Cleveland Holiday Events
I think it’s safe to say … the weather in Cleveland has turned. Sure, we may technically still be about a month away from the official start of winter, but for all intents and purposes, it’s here. You know what that means—time to stay home and keep warm, right? Wrong! I was shocked—and pleasantly surprised—by how many holiday and winter events Northeast Ohio has to offer. Here are a few that caught my eye.
Kringle’s Inventionasium® Experience
In my job at Cuyahoga County Public Library, we offer lots of youth programming
focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). After all, these
are important skills that kids need to develop so that they can compete, eventually,
in a modern, technology-driven workforce. Imagine my delight, then, when I came
across this gem of an event. In the STEM-accredited Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience,
kids get to enter a top-secret laboratory, become inventors and create toys. According
to TIME,
the program also features “…one of the best Santas in the U.S.” That’s good
enough for me. Admission ranges from $24 – $44. Kringle’s Inventionasium runs
through December 24 at Tower City. For additional information and to make
reservations, click here.
Crocker Park Tree Lighting
You can catch Tiffany and I here. Occurring tonight from 5 – 7:30 p.m., the 15th annual Crocker Park Tree Lighting will feature live entertainment (music and magic), food trucks, a vendor village, Santa Claus, and, of course, the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree with a choreographed music light show. There is no charge for admission. As for parking, there are a couple of options. The Promenade is free whereas the garages will charge $10, though a portion of that will benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. For once, I’ll pay to park and not mutter curse words under my breath … at least I know some of my money is going to a good cause.
Light Up Lakewood 2019
I’ve already circled my calendar for this one, which takes place December 7 from 4 – 8 p.m. In its 13th year, Light Up Lakewood features a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, beer garden, holiday market, holiday train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks, children’s activities and a fireworks show. Make sure you arrive early, as the event draws approximately 20,000 guests every year.
Wild Winter Lights
Occurring evenings at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo through January 5, Wild Winter Lights may be the region’s premier holiday display. Showcasing the dazzling colors of more than one million lights, the event features interactive zones and displays, including Snow Safari, Glacier Glade and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. Notable features include a 16-foot-tall teddy bear, giant sugar cookies and the A-Roar-A Borealis, the zoo’s version of the Northern Lights. Visitors can also enjoy interactive games, a light show and pictures with Santa. Tickets range from $15.50 – $20.50 and can be purchased online.
There you have it, friends. If you weren’t motivated to brave the cold before, hopefully you are after reading this! (It’s okay if you aren’t … like Planet Fitness, happydayscleveland.com is a judgment free zone.) These events are just a taste of what’s happening throughout the area. I’ll be back next week with even more. Talk to you soon. Cheers!
