Free Christmas Activities Cleveland 2025: Ultimate Family Bucket List
Last Updated: October 22, 2025
Who’s ready for the Ultimate Christmas Bucket List for Families in Cleveland & Northeast Ohio?! The holidays are an exciting time, but let’s be honest, they can also be very overwhelming and expensive. I created this list to help identify fun, free holiday activities that you can do with your family this season. And new this year are some fun, paid holiday activities that cost a little bit, but are sure to bring Christmas cheer.
When I think of Christmas in Cleveland, I remember so many magical moments from my childhood, and with my kiddos, like watching my kids’ faces light up the first time we visited Crown Point, or their excitement riding in Santa’s Sleigh at Kamm’s Corners, or how impressed they were by the model train display at Puritas Nursery.
Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas displays in Northeast Ohio, places to visit and get free photos with Santa, tree lightings, kid-friendly holiday events, or fun, festive attractions like train displays, you’ll find it all in this blog. These are all Christmas activities and holiday traditions our family loves to do around town.
With busy schedules, school programs, and holiday preparations, I know family time is precious during the Christmas season. My goal with this guide is to save you hours of research and create a space where you can quickly find all the best Christmas activities and destinations in one place – many of them completely FREE!
We’re going to start with one of our favorite Christmas traditions — driving around town to see Christmas lights!
Free Christmas Activities Cleveland 2025: Ultimate Family Bucket List
Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or squeezing in some holiday magic after school, we've got you covered with the top spots to make this Christmas unforgettable! This guide is split into five sections:
Whether you're planning a weekend adventure or squeezing in some holiday magic after school, we've got you covered with the top spots to make this Christmas unforgettable!
JUMP TO A SECTION:
You can use the links above to hop to each section! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY NEIGHBORHOODS IN NORTHEAST OHIO
We love loading up our car with hot chocolate and driving around to see the best Christmas light displays in the Cleveland area.
When my son was an infant, one of the only ways we could get him to go to sleep was driving him around in the car. It was honestly perfect timing (never mind the sleepless nights 🤪) because there were so many beautiful holiday light displays around town.
Ever since then, we’ve had the tradition of loading up in the car with our hot chocolate and driving around to see the best Christmas light displays in the Cleveland area.
Over the past five years or so, Christmas displays in the Cleveland area seems to have grown from single houses to entire neighborhoods. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods to visit each year! It’s still early in the season, so we’ll mark each display with (UP FOR THE SEASON) when we get confirmation that the displays are up for the year. We’ll also keep adding to the list as we find new ones for this year, so keep checking back!
Downtown Bedford City Lights
730 Broadway Avenue, Bedford , OH 44146
(NOT YET UP for the season)
Bedford has one of the best suburban Christmas displays, hands down! ❄️ ⛄️ I remember walking around it as a child, and it always felt so special to me. I love, love, love that I get to experience it with my kiddos now, too. It reminds me of those adorable little town squares in Hallmark Movies. ❤️
There’s usually plenty of street parking whenever we go visit. There’s also a parking lot behind the square at the corner of Willis Street and N Park Street.
Our Tips:
🅿️ Street parking usually available
🅿️ Parking lot behind the square at Willis Street and N Park Street
🎄 Tree lighting ceremony in late November (check dates!)
🏛️ Beautiful architecture makes for great photos
Season: Late November through early January
Crown Point Parkway Cul-De-Sac Display
14395 Crown Point Pkwy, Strongsville OH 44136
(NOT YET UP for the season)
Crown Point has been our family tradition for 8 years, and somehow it never gets old! This cul-de-sac display is the crown jewel of Cleveland Christmas lights. Nearly every house on the street is decorated, and each has its own unique style. The sidewalks are lined with festive archways that make you feel like you're walking through a holiday village.
The crown jewel: The Hoag House. It's nearly unbelievable! They were even featured on ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight a few years back.
