Guide To Christmas Activities For Foodies In Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, is a city that truly comes alive during the holiday despite the chilly weather. And if you’re a dedicated foodie, you’re in for a treat! This guide will take you on a savoring journey through Cleveland’s most delectable Christmas activities.
From enchanting Christmas bars in Cleveland, Ohio, to culinary delights, Cleveland offers an array of festive experiences that will make your taste buds say Merry Christmas.
A Christmas Wonderland at Stan Hywet Hall
Location: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
Phone: +1 330-836-5533
Nestled in Akron, just a short drive from Cleveland, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a historical Tudor Revival Manor House that transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas in Cleveland. It’s a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The manor comes alive with a mesmerizing display of holiday decorations, including a towering Christmas tree, shop windows adorned with festive cheer, and a dazzling array of more than a million lights.
Moreover, Gingerbread Land is a must-see, and you can indulge in holiday-themed food and drinks that will tantalize your palate. Be sure to stop by Molly’s for some unique holiday shopping.
Winterland at Public Square
Location: 50 Public Square Suite 1910, Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: +1 216-503-8103
Cleveland’s Public Square hosts the annual WinterFest, held the weekend after Thanksgiving each year. This enchanting evening is a symphony of music, dance, and hot chocolate to keep you warm in the brisk winter air.
But the highlight of the evening is the lighting ceremony that illuminates unique holiday displays in each quadrant of the square, as well as the grand Christmas tree standing proudly in front of Tower City.
The event draws over 50,000 people annually, and what’s the best part? The magical light display continues to twinkle until after New Year’s Day, making it a perfect spot for a post-Christmas outing.
Cozy Dining in Igloos at Rustic Grill at Stonewater
Location: 1 Club Dr, Highland Heights, OH 44143
Betts, Georgetown, and Felice Urban Cafe have embraced this trend to provide a unique dining experience while ensuring social distancing.
The four igloos at Stonewater Golf Club’s Rustic Grill take this concept to the next level. These inviting bubbles are thoughtfully decorated with rugs, bistro lighting, and a heater, creating a warm and intimate ambiance.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a family Christmas Eve dinner in Cleveland, these igloos extend the joy of patio season well into the winter months. It’s an experience that combines the magic of outdoor dining with the comforts of being snug indoors.
A Festive Extravaganza at Holiday CircleFest
Location: 10820 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Date: December 4, from 12-7 p.m.
Holiday CircleFest in Cleveland is a joyful celebration where museums, galleries, churches, schools, and more open doors for a holiday shopping extravaganza near Wade Oval. The atmosphere is electric, with live performances, craft-making stations, carriage rides, ice carving exhibitions, greeting with Santa, and ice skating at the Rink at Wade Oval.
But that’s not all – the Holiday Market booths offer a treasure trove of treats, decorations, holiday gifts, and other goodies. It’s the perfect place to find unique presents for your loved ones while immersing yourself in the holiday spirit.
Breakfasts with Santa at Merwin’s Wharf
Address: 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland
Weekends through December 18
For an enchanting family experience, head to Merwin’s Wharf, a Cleveland Metroparks’ restaurant nestled on the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Here, you can enjoy a family-style breakfast while sharing laughs and capturing precious moments with Santa Claus.
Kids aged 12 and under receive a delightful gift bag, adding a layer of joy to the occasion. And for those looking to elevate the experience, you can dine in a private, festively decorated igloo for an additional fee, creating lasting memories in a cozy winter wonderland.
Christkindlmarkt: A Bavarian Christmas Market
Location: 7863 York Rd., Parma
Date: 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Dec. 3
If you’re craving a taste of European Christmas magic, the Christkindlmarkt at the German Central Organization in Parma has you covered. This outdoor Bavarian Christmas market is a treasure trove of unique, hand-made gifts and exclusive products from local artisans and vendors.
As you stroll through the market, indulge in delicious German snacks and a great Christmas bar in Cleveland, Ohio. The market also comes alive with Christmas-themed entertainment, including performances by local choirs, musicians, and dancers. It’s a slice of Bavaria right here in Cleveland.
