CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Northeast Ohio is brimming with holiday cheer. From enchanting European-style Christmas markets and dazzling light displays to festive concerts and at least five productions of “The Nutcracker,” there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking to start a new tradition or revisit cherished ones, you’ll be saying “Ho, ho, ho!” all the way through the New Year.
Here are 80 ways to have a very Cleveland Christmas.
North Pole Adventure
Embark on a magical journey to the North Pole on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, where you’ll pass through the Christmas Tree Forest, see a Candy Cane Farm and maybe, just maybe, meet Santa. Tickets start at $50.
CVSR Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence
Now through Dec. 21
Bob Cratchit (actor, James Alexander Rankin) lifts Tiny Tim (actor, Anthony Patrick Kenney) as the Cratchit family (actors from L to R: Morgan Lehman, Eileen Brady, Paige Lewis, Aamar-Malik Culbreth, Marlowe Miller and Jodi Dominick) looks on in Great Lakes Theater’s production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL onstage at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square through December 22. (Photography by Roger Mastroianni)Roger Mastroianni (Used with written permission)
Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol”
Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by a series of ghosts in this Cleveland holiday tradition entering its 36th year at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre. Tickets $40-$89.
1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Now through Dec. 22
Breakfast with Santa at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Enjoy a classic breakfast as Santa and Mrs. Claus visit your table. Then head to Santa’s sleigh to pick up a wooden toy kit or explore Farmpark attractions such as wagon rides, encounters with farm animals and more. Tickets $5-$25.
8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland
Weekends through Dec. 22
Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience
This immersive experience at Tower City Center lets kids tour Mr. Kringle’s top-secret inventing laboratory and help create toys. Each visit concludes with a private audience with Santa himself. Tickets start at $35.
230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland
Now through Dec. 24
Christkindlmarkt at Sanctuary on Green
Experience the ambiance of European Christmas markets at Koehn Sculptors’ Sanctuary on Green. This unique shopping village specializes in unique gifts like nutcrackers, ornaments, handmade jewelry, linens and leather goods. Free.
1936 S. Green Rd., South Euclid
Now through Dec. 27
More than 1.5 million lights are on display this holiday season at Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The zoo is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland as 1.5 million lights illuminate five holiday-themed areas: Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. The experience includes a musical light show, train rides and photo ops with Santa. Drive-thru option available on select nights. Tickets start at $24 per person or $55 per vehicle.
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Now through Dec. 30
Frost, the winter show at Cleveland Botanical Garden, includes new seasonal exhibits and light displays, 40 themed Christmas tress and 60 gingerbread constructions. The immersive holiday experience opens Saturday, November 23 and runs through Sunday, January 5, 2025.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com
Frost at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland Botanical Garden is transformed into a captivating frosty haven with sparkling light installations and beautiful botanical displays across a dozen indoor and outdoor rooms. Tickets $14-$26.
11030 East Blvd., Cleveland
Now through Jan. 5, 2025
Related: Frost exhibit transforms Cleveland Botanical Garden for 2024 holiday season (photos)
Magic of Lights
Enjoy this drive-through lights experience from the comfort of your vehicle as the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds is turned into a holiday wonderland. Disembark at the Jolly Holiday Village for a photo with Santa, ice skating, bounce house and more fun. Admission $23-$50 per vehicle.
19201 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights
Nov. 27-Jan. 4, 2025 (closed Dec. 1-3)
Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet begins November 29. The estate is illuminated with 1.4 million holiday lights, and the Manor House is decorated in beautiful holiday fashion. The self-guided walk tours both inside the Manor House and outside on the grounds. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
The holidays are the best time to visit this historic estate in Akron as 1.4 million twinkling lights illuminate the scenic gardens while the manor house is decorated in stunning holiday fashion. Don’t forget the hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies, too. Tickets $9-$24.
714 N. Portage Path, Akron
Nov. 29-Dec. 30
Related: 1.4 million lights? Deck the Hall lights the way for the holidays (photos)
Wild Lights at Akron Zoo
This annual event features a new look with over one million shimmering lights, plus warm beverages and appearances by Santa Claus and the Grinch. For an added fee, Wild Lights Safari Tours include a 45-minute staff-led tour on a golf cart, light-up necklace and s’mores kit. Admission $8-$24.
