Michelle McQuade

The 2020 guide to Cleveland’s best holiday activities

Christmas look of a City

Worried that you won’t be able to enjoy the holiday season? Fret not. You can still experience Cleveland’s holiday activities with some adjustments here and there. Here are some of my favorite festivities, all of which have been updated with guidelines to help everyone enjoy a safe holiday season.

  1. Deck the Falls at home

    Chagrin Falls’ beloved holiday festival, Deck the Falls, takes on a different form this year. Instead of beckoning people outside, the Chagrin Valley Women’s League had the bright idea to curate special boxes to bring the cheer and holiday spirit of Deck the Falls to homes.

    If you were one of the 200 people who were able to snag these highly coveted boxes, lucky you! That said, everyone who didn’t get a box can still celebrate Deck the Falls in their homes. Host a scavenger hunt with your family and loved ones, host a tree-crafting session, and get the kids to write letters to Santa.

  2. Watch Cleveland’s signature holiday light shows

    Missed the special broadcast of Downtown Cleveland’s lighting? You can head to the Public Square until January 6, between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, to watch the light shows in a socially distant manner. Don’t forget to bundle up, wear a mask, and observe other public safety etiquette when you go out for this part of Winterfest 2020.

  3. Go on a scavenger hunt

    Cleveland’s National City Bank has decided to let its collection of “Santas of the World” loose around the city. There are a total of 14 Santas that date back to the 1940s, and it’s up to you to locate each and everyone of them in the Gateway and Warehouse neighborhoods. This self-guided scavenger hunt is completely free and socially distant. All you need to do is visit this page to access the interactive map and enable your mobile phone’s GPS to get started.

  4. Go on a drive-through tour of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

    Once again, the entire Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is all lit up for the holidays. You can purchase a ticket for a walk-through tour to see the lights, but if you prefer a safer way to experience Wild Winter Lights, you can opt for the drive-through option. And besides, how often are you given permission to cruise through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo?

    Wild Winter Lights will run until January 3rd. Book your date and purchase your ticket here.

  5. Wine and dine inside a private igloo

    Dining inside a private igloo allows you to enjoy the pleasures of eating out while practicing social distancing and supporting some of Cleveland’s local restaurants and breweries, all at the same time. Each private igloo is cozy with heating and can accommodate a maximum of eight people. Book your private igloo at the Igloo Village in Merwin’s Wharf for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

We can still enjoy the holiday season

Just don’t forget to observe health guidelines, wear a mask, and shelter in place as much as possible. Take care!

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