Our Tips:
🚗 Park on nearby streets and walk the route
🚶♀️ Walk up the driveway and along the side of the Hoag property for the best views (stay on concrete!)
🎅 Santa visits Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6-9pm
⏰ Lights turn on at 5:30pm
💡 Visit weeknights to avoid weekend crowds
💝 Donation boxes support local families in need
Season: Late November through early January
SEABURY AVENUE
Seabury avenue, fairview park OH 44126
(NOT YET UP for the season)
If you only make it to one Christmas light display this year, I highly recommend Seabury. It's been one of our favorite go-to-destinations for years. When our son was a baby, only about half the street was decorated. Now it feels like Fairview Park has become its own little Christmas village! What makes Seabury great is that it's not just one house or even one street anymore. The streets surrounding Seabury Ave (Cromwell, Eaton, Robinhood) also have many houses that are decorated for Christmas.
In fact, the more we explore Fairview Park, the more we find! It's fabulous! Every year it feels more and more like Fairview Park has become its own little Christmas village. 🎄
What makes Seabury special: It's not just one street anymore. The surrounding streets (Cromwell, Eaton, Robinhood) also have many decorated houses, so you can easily spend 30-45 minutes exploring the area.
Our Tips:
🚗 Street parking available throughout the neighborhood
📸 Walk slowly and enjoy – there's so much to see!
🌟 Check the Fairview Park Holiday Lights Facebook page for updates on the famed Elf Tent
🎄 Many houses add new displays each year
Season: Late November through early January
Salem Family Autism Awareness Walk-Thru Christmas Lights
37811 Century Ln., Avon, OH 44011
(NOT YET UP For The Season)
This is a walk-thru display, and you can walk through the backyard, which was WAY bigger than I was expecting.
In May 2023, Salems' youngest son was diagnosed with autism, so they decided to dedicate this display to autism awareness. They are collaborating with Building Blocks Therapy in Avon to raise funds for autism awareness, Early Intervention, therapy treatments, clinical trials, and more.
There is a donation box and Venmo for donations.
Our Tips:
🚶♂️ Walk-through (not drive-through)
💝 Donation box and Venmo for autism awareness
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly and accessible
🌟 Large backyard display is impressive
Season: Late November through early January
Public Square Downtown Cleveland Light Display
3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
(starting November 29th)
We think Public Square is absolutely beautiful during the holiday season. While getting down there can be a challenge, it’s still a must-visit for us at least once every holiday season. The massive tree, lights throughout the square, and festive atmosphere make it a must-visit at least once every holiday season.
Our Tips:
🅿️ Parking garages nearby or street parking is available
🎄 Combine with a visit to Tower City
🌃 Best at night when all the lights are glowing
📸 Fantastic photo opportunities
Season: Late November through early January
giant Christmas Tree at Crocker Park
Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145
(starting november 22nd)
My daughter is obsessed with Crocker Park and one of the best time to go is when it’s all decorated for Christmas. The streets are lit up with beautiful lights, the huuuuuge tree is synchronized to Christmas music, and the fire pit is warm and cozy. You can walk around and shop or just enjoy the lights. It’s a great Christmas experience!
Our Tips:
🎄 Tree lighting ceremony in late November
🔥 Fire pits perfect for warming up
🛍️ Great for combining shopping with lights viewing
🎵 Tree does light shows throughout the evening
Season: Late November through early January
BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYs (SINGLE HOUSES) IN NORTHEAST OHIO
The following Christmas light displays may not be entire neighborhoods, but they’re still loads of fun and we love visiting them each and every Christmas season. As always with all of these (especially the houses) please be respectful and make sure not to block driveways or impede traffic.
Synchronized lights at Havencrest Lights
6056 Havencrest Ct, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
(NOT YET Up for the season)
We LOVE synchronized lights and Havencrest had an amazing display and large variety of Christmas music so we stayed for awhile listening, watching and making memories as a family.