500 Edgewood Ave., Akron
Nov. 29-Dec. 30
Christmas Around the World at Crushers Stadium
Celebrate global holiday traditions at Lake Erie Crushers Stadium in Avon. Highlights include international foods, live music, character appearances, vendor booths, a 150-foot snow tube hill, a mini-golf course, fireworks and more. Tickets start at $16.
2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon
Nov. 29-Jan. 4
Winter Toyland at Cleveland History Center
The centerpiece of the Cleveland History Center’s holiday experience is “HollyDays,” a winter village created by Dennis Hoert that features over 350 miniature buildings, nine trains and scenes depicting Macy’s Parade, Lake Erie and more. Admission $8-$15.
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland
Nov. 29-Jan. 12, 2025
For many, racing down the 700-foot toboggan chute at The Chalet in Strongsville is a holiday season tradition.The Plain Dealer
Tobogganing at the Chalet
Feel the thrill of winter at Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, whooshing down a 700-foot refrigerated ice chute on a classic toboggan. Tickets $13-$15. Reservations required.
16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville
Nov. 29 through Feb. 23 (weather permitting)
Music & Friends Garage Sale Holiday Edition
Get your Christmas shopping done early as the Music Box Supper Club hosts this annual event with over 20 vendors selling concert photos, music memorabilia, vintage concert tees, vinyl and more. Free.
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 30
The annual lighting of Public Square will take place on Saturday, Nov. 30. Josh Duke, cleveland.com
WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony
Cleveland officially ushers in the holiday season with a full schedule of events and activities on Public Square. Enjoy live music, food trucks, ice skating and appearances by your favorite holiday characters. The fun peaks with the lighting of the big Christmas tree and a fireworks show.
Public Square Cleveland
4-6:30 p.m., Nov. 30
Cleveland Bazaar Holiday Markets
Northeast Ohio’s longest-running indie craft show celebrates 20 years with four holiday markets across the region showcasing local and handmade products.
Nov. 30, WinterLand at 5th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Akron Bazaar at Summit Artspace, 140 E Market St., and Events on Main, 159 S. Main St.
Dec. 7, Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland
Dec. 13-15, 20th Anniversary Show at 78th Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland
Cleveland Play House presents “A Christmas Story”
Returning to the CPH stage at the Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square for the first time in five years, this play is a nostalgia-filled adaptation of the 1983 classic movie. Tickets $37.50-$85.
1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Nov. 30-Dec. 22
House from A Christmas Story
One of Cleveland’s most popular tourist attractions, the Tremont house used in the movie has been meticulously restored to its on-screen glory. Across the street, a museum showcases original props, costumes and memorabilia, while the gift shop sells leg lamps of all shapes and sizes. Admission $20.
3159 W. 11th St, Cleveland
Tours daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity”
A Karamu House holiday tradition returns, this time at Playhouse Square’s Hanna Theatre. The inspiring production combines gospel music, dramatic dance and biblical narrative to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. Tickets $25-$65.
2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland
Nov. 30-Dec. 15
Country Lights Drive-Thru
Drive through Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s winding roadways and immerse yourself in a yuletide landscape illuminated by over 300,000 twinkling lights. Admission $27.50 per car.
8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland
Nov. 30-Dec. 29
Illuminate the Circle
Wade Oval in University Circle turns into a festive frostscape with dazzling holiday displays and immersive light shows every night. Free.
Wade Oval, Cleveland
Now through Jan. 26
Lorain Winterfest
Lorain’s hometown holiday celebration includes a parade, lighting ceremony and fireworks at Veteran’s Park. The celebration extends to Black River Landing where you’ll find Santa, a live reindeer exhibit, festive Christmas displays and more. Free.
Veteran’s Park, Downtown Lorain
Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain
4:30 p.m., Nov. 30
Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows
Cross people off your Christmas shopping list at a pair of Avant-Garde Art & Craft shows this holiday season. Each event features dozens of artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Admission $3.
Nov. 30, Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon
Dec. 14, City of Solon Recreation Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon
A Jolly Holiday with the Pops
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and Pops Chorus are joined by the Dancing Santas for their annual holiday concert at Playhouse Square. Arrive early to snap a photo with Santa and meet adorable, adoptable puppies and kittens in the lobby. Tickets $35-$60.