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
Address: 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dates: Dec. 9-11, Dec. 15-18
The sounds of the season come to life at the festively decorated Severance Music Center. Guest conductor Brett Mitchell leads the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and vocalist Mikaela Bennett in a performance that features some of your holiday favorites.
Some concert dates accompany Brunch with Santa (reservations required) and Mr. Jingling, Mrs. Kringle, and Twigbee Bear appearances. Tickets start at $49, offering a splendid way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit through music.
Westside Flea Holiday Flight Market
Address: 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
Date: December 4, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
If you’re searching for unique holiday gifts, head to the Aviator Event Center for the Westside Flea Holiday Flight Market. Westside holiday flight market features over 50 vendors, live music, drink specials, and even the charming presence of alpacas.
Jingle Bell Rock and Shop
Address: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights
Dates: December 10, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Combine shopping and partying at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights during the Jingle Bell Rock and Shop event. Jingle Bell Rock and the shop is no ordinary shopping experience – a sip-and-shop extravaganza. Expect boozy hot cocoa, bloody Mary’s, a DJ spinning hits, and a delightful selection of art and food from local vendors. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit while finding unique gifts.
Holiday Shopping at the Little Italy Holiday Art Walk
If you want to combine holiday shopping with Cleveland’s rich culture, look no further than the Little Italy Holiday Art Walk. Held the first weekend of December each year, this event sees more than 25 galleries open their doors for the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of December.
These galleries don’t just offer art – many provide cookies, hot chocolate, wine, or other treats to enhance your shopping experience. It’s a beautiful way to explore Cleveland’s cultural scene while finding the perfect holiday gifts.
Have Fun at Candy Land at Penitentiary Glen
Address: 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Date: November 19 through January 1
Step into a life-size Candy Land board game at Penitentiary Glen Reservation at Lake Metroparks. This magical event, which runs from November 19 through January 1, 2023, offers an array of delights, including wildlife, holiday trees, music, food, and even prizes.
While there, remember to explore the holiday gift-shopping opportunities at The Nature Store. And if the weather cooperates, you can rent snowshoes or hop on a train for added fun. Admission is free, making it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family.
Holiday CircleFest
Location: University Circle, Cleveland
Date: 12-7 p.m., Dec. 4
University Circle’s 28th and final Holiday CircleFest celebration is a grand affair featuring ice skating along with ice carvers, an outdoor holiday market, horse-drawn carriage, food trucks, and greetings by Mr. Jingling, Santa Claus, and Mrs. Claus.
Moreover, the neighborhood’s cultural institutions will offer holiday-related exhibits, activities, performances, and shopping opportunities. It’s a free and festive way to celebrate the holiday season while exploring the cultural richness of University Circle.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Put on your most outlandishly festive holiday sweater and join the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl through the Warehouse District. This merry bar hop promises holiday-themed drinks, discounts on food and the best Christmas bar in Cleveland, Ohio, live DJs spinning holiday tunes, and even an ugly sweater contest.
The crawl includes stops at popular Christmas bars in Cleveland, Ohio, like Barley House, Ivy Nightclub, Rumor Nightclub, Velvet Dog’s rooftop, and Dive Bar. It’s an opportunity to indulge in holiday cheer while celebrating the season in style.
Elevate Your Christmas with a Personal Chef at Home
As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning those special moments to make your Christmas memorable. While some traditions are timeless, this year, consider adding a dash of something extraordinary to your festivities.
Hiring a chef Cleveland through CookinGenie for your Christmas celebration is like gifting yourself and your loved ones a culinary adventure. One of the most significant advantages of having a personal chef is that they cook the entire meal to your preferences. Also, with a private chef at your service, you can relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about cooking.
Conclusion
Cleveland’s Christmas activities for foodies promise a delightful mix of culinary experiences and holiday festivities. Whether you’re savoring festive dishes in igloos, exploring enchanting holiday markets, or immersing yourself in holiday music, the city offers an array of delights to make your Christmas season truly magical.