on display at the Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Zoo, there’s plenty to see as you walk, or drive, through the display. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive displays located throughout the park. Featuring over one million lights, themed areas include the Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Workshop. Two dynamic musical light shows are new: one featuring the zoo’s 50-foot tree and another directly on Waterfowl Lake. Walk and drive-thru options are available. Tickets start at $22 per person or $55 per vehicle.
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Nov. 30 – Dec. 30
clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
Funny Bus Lights & Laughs Holiday Tour
It’s a city bus tour and a comedy show! Hop aboard as local comedians point out area landmarks, crack jokes and interact with passengers in a unique experience that combines laughs, history and holiday music. Tickets $29. Adults only.
Pickup at Collision Bend Brewing Co., 1250 Old River Rd., Cleveland
Nov. 30-Dec. 23
funnybus.net/cleveland
Nutcrackers are on display at the annual Christkindlemarkt. Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer
Christkindlmarkt at Sanctuary on Green
Modeled after Christmas markets in Europe, this shopping village offers unique gifts like German nutcrackers, new and vintage European ornaments, handmade jewelry, linens, leather goods and more. Free.
1936 S. Green Rd., South Euclid
Nov. 30 – Dec. 27
sanctuaryongreen.com
RELATED: Best holiday markets in Cleveland for 2023
NEFFEX – Born A Rockstar: The World Tour
NEFFEX will bring its electronic rap style to House of Blues on Nov. 30. The doors open at 7 p.m. for the high-energy show.
House of Blues Cleveland, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
8 p.m., Nov. 30
https://www.houseofblues.com/cleveland
WGAR Winter Wonder Jam
Multi-platinum recording artist Lee Brice headlines Cleveland’s most festive night of country music. The lineup also includes rising star Corey Kent and “American Idol” alum Chayce Beckham. Tickets $42-$132.
Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Nov. 30
playhousesquare.org
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell drives towards the basket between the defense of Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (R) and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes in the second half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Cavaliers vs. Blazers
The Cavs will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at home on Nov. 30. The game starts at 7 p.m. and it’s also Sustainability Night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse presented by Republic Services.
Rocket Mortage FieldHouse, 1 Center Ct., Cleveland
7 p.m. on Nov. 30
https://www.rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com/
Christmas in Peninsula
This idyllic village in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park was made for Christmas. The annual festivities begin on Nov. 30 with a candlelight walk, tree lighting and carolers at Bronson Church. Reindeer Day on Dec. 10 boasts a live reindeer display on the church green, a community sing-a-long, costumed characters and a balloon artist.
1712 Main St., Peninsula
5-8 p.m., Nov. 30
peninsulaohio.com/candlelight-walk
Inside of Lago East Bank located at 1091 W 10th St., Cleveland
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Holiday Wine Down
Lago East Bank will host its annual Holiday Wine Down shop and sip event on Nov. 30. Admission is free with complimentary light appetizers, and the event will feature products from more than a dozen local vendors.
Lago East Bank, 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland
5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 30
lagoeastbank.com/event/holiday-wine-down-2023
“The Nutcracker” at Akron Civic Theatre
Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s production of the holiday favorite show features dazzling dancers, gorgeous sets and stunning costumes. Be sure to visit The North Pole before or after the show for photo ops with Santa and a 12-foot Nutcracker tree. The gift shop sells Nutcracker-themed sweets and over 100 different nutcrackers. Tickets $45-$55.
182 S. Main St., Akron
Nov. 30-Dec. 3
akroncivic.com
Tower City center during Christmas in Cleveland.
Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience at Tower City Center
Explore Mr. Kringle’s top-secret laboratory to meet his team, invent a new toy and help make Christmas. The magical, interactive experience ends with a private visit with Santa himself. Tickets start at $34.
230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland
Nov. 30-Dec. 23
mrkringle.com/kringles-inventionasium
The Akron Zoo’s Wild Lights event.
Wild Lights at Akron Zoo
Experience the zoo like you’ve never before as the park comes alive at night with one million lights, festive displays and synchronized light shows. The event features appearances by Santa Claus, the Grinch and local high school choirs. Admission $8-$15.
500 Edgewood Ave., Akron
Nov. 30-Dec. 29
akronzoo.org
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is set to open its annual holiday display, Deck the Hall, in the famed Seiberling estate in Akron. The grounds are lit with more than 1 million lights, and the rooms are decorated with assorted trees.