1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Dec. 1
TubaChristmas Cleveland
This Cleveland holiday tradition since 1997 invites you to sing along to your favorite Christmas carols and holiday songs, accompanied by a big brass ensemble. The group will play two concerts, each featuring more than 50 tuba and euphonium players. Tickets $10.
Dec. 1, First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, 3630 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland
Dec. 21, E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron
Holidays at Hofbräuhaus Cleveland
Celebrate the season at this popular German beer hall in downtown Cleveland. Events include brunch with St. Nicholas & Krampus on Dec. 1; Doppelbock (a German Christmas bier) keg tapping on Dec. 4; and Christmas Eve with the Hermit Orchestra on Dec. 24.
1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 1-Dec. 24
Holiday shows at Music Box Supper Club
The premier music venue in the Flats has a plethora of holiday-themed shows on the calendar including A Neil Diamond Christmas Tribute Brunch, the Ohio City Singers, Blue Christmas Elvis Brunch, A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute, Christmas in the Heartland, Polka Brunch with Santa & Krampus, Rachel Brown’s Holiday Brunch, Polka Night Before Christmas, Eric Roberson Holiday Show, Peter Mayer’s Christmas Tour, Irish Christmas in America, Frank Amato’s Christmas Jam and Carlos Jones’ Holiday Revival. Tickets start at $15.
1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 1-Dec. 26
Apollo’s Fire presents “Wassail!”
Cleveland’s baroque orchestra invites you to celebrate an Irish-Appalachian Christmas at this spellbinding concert full of music, dancing and storytelling. Tickets $10-$83.
Dec. 3, St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills
Dec. 4, The Bath Church, 3980 West Bath Rd, Bath
Dec. 7, Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Center, 400 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls
Dec. 8, Avon Performing Arts Center, 37545 Detroit Rd., Avon
Cleveland Museum of Art presents Chamber Music in the Atrium
The museum’s intimate concert series continues with a festive program featuring musicians from Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics, graduates of the Cleveland Institute of Music and dancers from the Cleveland Ballet. Free.
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
6 p.m., Dec. 4
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker”
Experience a fresh twist on the classic ballet. This reimagined show at Playhouse Square fuses hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music into an exhilarating modern dance spectacle. Tickets $30-$73.
1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 4
A scene from “Twas the Night Before…”, a Cirque du Soleil production playing at Playhouse Square Dec. 4-15. (Photo credit: Brandon Todd, MSG Entertainment)Brandon Todd, MSG Entertainment
“‘Twas the Night Before” by Cirque Du Soleil
Cirque Du Soleil’s first Christmas show comes to Playhouse Square, taking the audience to a magical realm inspired by the famous poem, where acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and tricksters await. Tickets $35-$130.
1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 4-15
“The Black Rose Experience” by Church of Starry Wisdom
Cleveland Public Theatre presents a different kind of holiday show. In this multimedia theatrical rock event, the music of Church of Starry Wisdom provides the soundtrack to an immersive cinematic narrative that explores revolution and redemption in a dystopian America. Tickets $1-$240.
6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
Dec. 5-8
Holiday Lantern Tours at Hale Farm & Village
Enjoy an interactive lantern-lit walking tour of Hale Farm & Village, where 19th-century villagers invite you into their warmly decorated homes and share their traditions of the season. Tickets $15-$25.
2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath
Dec. 5-23
Nela Park 100th Holiday Light Display
GE Lighting celebrates the 100th year of its annual holiday display at its Nela Park headquarters. Over one million LED lights illuminate 12 holiday-themed vignettes spread across several city blocks. Don’t miss the replica of the National Christmas Tree or the selfie station. See the flip get switched at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, and enjoy the lights around the clock through Jan. 6, 2025. Free.
1975 Noble Rd., East Cleveland
Dec. 6-Jan. 6, 2025
Passport to Little Italy Holiday Art Walk
Stroll through the historic streets of Little Italy and experience a vibrant celebration of art and community. Discover local artists, join a guided walking tour, win exciting prizes and enjoy live performances. Free.