Synchronized lights on W. 222 in Fairview Park
4251 W 222nd St, Fairview Park, OH 44126
(NOT YET UP FOR THE SEASON)
Visiting the house on W.222 is always a must for our family during the Christmas season. (It’s not far from Seabury Ave!)
Park your car and tune into 94.3 and watch as their beautiful display plays and sings to different Christmas songs.
My daughter says the dancing houses are her favorite and I totally agree. They’re the best.
Our Tips:
📻 Tune car radio to 94.3 FM
🚗 Park on the street (not in driveways)
🎵 Stay for multiple songs – the variety is amazing!
📍 Not far from Seabury Ave – visit both in one night!
Season: Late November through Christmas
Drive-thru christmas light display at carlisle reservation equestrian center 13650 Diagonal Rd, Lagrange, OH 44050
(runs November 29th-December 21st)
We love this display because you can enjoy it from the comfort and warmth of your car! We spent about twenty minutes slowly driving through the beautiful and classic display of lights. It's magical and perfect for cold Ohio nights.
Our Tips:
🚗 Drive-through display (stay in your car!)
🥫 Bring a non-perishable food item to donate
⏰ Plan for 15-20 minutes drive time
🎁 Donations benefit Second Harvest Food Bank
Season: November 28 - December 21, 2025
5:30-9:00 p.m.
Wednesdays-Sundays Only
(Closed Mondays &Tuesdays)
Location: TWO locations
Walking Trail:
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050 !! NOTE THE WALKING TRAIL IS ONLY OPEN WED-SAT
Drive-Through:
Carlisle Equestrian Center
13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Free | No Registration Required
MORE INFO HERE
👉 Want even more light displays? Be on the look out for our complete guide to Christmas light displays in Cleveland with detailed driving routes, maps, and insider tips for the best viewing times (COMING SOON)!
Free SANTA VISITS AND HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
Meeting Santa is a quintessential Christmas tradition, but mall Santa photos can be expensive! Luckily, Cleveland has amazing FREE Santa experiences that are just as magical (and sometimes even better!). We’ll keep updating this section as we discover more free Santa opportunities in and around Cleveland. So be sure to bookmark this page!
Free Photos With Santa at Cabelas, Avon Ohio
(open for the season)
We love visiting Santa at Cabela’s in Avon. This has been one of our family go to traditions since 2019, and it’s FREE! I’m always blown away that you actually get a printed photo with Santa for free because the mall Santas are always so expensive. My kids also love visiting the giant fish tank and checking out the unique toys they sell for Christmas 🎄.
Santa’s Arrival will be happening November 1 and free activities include Santa’s magical arrival, tree lighting, seasonal treats, and a free Christmas bass plush. More info here.
Important Details:
📅 You MUST make a reservation!
📸 Free 4x6 printed photo included
🐟 Arrive early to explore the aquarium
🎁 Great toy section to browse
Season: Begins November 1, 2025
Christmas Train Display at Puritas Nursery
19201 Puritas Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135
(not YET Up For The Season)
For our family, the Christmas season isn’t complete without a trip to Puritas Nursery to see their AMAZING holiday train display! This is their 21st year, and we think it truly is a Cleveland treasure.
We’ve been enjoying this display since our kids were itty bitty. We always enjoy seeing it! Each year is different, and we love spotting what’s new, and what’s been reconfigured. Another thing we love to do is the scavenger hunt. This year you can scan a QR code so you can have the scavenger hunt list on your phone.
After we’re done visiting the trains we have made it our family tradition to buy a Christmas ornament from the gift shop. It’s so fun seeing ornaments from previous years on our tree. ❤️ The Puritas Nursery Holiday Trains is a free display but there is a donation box. So, if you’re able to, make sure to donate so they can continue this tradition for many years to come!
Our Favorite Parts:
🚂 Massive multi-themed train layouts
🔍 Scavenger hunt (scan QR code for list on your phone)
🌿 Beautiful greenhouse with fish pond and fairy garden
🎄 Christmas shop with unique ornaments
🌲 Fresh-cut Christmas trees for sale
Important Details:
💝 FREE admission (donation box available – please donate to keep this tradition alive!)