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
There’s no better time to visit this historic estate than the holidays when it is illuminated with 1.2 million twinkling lights. Inside, the manor house is decorated in beautiful holiday fashion with several themed rooms. Don’t miss photos with Santa, shopping, hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Admission $7-$24.
714 N. Portage Path, Akron
Nov. 30-Dec. 30
https://www.stanhywet.org/events/deck-hall
RELATED: 16 holiday pop-up bars in Greater Cleveland to visit before Christmas 2023
“The Wizard of Oz” at Near West Theatre
Don’t miss out on Near West Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” before its final show on Dec. 3. There are daily showings this week until the final matinee on Sunday.
Near West Theater, 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Nov 30.-Dec. 2; 2 p.m. on Dec. 3
https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/
Great Lakes Theater stages its productions at the Hanna Theatre in Playhouse Square. (Photo by Joey Morona, cleveland.com)
Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol”
Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by a series of ghosts in this Cleveland holiday tradition now in its 35th year. Tickets, $30-$80.
Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Nov. 30-Dec. 23
greatlakestheater.org
Cleveland Charge vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce
The Cleveland Charge will take on the Sioux Falls Skyforce at home on Friday at 7 p.m. The game also marks First Responders Night presented by Physicians Ambulance.
Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave. E., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 1
https://cleveland.gleague.nba.com/
More than a half million LED lights were used to make the annual holiday lighting display by GE at NELA Park in East Cleveland. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Nela Park Holiday Lighting Display
Nela Park will be lit up for the holidays for the 99th straight year. The theme of this year’s display is “Cync Up Your Holidays.” Nearly one million LED lights are used to create 11 vibrantly lit vignettes including a huge Santa hat and Santa gnome village. There’s also a replica of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., too. Come see the flip get switched at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, or enjoy the display 24/7 through Jan. 2, 2024.
1975 Noble Rd., East Cleveland
Dec. 1-Jan. 2
The Beachland Ballroom is a popular Cleveland music venue that anchors the Waterloo Arts District.
Holidays at Beachland Ballroom
WJCU’s Blizzard Bash with Marcus Smith, Mikey Silas & Friends, and Guy Snowden and the Citizens kicks off the holiday lineup at one of Cleveland’s most notable music venues. Also on the schedule are the Beachland Holiday Flea on Dec. 16; Navidad Flamenca on Dec. 17; and the Radio Dummies’ Christmas show on Dec. 22. Tickets $5-25.
15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland
Dec. 1-22
beachlandballroom.com
“Little Women” at Dobama Theatre
Playwright Heather Chrisler and an all-female and non-binary cast, crew and creative team breathe new life into Louisa May Alcott’s classic Christmas tale in this heartwarming play about love, loss and the importance of family. Tickets $14.98-$44.98.
2340 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights
Dec. 1-31
dobama.org
Tour of Trees open houses offer a tour through a forest of beautifully decorated trees inside the historic barn at Case-Barlow Farm in Hudson.Case-Barlow Farm
Case-Barlow Farm’s Winter Wonderland
This historic farm in Hudson is offering five separate holiday events throughout December. Take a festive tour of trees or visit with Santa in the barn. Check out the farmhouse for activities intended for all ages, including gingerbread teas for children and holiday teas and wine tastings for adults. Santa in the Barn is free. Other events $5-$80.
1931 Barlow Rd., Hudson
Dec. 1-17
casebarlow.com
Karamu House presents “Black Nativity”
Produced by the oldest Black theater in the county in conjunction with Cleveland Play House, Langston Hughes’ dynamic and electrifying holiday show has been reimagined with new sets, costumes and choreography. Tickets $50-$70.
Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 1-16
karamuhouse.org
(Image courtesy E.J. Thomas Hall)
E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Find unique gifts at E.J. Thomas Hall on the University of Akron campus. This 43rd annual show features 110 professional artists and craftspeople selling only original artwork and fine crafts. Admission $5.
198 Hill St., Akron
Dec. 1-3
uakron.edu/ej
RELATED: Christmas in Cleveland: 70+ festive and fun things to do this holiday season
Boom! Theater Presents “Scrooge: The Musical”
The latest production by Boom! Theater, a professional theater company comprised primarily of adults ages 50 and over, tells the timeless story of “A Christmas Carol” with music and dance. Tickets $25.