12018 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland
Dec 6.-8
Holiday Tree Lighting & Caroling at Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Sing your favorite Christmas songs, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and meet Santa when the Cleveland Cultural Gardens flip the switch on the tree at Centennial Peace Plaza. Free.
1051 Martin Luther King Blvd., Cleveland
6 p.m., Dec. 6
universitycircle.org/holidays-in-the-circle
Have Yourself a Kate Reid Christmas
Vocalist and pianist Kate Reid joins the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra for a dynamic and festive holiday concert at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Tickets $25-$45.
1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Dec. 6
The Jinxx & DeLa Holiday Show
“Drag Race” queens Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme star in this fabulous show, bringing campy humor, original songs and a fresh twist on your holiday favorites to Playhouse Square. Tickets $39.50-$69.50.
1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
8 p.m., Dec. 6
Kandy Kane Ball
The Truss Event Space becomes a magical snowy escape for this annual gala, supporting local children in need. The evening features a live band, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, photo ops and stunning skyline views. 21 & over only. Tickets $125.
2061 W. 25th St., Cleveland
8 p.m., Dec. 6
trusscleveland.com/kandykaneball
E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Find unique gifts at E.J. Thomas Hall at the University of Akron. Now in its 44th year, this annual show features the work of 110 talented professional artists and craftspeople, primarily from the local area. Admission $5.
198 Hill St., Akron
Dec. 6-8
North Pointe Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
This production of the holiday classic is unique, integrating live narration with the dazzling choreography, thrilling theatrical elements, larger-than-life sets and colorful costumes. Tickets $22-$26.
Dec. 6-8, Berea-Midpark High School Performing Arts Center,165 E. Bagley Rd., Berea
Dec. 13-15, Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway Ave., Lorain
“Peter/Wendy” at Dobama Theatre
Cleveland’s Off-Broadway theater presents an enchanting interpretation of J.M. Barrie’s classic story of Peter Pan for the holidays. Tickets $15-$45.
340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights
Dec. 6-29
“Joseph & Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Back for the second straight holiday season at Beck Center for the Arts, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical tells the inspiring biblical tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Tickets $18-$44.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Dec. 6-Jan. 5, 2025
Queer the Halls
The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland hosts this festive artisan market with over 60 local vendors. Founded in 2019, the event is intended to celebrate and uplift Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ artists.
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, 6705 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 7
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet”
This international production of the Christmas favorite at Cleveland Public Auditorium blends classical ballet with avant-garde circus techniques. You’ve never seen “The Nutcracker” quite like this before. Tickets start at $26.
500 Lakeside Ave E., Cleveland
3 p.m., Dec. 7
Light Up Lakewood
Lakewood’s 18th annual holiday celebration has something for everyone: a parade, lighting ceremony, fireworks, beer garden, holiday train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks and children’s games. Free.
14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
4-8 p.m., Dec. 7
A Bavarian Christkindlmarkt
Viva Bavaria presents a German-style outdoor Christmas market in Parma filled with booths selling handmade gifts from local artists and crafters and your favorite German-inspired food. Admission $5.
7863 York Rd., Parma
Dec. 7-8
Krampus Fest 2024
Cleveland Donauschwaben Blaskapelle’s annual fundraiser features live polka music and raffles as well as tasty German food and beer. 21 & over only. Tickets start at $20.
7370 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Twp.
6 p.m., Dec. 7
Pentatonix: Hallelujah! It’s A Christmas Tour
The Grammy-winning pop a cappella group brings its biggest Christmas tour ever to Cleveland to perform a setlist of holiday classics and heartwarming original songs. Tickets start at $30.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
7 p.m., Dec. 8
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
The longest-running jazz-based Christmas tour makes its annual stop at Playhouse Square. Saxophonist Dave Koz reunites with longtime musical partner Jonathan Butler as they welcome special guests Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley and Rebecca Jade. Tickets $45-$85.
1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 8
Macaulay Culkin at the star ceremony where he is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Variety via Getty Images)Variety via Getty Images
A Nostalgic Night with Macaulay Culkin
“Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin comes to the Akron Civic Theatre for a screening of the classic holiday movie followed by a Q&A. VIP packages with a post-show photo op are available. General admission $59.
