CLEVELAND (Dec. 6, 2024) – 'Tis the season of endless holiday fun in The Land. Whether celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or just enjoying the winter vibes, there's something for everyone to enjoy as the final days of 2024 fly by faster than Santa and his reindeer. 

CULTURE AND CELEBRATION IN THE LAND
In a city as diverse as Cleveland, there's always something to celebrate. Whether it's lighting the menorah for Hanukkah or honoring the days of Kwanzaa with the community, locals and visitors won't want to miss out on all the seasonal celebrations ahead. 

Friends of the Maltz Museum Chanukah Candle Lighting
There will be fun for all ages as the first night of Chanukah is celebrated at the Maltz Museum with the lighting of the menorah. The festivities will include traditional songs and storytelling for adults and children, as well as crafts and goodie bags for kids to enjoy. Museum admission will be free all day with a canned food donation, with all contributions going to Kosher Food Bank and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

• Dec. 25 at 3:00 p.m.; details and registration online
• Maltz Museum: 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood

Downtown Menorah Lighting
Clevelanders of all faiths are invited to join the festivities for the lighting of the Public Square menorah. The event on the second night of Hanukkah will include a menorah lighting, entertainment and festive fun activities. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of WinterLand offerings like ice skating, a walk through the holiday lights or a wintry photo op in the Square.

• Dec. 26, 6-7 p.m.
• Public Square: 50 Public Square, Cleveland

The Light of Kinara
Clevelanders can celebrate Kwanzaa with Djapo Cultural Arts Institute, a local performing arts company committed to preserving African diasporic works. The group will present “The Light of Kinara” at Cleveland Public Theatre for three nights. The production honors and celebrates African heritage and community through spoken word, music and dance. A variety of ticketing options are available, including Cleveland Public Theatre's “Choose What You Pay” admission.

• Dec. 19 – 22; schedule and tickets online
• Cleveland Public Theatre: 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland

Karamu House's 2024 Kwanzaa Celebration
Black, red and green will adorn the evening at Karamu House's 2024 Kwanzaa Celebration. The celebration, at the oldest producing Black theater in the nation, will offer a marketplace featuring local vendors, art workshops throughout the building and film screenings in the Jelliffe Theatre. The event also gives locals a firsthand look at some of the renovations that have been completed over the last few years at the Fairfax neighborhood venue.

• Dec. 30 3-7 p.m.; registration & details online
• Karamu House Theatre: 2355 E. 89 St., Cleveland

Kwanzaa Celebration with Cuyahoga County Public Library
The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers will celebrate the fifth night of Kwanzaa at the Cuyahoga County Public Library's Maple Heights branch. The fifth principle of the holiday, "Nia,” means purpose and encourages reflection on personal goals, as well as goals that benefit the Black community. 

• Dec. 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.; registration & details online
• Cuyahoga County Public Library: 5225 Library Ln., Maple Heights

 
THE LAND THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
In a city of boundless creativity, it's easy to find the gift that's just right. Many events this season will feature Cleveland's expansive community of creators. 

Ohio City Holiday Hop
Ohio City Inc.'s Holiday Hop makes it easier than ever for locals to check gifts off their list, thanks to a fully festive and completely free shuttle. With various stops throughout the neighborhood, locals can hop on and off to shop in local businesses and refresh themselves at a variety of local breweries and restaurants. Follow the Ohio City social channels to stay updated on weekly happenings throughout the season.

• Nov. 23 – Dec. 21, Saturdays from 12-8 p.m.; shuttle map online
• Instagram: @ohiocityinc & Facebook: Ohio City Incorporated

Home for the Holidays Pop Up Boutique
Season nine of Home for the Holidays returns in Lakewood this season with over 40 small businesses represented. The pop-up boutique, which changes locations each year, includes thoughtfully curated collections from a variety of artists and makers as well as small-batch food goodies. Whether it's a piece of Cleveland-themed artwork for the biggest fan of The Land, a custom coffee mug for the always-caffeinated or a hand-crafted snack for those with a sweet tooth, the pop-up shop makes it easy for Clevelanders to buy local this holiday season.

• Through Dec. 23; hours & details online
• Home for the Holidays: 17106 Detroit Ave., Lakewood

THE LAND OF NAUGHTY BREWS AND NICE BITES
This food-centric city takes the holidays seriously with festive fun, musical celebrations and celebrity brunches to fill residents – and their bellies – with joy.

Festive drinks
Locals and visitors can get into the “spirits” of the season and taste all the jolly flavors at themed bars across The Land. Begin the journey at Southern Tier Brewing Co. for their 2nd Annual Christmas Bar, featuring a fully decorated space, festive music, custom cocktails and light bites. Next, Clevelanders can follow the chill of the Cuyahoga River to XMAS Bar in the Flats East Bank. The seasonal pop-up in the Hi5 space offers a specialty menu, décor galore and plenty of holiday cheer. Over in the Ohio City neighborhood, Nano Brew is ready with a new Christmas bar serving up burgers, beer and a tasteful holiday atmosphere. The final stop awaits at the always iconic Great Lakes Secret Cellar Christmas Bar, a transformed secret holiday hideaway with fresh Christmas Ale on tap and an exclusive menu. 

Breakfast with Santa at Merwin's Wharf
Families looking for a little extra holiday cheer won't want to miss Breakfast with Santa at Cleveland Metroparks Merwin Wharf. Tickets include a family-style breakfast with a personal visit with the big, jolly, red-suited man. Guests can enjoy a view of the water while staying warm thanks to heated igloos on the patio, which are also perfect for a holiday date night or festive celebration with friends.

• Dec. 7-22; hours & reservations online
• Merwin's Warf: 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland

Brunch at Music Box Supper Club
The celebrations get started early at Music Box Supper Club's holiday brunches with a show. Music lovers can have a very “Blue Christmas” at the Elvis brunch in the Concert Hall. Or join Cleveland native, Rachel Brown, for Rachel Brown's Holiday Brunch and enjoy the ambiance of classic carols in the Supper Club. Not enough? Locals and their visitors can put on a pair of dancing shoes and join Santa and Krampus for the Chardon Polka Band's annual “polka buffet” performances. 

• View the concert schedule online
• Music Box Supper Club: 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland

 
PLEASE NOTE: The Cleveland Visitors Center will operate under special hours from Dec. 23-Jan 1:

• Dec. 23, 24, 30 and 31: Virtual assistance only, noon-4 p.m.
• Dec. 25 and Jan 1: Closed
• Dec. 26-30: noon-4 p.m.
• Winter hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) begin Dec. 1, through March 31.

 
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's destination marketing and management organization. The private, non-profit organization's mission is to stimulate economic growth by attracting people and connecting them to experiences that illustrate Cleveland's diversity, creativity and contagious passion. In 2023, visitation increased for the third straight year to 18.34 million visits. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.