Plan your perfect Northeast Ohio winter break

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.