182 S. Main St., Akron
6:30 p.m, Dec. 10
Apollo’s Fire performs Handel’s “Messiah”
Grammy-winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and the acclaimed Apollo’s Singers lead Cleveland’s Baroque orchestra in a dramatic interpretation of Handel’s “Messiah,” a reflection on the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Tickets $10-$83.
Dec. 10, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W Market St., Akron
Dec. 12, St. Raphael Catholic Church, 525 Dover Center Rd., Bay Village
Dec. 13-14 Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
Severance Music Center comes alive with the spirit of the season as the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus put a classical spin on your holiday favorites in a series of 11 festive concerts.
11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 11-22
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Experience the magic of the holidays at the Akron Civic Theatre with a mesmerizing performance of awe-inspiring acrobatics and soaring aerials set to your favorite holiday music. Tickets start at $28.
182 S. Main St., Akron
7 p.m., Dec. 12
cirquemusica.com/holiday-wonderland
Tease the Season: A Burlesque Holiday Spectacular Part Deux
Cleveland’s Burlesque Queen, Bella Sin, returns to the Gordon Square Theatre for a festive, adults-only evening of burlesque, drag, aerials, singing, comedy and more. Tickets $1-$360.
6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
Dec. 12-15
Akron Symphony’s Holiday Pops 2024
The Akron Symphony comes to E.J. Thomas Hall to give your favorite holiday tunes the classical treatment at the merriest concert of the year. Tickets $20-$60.
198 Hill St., Akron
7:30 p.m., Dec. 13
Hudson Christkindlmarkt
Hudson’s historic downtown is turned into a charming, German-style Christmas market full of interesting vendors, European-inspired food, hot adult beverages and appearances by Krampus. Free.
Clocktower Green, Hudson
Dec. 13-15
Holiday Market at the Screw Factory
Find unique Christmas gifts from more than two dozen resident and guest artists at the Screw Factory in Lakewood. Free.
Dec. 13-15
13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood
Straight No Chaser
This nine-person a cappella group brings its “Top Shelf” tour to Northeast Ohio with holiday-themed concerts at Playhouse Square and the Akron Civic Theatre. Tickets start at $69.50.
Dec. 13, Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron
Dec. 21, KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”
A beloved Northeast Ohio holiday tradition is back at Playhouse Square, where the Cleveland Ballet presents its unique take on E.T.A. Hoffmann and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece starring dancing snowflakes, battling toy soldiers, a mouse king and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Tickets $30-$131.
1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 13-22
Scuba Claus made his first visit to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, December 10, 2020, in the 230,000 gallon shark exhibit.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Scuba Claus Meet & Greet
Snap a pic with Santa as he’s submerged in the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s 230,000-gallon shark tank for the most unique photo opportunity of the season. Admission $18.95-$24.95.
2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland
Dec. 13-22
Jingle Bell Holiday Shop at the Grog Shop
Shop for merch and music from over 40 vendors as Cleveland Heights’ favorite dive bar presents its annual holiday market. Free admission.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 14
Mahall’s first annual ChristkindlMarket
Lakewood’s favorite vintage bowling alley is turned into a European Christmas market with beverage stations with custom souvenir mugs, a variety of comfort foods and baked goods, over 30 local artisans and vendors across multiple rooms, photos with Santa and more. Free.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood
12 p.m., Dec. 14
The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker
City Ballet of Cleveland, one of Northeast Ohio’s top pre-professional dance companies, puts its own unique Cleveland twist on the classic ballet at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. Tickets $35-$42.
14100 Franklin Blvd., Lakewood
1 & 7 p.m., Dec. 14
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame features several Taylor Swift artifacts on display. John Kuntz, cleveland.com
A Taylor Swift-Mas Celebration
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday with friendship bracelet trading, unique photo ops, book signings by Annie Zaleski (”Taylor Swift: The Stories Behind The Songs”) and Rob Scheffield (“Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music”). Fans can also check out TS artifacts on display and watch her videos looped in the Forest City Theater. Admission $25-$35.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 14
Related: Rock Hall to celebrate a ‘Taylor Swift-mas’ with a day of Swiftie fun
The Ohio City Singers Holiday Party
This popular, local nine-piece band brings its annual family-friendly holiday matinee show to the Rock Hall for the first time to perform selections from its extensive catalog of original holiday songs. Tickets $20.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
3 p.m., Dec. 14
Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday Concert
Experience the sounds of the season as the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra performs a festive program that includes Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto,” Mozart’s “Sleigh Ride,” Coleridge-Taylor’s “Christmas Overture,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Christmas Eve Suite” and more. Tickets $10-$15.
