Upcoming family-friendly events
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
free Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
NOV 29 - DEC 20
Every Saturday during the holiday season: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 from 3-5 PM, enjoy free hot chocolate on us!
grab your hot chocolate and walk around Pinecrest to see their beautiful holiday displays
Location:
200 Park Ave
Orange Village, Ohio 44122
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
DONTÉ’S GIFT EXPRESS
Donté’s Gift Express: Your Destination for Family Fun!
Celebrate the holidays by unwrapping the joy of family at this free, fun event! Hosted by Donté’s Gift Express in addition to Tower City for the Holidays, enjoy a variety of kid-friendly holiday crafts, family gift giveaways, and a chance to win a shopping spree worth up to $1,000. There will also be special holiday performances and music by Radio One and DJ Lily Jade.
As you explore Skylight Park, get into the holiday spirit with themed experiences, along with plenty of other fun activities, including:
The “Story" Slide
Sock Skating
Shaw High School Marching Band Performance
Holiday Family Photos
VR Gaming
Pearl Flower’s Hot Chocolate Station
And more!
We can’t wait to welcome you to Donté’s Gift Express 2025 Family Fun Day!
more info here
Stories in the StarLab at Rocky River Nature Center
Stories in the StarLab
Stars can be appreciated during the day too! Come join a naturalist to hear a space-themed story under the stars of the Starlab, our indoor inflatable planetarium.
Stories will restart every twenty minutes.
If you have any questions regarding this program or need accommodations, please call the nature center at 440-734-6660, daily, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., or contact us by email at rockyrivernc@clevelandmetroparks.com.
Event info here
Story Time at the Wandering Lantern
About This Event
Come hang out and hear a couple stories for different ages every Saturday morning!
Two Time Slots
11:00 AM - Early Learners (Ages 0-5)
Picture books and interactive stories
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
Engaging read-alouds with songs and movement
Parent participation encouraged
11:30 AM - Early Readers (Ages 6-10)
Chapter book excerpts and longer stories
Books for developing readers
Discussion and questions encouraged
Building a love of independent reading
What to Expect
Weekly Stories: Different books each week
Cozy Environment: Comfortable seating for families
Community Building: Meet other book-loving families
Free Event: No registration required, just drop in!
Details
This is a recurring weekly event - come every Saturday or drop in when you can! No registration necessary, though we always love to see familiar faces return week after week.
event info here
FREE VISIT WITH SANTA
Event Details
Gather the whole family, including your four-legged friends, for a magical visit with Santa Claus. Enjoy complimentary meet-and-greets and self-serve photo opportunities!
Kids can visit our Letters to Santa station to write their wish lists and send them straight to the North Pole.
Be sure to stay with us as Santa wraps up the evening with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Date
Saturday December 13th 4-6pm
Saturday December 20th 10am-12pm
Location
Eton Chagrin Boulevard
28601 Chagrin Blvd
Woodmere, OH 44122
more event info here
5th annual weekend with the grinch
“Join Us for Our 5th Annual Weekend With the Grinch!
Get ready for three magical nights of Christmas fun as we welcome the green man himself to help spread holiday cheer!
December 19th, 20th & 21st
6:00–9:00 PM
FREE for all ages
Stroll through and enjoy our Christmas light display, shining bright with holiday magic.
Indulge in our bake sale filled with sweet treats made with love.
Bring the whole family to snap a picture with the Grinch, share some laughs, and dive into the Christmas spirit. It’s a joyful tradition you won’t want to miss!
This year, all donations collected will support the Brasse family as 7-year-old Evan bravely battles stage 3 kidney cancer. Your generosity will help bring warmth and hope to their holiday season.
Come celebrate, give back, and make memories that warm the heart.”
event info here
Light Up the Night Luminary Walk at Rocky River Nature Center
Light Up the Night Walk
Enjoy a beautiful winter night at the nature center by embracing one of the longest nights of the year. Stroll along a self-guided luminary-lit walk along the West Channel Pond Loop Trail while appreciating nature at night. Return to the nature center for some hot chocolate and an evening snack while supplies last. Learn about nocturnal animals that live in the park and make a craft to take home.
Terrain: natural surfaces, less than 1 mile
event info here
FREE SLEIGH RIDES AND SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS VISITS
The Sleigh Rides are back at Kamm's Plaza this Holiday Season! You have two more chances to enjoy complimentary sleigh rides at the Kamms Plaza Shopping Center, courtesy of Carriages of Cleveland.
- Friday, December 12th; 6pm-8pm
- Friday, December 19th; 6pm-8pm
Plus, there will be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus each night!
