Have time off at the end of the year? Home for the holidays with the kids? Need to rest and recharge?

From dazzling light displays and winter wonderlands to hands-on art workshops, outdoor adventures and seasonal markets – there’s lots to do in Northeast Ohio. Some of it is even free. 

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights

When: Through New Year’s Day; 5:30–10 p.m. weekdays, 5:30–11 p.m. weekends
Where: Crown Point Pkwy, Strongsville, Ohio
Details: Free walk- or drive-through community light display hosted by creator Dan Hoag since 1988. Visitors often park on Bennington Drive and walk under the illuminated archways.

Gingerbread Building Workshop

When: Multiple dates and times; reservations required
Where: The Jolly Gingerbread Makery, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, OH 44102
Details: A 3-hour workshop where participants build and decorate a gingerbread house while enjoying sweets, music, and a creative holiday atmosphere. Cost: $44.52 for two people. All materials included. Online reservations required.

Winter Wonderland at The Sixty6

When: Dec. 20, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Where: The Sixty6 Music Lounge, 1966 E. 66th St., Cleveland, OH 44103
Details: Free family event with breakfast and photos with Santa, vendor market, reindeer pen, crafts, and live music. Online reservations encouraged.

Inaugural Parma Pierogi Drop

When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
Where: Sloppy Bobs, 5994 State Rd., Cleveland, OH 44134
Details: Free admission with refreshments for purchase. Features State Meats pierogies, bicentennial Schnitz Ale, treats from Breads and Beyond Bakery, live music, a rooftop pierogi drop, and fireworks after midnight.

BUY LOCAL

Screw Factory Holiday Market

When: Dec. 19 (6–10 p.m.); Dec. 20 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.); Dec. 21 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.)
Where: 13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
Details: Free admission and parking. Annual holiday market featuring local artists and makers offering handmade gifts, décor, art, and more inside a historic former factory.

Paradise Galleria

When: Open weekly, Tues.–Sun., 12–6 p.m.
Where: 3910 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
Details: Free admission to explore a 13,000 sq. ft. “Mall of Dreams” filled with vintage designs, local vendors, a jacuzzi ballpit, secret passageways, and a whimsical slide to the basement vendor area.

LOOK AT ART

78th Street Studios Art Walk (THIRD FRIDAYS)

When: Dec. 19, 5–9 p.m.
Where: 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, OH 44102
Details: Free event showcasing art, music, food, and pop-up vendors across 60+ venues on four floors. Named Cleveland’s Best Arts Event by Scene and Yelp. A multisensory way to meet artists and explore Cleveland’s creative community.

Holiday Traditions Tours at the Cleveland Museum of Art

When: Through Dec. 28 on Wednesdays (5:45–6:45 p.m.), Saturdays (3–4 p.m.), and Sundays (3–4 p.m.)
Where: 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Details: Free with reservation. A guided tour exploring winter celebrations across cultures and time, highlighting art that represents light, generosity, and togetherness.

GET ACTIVE

MOCA Saturday FAM Day (Family, Art & Movement)

When: Jan. 3, 12–2:30 p.m.
Where: MOCA Cleveland, 11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
Details: Free for Ohio residents. Movement and creativity session led by the 10K Movement, inspired by MOCA’s exhibitions. Open to all ages and skill levels.

Cleveland Toboggan – The Chalet

When: Open weekends (with or without snow) through late February
Where: 16200 Valley Pkwy., Strongsville, OH 44136
Details: Twin 700-foot refrigerated toboggan chutes. Tickets $13–$15 for multiple rides. Reservations required.

Ice Skating – Thornton Park Ice Arena (Shaker Heights)

When: Public skating schedule varies
Where: 3301 Warrensville Center Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44122
Details: Admission $4–$9; skate rentals $3.

Ice Skating – Cleveland Heights North Rink

When: Public skating schedule varies
Where: 1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Details: Admission $2–$5; skate rentals $2.

Ice Skating – Public Square

When: Open daily 12–10 p.m.; check holiday hours
Where: 3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44115
Details: $15 per person including skate rental.

Cross Country Skiing + Snowshoeing (Lake Metroparks)

When: Hours and availability depend on conditions
Where: Pine Lodge Ski Center & trails, 8668 Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Details: Rentals $3–$5/hour or $12–$30/day. Trails at Penitentiary Glen and Chapin Forest offer scenic winter routes. Snowshoe rentals vary by site.

Sledding at Cleveland Metroparks

When: Open when weather and snow conditions permit
Where:
• Barrett Sledding Hill – Rocky River Reservation, Berea
• Engle Road Sledding Hill – Big Creek Reservation, Middleburg Heights
• Big Met Golf Course Sledding Area – Rocky River Reservation, Fairview Park
• Edgewater Park – upper area off the Shoreway

Details: Use hills only with proper equipment and safe conditions.

SEE NATURE

Light Up the Night Luminary Walk

When: Dec. 19, 2025, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Details: Free self-guided luminary walk with hot chocolate, snacks, animal exhibits, and a craft. The trail is under one mile on natural surfaces.

Luminary Walk: Moonlight Mammal

When: Dec. 30, 2025, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: Nature Education Building, 401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy., Mayfield Village, OH
Details: Free luminary-lit marsh walk with crafts, hot chocolate, and animal exhibits. Indoor options available if weather is poor.

Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse

When: Open daily 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: 750 E. 88th St., Cleveland, OH 44108
Details: Free botanical garden with indoor/outdoor displays, seasonal exhibits, and specialty plant collections.

Candyland at Lake Metroparks

When: Open daily Nov. 22, 2025–Jan. 4, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Penitentiary Glen, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Details: Free indoor Candy Land-themed adventure with crafts, exhibits, scavenger hunts, hot chocolate, weekend programs, and nature gift shop.

CREATE

Junk Journaling at the Library

When: Dec. 27, 2:30–4 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Public Library – South Branch, 3096 Scranton Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113
Details: Free journaling workshop using new and recycled materials. Supplies provided; bring personal items to customize your journal.

Holiday Pop-Up! Open Studio at the Cleveland Museum of Art

When: Dec. 27–28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Details: Free, drop-in art-making sessions for all ages. Create reflective vessels inspired by the past year and the year ahead.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

Monday Night Jazz at Brothers Lounge

When: Every Monday, 8–10 p.m.
Where: The Brothers Lounge, 11609 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
Details: Free jazz orchestra performance inspired by classic large-ensemble traditions.

Chamber Music at the Cleveland Museum of Art
When:
• Wed., Dec. 17, 2025, 6–7 p.m. (Harpsichord program by QinYing Tan)
• Fri., Dec. 19, 2025, 6–7 p.m. (Linking Legacies ensemble performing works by African American composers)
Where: 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Details: Free concerts inspired by artworks displayed in the galleries where each performance takes place.