182 S. Main St., Akron
Dec. 1-17
akroncivic.com
Signs mark the corner of Murray Hill and Cornell Roads. a busy intersection in Little Italy. (Gus Chan | The Plain Dealer) The Plain DealerThe Plain Dealer
Little Italy Holiday ArtWalk
Shop Little Italy’s charming galleries and boutiques to find the perfect gift for the loved ones on your list. Afterward, enjoy a meal at one of the neighborhood’s many authentic Italian restaurants. Free.
Mayfield and Murray Hill Roads, Cleveland
Dec. 1-3
littleitalycle.com
Justin Karn , from Krampus of Cleveland, walks along the parade route, during the Cleveland Kurentovanje parade. (David Dermer/Special to the Plain Dealer)
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Krampus
Cleveland’s very own Krampus is hosting a ugly Christmas sweater party at Hofbräuhaus in Cleveland. The Shotskis will be performing live music to add to the festive atmosphere.
Hofbräuhaus Cleveland, 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 1
https://www.hofbrauhauscleveland.com/
Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head
Comedian Hasan Minhaj’s Off With His Head tour will stop at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square on Saturday. The show starts at 7 p.m. at Connor Palace.
Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 2
https://www.playhousesquare.org/
As it does every year, Legacy Village, at Richmond and Cedar roads, will provide a backdrop for holiday fun and memories in December. See below for more.Legacy Village
Holiday Celebrations at Legacy Village
Lyndhurst’s lifestyle center has plenty of festive events in store including Holiday Sip, Shop & Stroll on Dec. 2 and the Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 3. Admission is free.
25001 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
Dec. 2-10
legacy-village.com
Straight No Chaser
With their unique and distinct sound, Straight No Chaser is no ordinary male acapella group. Their “Sleighin’ It” tour features classic holiday songs performed like you’ve never heard before. Tickets $29.50-$69.50.
KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Dec. 2
playhousesquare.org
Holiday lantern tours return to Hale Farm & Village. (Photo by Lisa DeJong, The Plain Dealer)The Plain Dealer
Holiday Lantern Tours at Hale Farm & Village
Take a candle-lit tour through period authentic Hale Farm & Village as its residents welcome you into their homes to celebrate a 19th-century Christmas. Sweet treats and holiday gifts are available. Tickets $15-$25.
2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath
5-9 p.m., Dec. 2-3
wrhs.org/signature-events
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness – New Friends Tour
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness will bring its New Friends Tour to House of Blues on Saturday. The doors open at 6 p.m. and show openers include Wildermiss and Michigander.
House of Blues Cleveland,
House of Blues Cleveland, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 2
https://www.houseofblues.com/cleveland
The parade along Detroit Avenue in downtown Lakewood is one of the highlights of LakewoodAlive’s annual Light Up Lakewood festivities. (Carol Kovach/special to cleveland.com)
Light Up Lakewood
Lakewood’s 17th annual holiday celebration has something for everyone: a parade, shopping village, live music, beer garden, ice carvings, train rides, food trucks and children’s games. But the main attractions are the tree lighting and fireworks. Free.
14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
4-8 p.m., Dec. 2
lakewoodalive.org
Cleveland Bazaar
Welcome to Northeast Ohio’s longest-running indie handmade event, showcasing hundreds of local and handmade products. This year, they have four anchor holiday market events.
Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland
Dec. 2
clevelandbazaar.org
Cleveland Monsters center Alex Broadhurst takes the puck to the goal for a score on Syracuse Crunch goalie Eddie Pasquale in the second period during game 4 of the first round of the Culder Cup Championship playoffs, April 25, 2019, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. John Kuntz, cleveland.comcleveland.com
Cleveland Monsters vs. Utica Comets
The Cleveland Monsters will take on the Utica Comets twice at home this weekend. It gives folks two options to support the hometown hockey team, either during the Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon game.
Rocket Mortage FieldHouse, 1 Center Ct., Cleveland
6 p.m. on Dec. 2, 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 3
https://www.clevelandmonsters.com/games
Mapleside Farms in Brunswick, Ohio. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.comDavid Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Breakfast with Santa
Mapleside Farms is hosting a handful of Breakfast with Santa events this December with the first two this weekend. Tickets include access to a full breakfast buffet, with the option to upgrade to include access to the make-your-own Caramel Apple Factory.
Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick
8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3
https://www.mapleside.com/bws
This provided image shows comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short.
Steve Martin & Martin Short’s “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today”
Legendary comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short will bring their “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today” tour to Cleveland. The duo’s show will take place at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre on Sunday.
KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 3
https://www.playhousesquare.org/