Note: Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or ice, will stop the sleigh rides.
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
FREE VISIT WITH SANTA
Event Details
Gather the whole family, including your four-legged friends, for a magical visit with Santa Claus. Enjoy complimentary meet-and-greets and self-serve photo opportunities!
Kids can visit our Letters to Santa station to write their wish lists and send them straight to the North Pole.
Be sure to stay with us as Santa wraps up the evening with a special reading of The Night Before Christmas.
Date
Saturday December 13 4-6pm
Saturday December 20th 10am-12pm
Location
Eton Chagrin Boulevard
28601 Chagrin Blvd
Woodmere, OH 44122
more event info here
free Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
NOV 29 - DEC 20
Every Saturday during the holiday season: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 from 3-5 PM, enjoy free hot chocolate on us!
grab your hot chocolate and walk around Pinecrest to see their beautiful holiday displays
Location:
200 Park Ave
Orange Village, Ohio 44122
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
Reading Times with Mrs. Claus at pinecrest
Reading Times with Mrs. Claus
NOV 29 - DEC 19
Mrs. Claus is coming to Pinecrest! Say hi to her when she's here and enjoy story time at select locations and times.
Saturday, November 29: Story time at Becco Bags at 12 PM.
Saturday, December 6: Story Time at Fount at 12 PM.
Saturday, December 13: Story time at Cavs team shop 2 PM.
No registration required. Show up and enjoy a story from the North Pole!
event info here
Story Time at the Wandering Lantern
About This Event
Come hang out and hear a couple stories for different ages every Saturday morning!
Two Time Slots
11:00 AM - Early Learners (Ages 0-5)
Picture books and interactive stories
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
Engaging read-alouds with songs and movement
Parent participation encouraged
11:30 AM - Early Readers (Ages 6-10)
Chapter book excerpts and longer stories
Books for developing readers
Discussion and questions encouraged
Building a love of independent reading
What to Expect
Weekly Stories: Different books each week
Cozy Environment: Comfortable seating for families
Community Building: Meet other book-loving families
Free Event: No registration required, just drop in!
Details
This is a recurring weekly event - come every Saturday or drop in when you can! No registration necessary, though we always love to see familiar faces return week after week.
event info here
story time at Barnes and Noble- Crocker Park
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Join us for a special storytime reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Location: Barnes and Noble at Crocker Park
event info here
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
Winter Solstice Luminary Walk & Holiday Market
Friday, December 12 | 5:30–8:30PM | Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Celebrate nature and the beginning of winter!
All are invited to take a stroll on the illuminated All Peoples’ Trail boardwalk, which is ADA-accessible. Keep warm at a bonfire, or in the heated pavilion where there will be warm alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for sale. Join us inside at our nature-inspired Holiday Market and Duck Pond Gift Shop. Donations welcome. Market items, food, and beverage available for purchase.
A sensory-friendly room will be available on the second floor of the Nature Center building for anyone who needs a calm place to get away from the noise. Sensory bags are available upon request from the front desk.
Support our sustainable efforts!
We are collecting large glass marinara and sauce jars for luminaries. Please clean well and remove labels before donating to the Welcome Desk. After the Luminary Walk, they will be recycled.
event info here
COOL-TASTIC BOOK FAIR
COOL-TASTIC BOOK FAIR
Celebration of Reading
Enjoy book fair nostalgia with giveaways, literary activities & browsing. Join us for 2 days of Drop-in fun! Giveaways available while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of the Parma Libraries.
Relive the excitement of your favorite school book fair at our COOL-TASTIC book fair, where you can browse a wide selection of books for kids and teens of all ages. The best part? All of the books are free (to check out) PLUS PICK ONE TO KEEP! Join us for a drop-in weekend filled with cool giveaways, literary games & activities, and a celebration of reading. Bring your family and discover everything your library has to offer in this nostalgic festival of literature and learning. Giveaways available while supplies last.
Stop by anytime we are open on the weekend of Dec 6-7th and make your way back to the story room for a COOLASTIC time. The bookfair will continue through Monday December 8th as long as supplies last.
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
Light Up Lakewood
Light Up Lakewood
Sponsored by First Federal Lakewood and presented by LakewoodAlive, Light Up Lakewood celebrates the season and the richness of our city’s vibrancy. Typically the first Saturday in December, this free, family-friendly event on Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood features a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, a beer garden, holiday train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks, children’s games and more!
