CLEVELAND — Although the pandemic has put a damper on many aspects of life in 2020, it hasn’t diminished Ohioans’ penchant for holiday cheer.
From outdoor dining to skating to festive light displays, Northeast Ohio offers plenty of activities through the New Year, to boost enjoyment while keeping friends and families safe.
Winterfest 2020 Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland offers an array of holiday activities reimagined to allow families to remain socially distanced while enjoying the spirit of the season. With more than 100 restaurants, shops and attractions, Winterfest features dancing, dining and shopping while offering unique new experiences like walking tours, light shows and scavenger hunts. Downtown Cleveland
Through Jan. 3
Akron has done it up for the holidays this year, decorating Main Street, and the city parks at Lock 3 and Lock 4 with holiday cheer. Enjoy animated, vintage shop windows, the Akron Wishmas Tree ablaze at Lock 3, and festive light shows at Locks 3 & 4. The Angel Tree will shine at the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the lighted rotunda of the John S. Knight Center will glow. For the first time, Akron welcomes Archie the Snowman who’s has been stationed for decades at Chapel Hill Mall each Christmas. Check Downtown Akron Partnership’s Picture Yourself on Main website to download a guide to everything that’s happening downtown.
Downtown Akron
Through Dec. 31
Nearly the entire zoo has been decorated for the Wild Lights 2020, which features carousel rides, the Holly Jolly Hillside featuring lighted North American animals and trees synchronized to music, a Classic Holiday Town in Grizzly Ridge and Rockin' Lighted Spectacular with a wall of animated lights set to holiday music. Enjoy refreshments at Panda Treats and Grasslands Café, including adult beverages.
Tickets $3 to $13
Akron Zoo - 505 Euclid Ave., Akron
Through Dec. 30
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Families across Northeast Ohio can enjoy their favorite traditions of the holiday season while social distancing at the annual, “Deck the Hall: A Very Merry Christmas.” Visitors can take in festive lighting and holiday music on the grounds and in the Manor House. The event features decorated gardens, photos with Santa, poinsettias in the Greenhouse, a Christmas tree in the Carriage House Courtyard, while refreshments at the Gingerbread Hut and Salty Reindeer include warm gingerbread made from Stan Hywet’s famous recipe.
714 North Portage Path, Akron
Through Dec. 30
Save money when you buy your ticket online in advance for this drive-through experience at the fairgrounds. The brilliant holiday lighting display features LED technology and digital animations the family can enjoy without leaving the vehicle.
Tickets, $23-$50 per vehicle
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds - 19201 E Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights
Through Jan. 2
Glow at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Comfortably stay socially distanced during this self-guided, one-way, indoor and outdoor event that connects four different winter garden environments. Enjoy twinkling lighting displays festooned with Christmas trees, gingerbread houses, poinsettias, holly and conifer trees. Photo opportunities available.
Tickets $10-$15
11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
Through Jan. 3
Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Walk or drive
The zoo transforms once again into a winter wonderland during Wild Winter Lights, which you can walk through or drive through. The event features a unique look at traditional holiday decor illuminated by more than a million lights. Four holiday-themed areas include Santa’s Workshop, Candyland, Enchanted Forest, and Conservation Trail. Ride the carousel, watch ice carvers, hear live music and enjoy train displays. See the 50-foot tree and take photos with Santa
Walk-through - $18-$20, Thursday-Sunday
Drive-through - $54-$60 per vehicle - Monday - Wednesday
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Through Jan. 3
Ice skate with family and friends at University Circle’s outdoor rink at Wade Oval. Masks are required and the 100-capacity rink will be limited to 30 skaters at a time. Rental skates will be sanitized after each use, and public areas regularly cleaned as well. Seating benches will be spaced for social distancing.
Admission is $2, skate rentals $3
Wade oval - 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland,
Through Feb. 15
The winter park is new this year thanks to Cleveland Metroparks, featuring synthetic ice skating and dining in igloos outside. Enjoy festive light displays, fire pits in the beer garden and retail shopping at Merwin’s Wharf. Make reservations for skating and dining in advance.
Ice skating $7 & $3 skate rental
Igloos require a $50 deposit
Rivergate Park and Merwin’s Wharf
1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland
Through Jan. 18
Akron Civic Theatre Concerts on the Commons
The theatre designed a special wintery set for these live-streamed concerts available every Sunday from the Civic stage.
Winter Edition Sundays
Online
Through Jan. 24