Dec. 14, CSU’s Waetjen Auditorium, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Dec. 15, Westlake Performing Arts Center, 27830 Hilliard Blvd., Westlake
Home For The Holidays at The Common Ground
The Common Ground, a multi-use merchant and maker space in Medina, hosts a two-day Christmas market featuring over 150 small businesses and serving festive cocktails. Free.
220 N. State Rd., Medina
Dec. 14-15
Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas”
Now in its 29th year, this joyful show at the Hanna Theatre transports you back in time to a traditional Christmas Eve in Ireland with music, dance, storytelling and laughter. Tickets $39-$97.
2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland
7 p.m., Dec. 18
Candlelight Christmas Concerts
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit as a string quartet performs beloved Christmas classics under the warm and enchanting glow of candlelight at the Maltz Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $18.
1855 Ansel Road, Cleveland
Dec. 18 and Dec. 20
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis”
This play at the Hanna Theatre brings to life the story of an inspiring encounter between “The Chronicles of Narnia” author C.S. Lewis and “The Lord of the Rings” writer J.R.R. Tolkien. Tickets $70-$85
2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland
Dec. 19-20
“A Little More Naughty Than Nice” with Helen Welch
Singer Helen Welch brings her bold, sassy style to the Maltz Performing Arts Center, performing holiday classics with the swingin’ Skatch Anderssen Orchestra in a fun and irreverent show. Tickets $35.
1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland
3 p.m., Dec. 22
“The Light of Kinara: A Kwanzaa Celebration”
The Djapo Cultural Institute combines spoken word, music and dance in a vibrant and inspiring performance presented by Cleveland Public Theatre that celebrates Kwanzaa and reminds us of the enduring light within each person. Tickets $1-$240.
6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
Dec. 19-22
Jim Brickman’s “Comfort & Joy”
Shaker Heights native and acclaimed pianist Jim Brickman returns to Playhouse Square with a heartwarming performance of original holiday music and beloved seasonal classics. Tickets $50-$75.
Dec. 21-22
Canadian Brass
The Kings of Brass bring their “Making Spirits Bright” tour to Severance Music Center, adding their signature sound to holiday favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and more. Tickets start at $29.
11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Dec. 23
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
TSO returns to Cleveland to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Lost Christmas Eve.” The group will perform the beloved rock opera for the first time since 2013, followed by a setlist of greatest hits and fan favorites in a show featuring all-new pyrotechnics, lasers and storytelling. Tickets start at $49.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
3 & 7 p.m., Dec. 27
“‘Twas a Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical”
The producers of “Girls Night: The Musical” are back with a sequel focusing on the craziest time of the year. Playing at the Hanna Theatre, this lively musical follows five friends as they enjoy a Christmas Eve night out filled with laughter, tears, gossip and carefree fun. Tickets $52.50-$62.50.
2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland
7:30 p.m., Dec. 28
Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
A holiday tradition at Cleveland’s Trinity Cathedral since 1961, this Elizabethan-inspired pageant celebrates the birth of Jesus and the triumph of good over evil. Ham, plum pudding and mincemeat pie are served following the second presentation. Free.
2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
2 & 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28
Harlem Globetrotters
The world’s winningest and most entertaining basketball team returns to Cleveland to show off their latest moves, trick shots and amusing antics. Tickets start at $40.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
3 p.m., Dec. 29
Castle Noel in Medina is always in the Christmas spirit.cleveland.com
Castle Noel
America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas attraction decks the halls everyday with enchanting displays, including props and costumes from beloved holiday movies, animated window scenes from iconic New York City department stores and the slide from “A Christmas Story.” It even snows inside! Admission $23.95-$29.95. Reservations required.
260 S. Court St., Medina
Open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. through holidays except closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day)