Attendees are invited to stroll Lakewood’s downtown district and visit local shops and restaurants while taking in the sights and sounds of one of Northeast Ohio’s largest holiday celebrations. Light Up Lakewood serves as a marquee event for the entire region.
event info here
free Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
NOV 29 - DEC 20
Every Saturday during the holiday season: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 from 3-5 PM, enjoy free hot chocolate on us!
grab your hot chocolate and walk around Pinecrest to see their beautiful holiday displays
Location:
200 Park Ave
Orange Village, Ohio 44122
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
Reading Times with Mrs. Claus at Fount
Reading Times with Mrs. Claus
NOV 29 - DEC 19
Mrs. Claus is coming to Pinecrest! Say hi to her when she's here and enjoy story time at select locations and times.
Saturday, November 29: Story time at Becco Bags at 12 PM.
Saturday, December 6: Story Time at Fount at 12 PM.
Saturday, December 13: Story time at Center Court at 12 PM.
No registration required. Show up and enjoy a story from the North Pole!
event info here
Holiday Gift-Making featuring OOLY at Lakeshore Learning
Holiday Gift-Making
featuring OOLY
Saturday, December 6, 11 am–3 pm
There’s no better way to feel festive than with handmade gifts from the heart! At this event, kids craft one-of-a-kind presents, then design their own cards and gift bags. They can even try out some of the season’s top sellers! Parents and guardians, check in when you arrive for your chance to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card or an OOLY gift basket! If you spend $25 or more, you’ll get a free OOLY Draw ’n Doodle Mini Colored Pencil Set while supplies last!
This is a free, walk-in event held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.
event info here
free Comic Club at the community art center
Comic Club
Monthly on the first Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Community Arts Center
Free; All Ages; No Reservation
About The Event
Be inspired and venture into the world of storytelling with artist Kobe Saunders (opens in a new tab). Work in the company of others to develop your own style and collaborate!
Explore the long history of sequential art through various genres and cultures, including newspaper comic strips, American superhero comics and graphic novels, Japanese manga, and media adaptations (film and television) of these stories. Practice techniques to improve drawing and storytelling skills with a focus in character design, visual language, and panel structure.
event info here
COOL-TASTIC BOOK FAIR
COOL-TASTIC BOOK FAIR
Celebration of Reading
Enjoy book fair nostalgia with giveaways, literary activities & browsing. Join us for 2 days of Drop-in fun! Giveaways available while supplies last. Sponsored by the Friends of the Parma Libraries.
Relive the excitement of your favorite school book fair at our COOL-TASTIC book fair, where you can browse a wide selection of books for kids and teens of all ages. The best part? All of the books are free (to check out) PLUS PICK ONE TO KEEP! Join us for a drop-in weekend filled with cool giveaways, literary games & activities, and a celebration of reading. Bring your family and discover everything your library has to offer in this nostalgic festival of literature and learning. Giveaways available while supplies last.
Stop by anytime we are open on the weekend of Dec 6-7th and make your way back to the story room for a COOLASTIC time. The bookfair will continue through Monday December 8th as long as supplies last.
event info here
Free Holiday fun at Tower City
BRUCE THE SPRUCE’S FOREST
A whimsical woodland anchored by the beloved Bruce the Spruce talking tree.
VR SLEIGH RIDE
A virtual reality journey around the globe aboard Santa’s sleigh.
SOCK SKATING
An iceless rink offering the joy of skating in socks or shoe covers (provided).
THE “STORY” SLIDE
An 8-foot slide inspired by the classic film, A Christmas Story.
November 29 – December 21, 2025
LOCATION
Tower City, Cleveland OH
HOURS
Saturdays & Sundays: 12PM – 4PM
more info here
Open Studio at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Open Studio
Weekly on Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. from Sunday, September 14, 2025 until Sunday, May 24, 2026
Location: North Court Lobby
Free; No Ticket Required
About The Event
Open Studio days provide free, drop-in art-making sessions designed for the whole family, encouraging creativity and bonding through hands-on activities.
November 2025: Seams and Dreams
Step into the world of fashion by mixing and matching your own unique look that fuses the past, present, and future. Collaborate with other designers to create an outfit on our community mannequin and watch it evolve throughout the day!
*street parking is free on weekends and they also have a parking garage for a fee
event info here
free Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
Hot Chocolate Happy Hour at Heartwood Coffee
NOV 29 - DEC 20
Every Saturday during the holiday season: 11/29, 12/6, 12/13 & 12/20 from 3-5 PM, enjoy free hot chocolate on us!
grab your hot chocolate and walk around Pinecrest to see their beautiful holiday displays
Location:
200 Park Ave
Orange Village, Ohio 44122
event info here