Cleveland is in full holiday mode. Whether you’re on the hunt for Santa or looking for fun ways to celebrate Kwanzaa or Chanukah, there’s something magical (and sometimes free) happening from the East to the West Side, from Shaker Heights to Parma. Check out our list, sorted by holiday and date.
Chanukah party
CJC Chanukah Party
- When: Sat., Dec. 20, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (5 p.m. games, 6 p.m. candlelighting, 6:45 p.m. latkes)
- Where: Acacia Shelter, Lyndhurst
- Details: All-ages Chanukah celebration with games, candlelighting, latkes and a dessert contest.
Christmas events and toy giveaways
Photo with Santa
- When: Thursday, Dec. 18, from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
- Where: McGregor Assisted Living, 14850 Private Dr., East Cleveland
- Details: Free photo with Santa and hot cocoa. Register here.
Breakfast with Santa & Christmas Toy Giveaway
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Sanctuary Baptist Church, 4004 E. 131st St., Cleveland, OH 44105
- Details: Free breakfast with Santa and a toy giveaway for ages 0-13. Hosted by Sanctuary Baptist and We Care Ministries.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.
- Where: MetroHealth Old Brooklyn Campus, 4229 Pearl Road, first floor atrium
- Details: Free event with holiday music, photos with Santa ($3), goodie bags for the first 150 kids (10 and under), and take-home cookie/cocoa bags. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Hosted by the old Brooklyn Community Collaborator.
Free Toy Drive
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.
- Where: East View United Church of Christ, Van Aken Boulevard, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
- Details: Free toys for children in need. Contact: Elder Baker, 216-255-2385. Hosted by One Soul at a Time Ministries.
Galleria Holiday Event – Toys for Tots Giveaway
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Where: 1301 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
- Details: Toy giveaway, cookies, Santa meet-and-greet, games and activities. Register for toys at swavlupus.org.
Angelo Miller Foundation Christmas Dinner & Toy Giveaway
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.
- Where: 6301 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
- Details: Free dinner, entertainment and toys. Must register by email at AngeloMillerFoundation@gmail.com and include child’s name and gender and your phone number and ZIP code. Bring a bag to shop.
Donté’s Gift Express – Family Fun Day
- When: Saturday, Dec. 20, from noon to 4 p.m.
- Where: Skylight Park at Tower City, 230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113
- Details: Free holiday family event featuring crafts, family gift giveaways, a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree, and performances by Radio One, DJ Lily Jade, and the Shaw High School Marching Band. Activities include holiday photos, VR gaming, a hot chocolate station, sock skating, the “Story” slide, and more. Reserve a spot. Find more information at DontesGiftExpress.com.
Toy Giveaway
- When: Sunday, Dec. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m.
- Where: 6009 Fleet Ave., Cleveland, OH
- Details: Toy giveaway for ages 0-12. Must register by Tuesday, Dec. 16. Food, music and toys included. Hosted by Loretta’s Helping Hands.
Christmas Toy Drive
- When: Monday, Dec. 22, from noon to 5 p.m.
- Where: 5489 Ridge Road, Parma, OH 44129
- Details: Toy drive for ages 6-12. Registration required. Hosted by Royal Kutz Barbershop. Email: zeusroyalkutz@gmail.com or via Instagram or Facebook; children must be present. Donations accepted through Dec. 19.
Santa’s Workshop – Holiday Give Back
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Where: Euphoria Lanes, 1812 E. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44103
- Details: Free community event with crafts, photos with Santa, toy giveaways, warm winter items and food.
Twinkle After Christmas Treat
- When: Friday, Dec. 26, from noon to 3 p.m.
- Where: 11406 Union Ave., Cleveland, OH
- Details: Holiday brunch with drinks and a free toy. For more information, call Ms. Iris at 216-633-5014 or Teaira at 216-242-6742 ext. 103.
Kwanzaa celebrations
Greater Cleveland Kwanzaa Alliance & NROPI — Kwanzaa Celebration (Umoja)
- When: Fri., Dec. 26, 2025, at 6 p.m.
- Where: East Cleveland Public Library, 14101 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland, OH 44112
- Details: Features presenter Dr. Haki Madhubuti, musical libation by Hue People. Free community celebration. info: 216-543-0066, nropi@aol.com
McMillian Family & The Extended Family Kwanzaa
- When: Fri., Dec. 26, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Forest Hill Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH
- Details: Family-oriented Kwanzaa celebration.
Together in Tradition: A Kwanzaa Celebration
- When: Sat., Dec. 27, 2025, at 12 p.m.
- Where: Cleveland Public Library – MLK Jr. Campus, 10601 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
- Details: Hosted by CPL, Black Employee Resource Group and Diapo Cultural Arts Institute. Info: 216-623-7019.
Kwanzaa Celebration – Alpha Xi Chapter
- When: Sat., Dec. 27, 2025, at 1 p.m.
- Where: Warrensville Heights Branch – Cuyahoga County Public Library, 4415 Northfield Rd., Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
- Details: Community celebration hosted by Alpha Xi Chapter.
Ohio Cleveland Association of Black Social Workers & Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers Presents Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia
- When: Sat., Dec. 27, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: The Friendly Inn Settlement, 2386 Unwin Rd., Cleveland, OH
- Details: Community Kwanzaa event for all!
Let’s Pray Ministries & Sheroes — Kwanzaa Celebration
- When: Sun., Dec. 28, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: United Temple Tabernacle, 14284 Superior Ave., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
- Details: Kwanzaa celebration. Contacts: Pastor Pam 216-324-5303; Obatala Sangofunmi 216-785-8109.
Golden Ciphers & National Rites of Passage Institute— Kwanzaa Celebration
- When: Tues., Dec. 30, 2025, at 5 p.m.
- Where: 4450 Cedar Ave., Cleveland, OH
- Details: Community Kwanzaa celebration. Contact: Pam Hubbard, phubbard5704@gmail.com
Kings & Queens of Art / Larchmere Cultural Arts – Kwanzaa Celebration
- When: Wed., Dec. 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: 1385 E. 34th St., Cleveland, OH (enter via St. Clair Ave.)
- Details: Vendors welcome (contact 216-780-2470). Co-sponsored community event.
African American History Museum – Kwanzaa
- When: Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: 1765 Crawford Ave., Cleveland, OH
- Details: Part of the Greater Cleveland Kwanzaa Alliance series.