⏰ Check website for hours
🎁 Great gift shop
♿ Completely stroller-accessible
Candy Land It’s Wild in Ohio at Penitentiary Glenn
8668 Kirtland-Chardon RD, Kirtland, Ohio 44094
(November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026)
Fun for the whole family, the indoor holiday tradition continues as the Candy Land game comes to life, but with a natural twist, taking you on a colorful adventure as you discover what’s wild in Ohio. In addition, enjoy a themed craft, scavenger hunts, hands-on exhibits and much more! Shop at The Nature Store for unique nature-themed gifts and enjoy hot chocolate in Snowshoe Lodge. Special weekend programs: Saturdays feature Animal Chats and s’mores around a campfire, while Sundays offer Meet-the-Keeper chats in the Wildlife Center animal yard. Snowshoe rentals are weather permitting.
November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve at noon & New Year’s Day
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What's Included:
🍭 Life-size Candyland game with Ohio wildlife twist
🎨 Themed craft activities
🔍 Scavenger hunts throughout
🐾 Hands-on exhibits in the Wildlife Center
🛍️ The Nature Store for unique gifts
☕ Hot chocolate in Snowshoe Lodge
Important Details:
💰 FREE admission
📅 November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
🚫 Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
Season: Late November through January 1st
Free Sleigh Rides at Kamm’s Corners Plaza
17462 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
(NOT CONFIRMED FOR THE SEASON)
Our kids look forward to the horse drawn sleigh rides at Kamm’s Corners Plaza every year! What kid hasn't always wanted to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh? I haven’t found confirmation yet that it’s happening this year, but I’m really hoping it does because we love it so much. This fun, free event lets young and old alike take a short sleigh ride around the parking lot. Santa and Mrs. Claus are also there for kids to visit while waiting in line.
👉 Looking for more Santa options? Check our complete guide to Santa visits in Cleveland covering both free and paid experiences, reservation tips, and how to get the best photos!
Free Christmas EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
Santa Parade at Great Northern Mall | November 14 5:30p - 7p
Light Up the Park – Avon Lake’s Holiday Celebration! | November 22, 2025 2:30p - 6:30pm
Crocker Park Tree Lighting + Block Party | November 22, 2025 (Block Party 4p - 8p, Tree Lighting 6p)
Strongsville Winter Wonderland Lighting Celebration | November 23 5:30p
TIPS FOR ENJOYING FREE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES IN CLEVELAND
After years of exploring Christmas activities with our family, here are our best tips & tricks to keep keep the season fun and enjoyable:
Crowd Management FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
🗓️ Visit weeknights for light displays to avoid weekend crowds
⏰ Go early in the season for smaller crowds
🚗 Arrive 15 minutes early for popular events like tree lightings
📸 Take turns for photos at busy displays
What to Bring
☕ Hot chocolate in thermoses for car light tours
🧤 Warm layers – you'll be outside more than you think!
🔦 Flashlight for darker walking displays
📱 Portable phone charger for photos and navigation
🚶 Wagon or stroller for tired little ones
💵 Cash for donations at displays that accept them
Making Memories
📸 Take photos at the same displays each year to see how kids grow
📝 Create a checklist and let kids check off activities
🎵 Play Christmas music during car light tours
🗣️ Talk about your favorites – it builds traditions
💝 Donate when possible to help displays continue
FREE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES BY AGE GROUP
Not sure which activities are best for your kids' ages? Here's our recommendations for each age group:
Best for Toddlers (Ages 0-3)
✅ Carlisle Reservation drive-thru (stay in warm car!)
✅ Puritas Nursery trains (indoor, stroller-friendly)
✅ Cabela's Santa (beautiful setting, not overwhelming)
✅ Crocker Park tree (open space, not crowded)
Best for Young Kids (Ages 4-8)
✅ Crown Point lights (walking, interactive)
✅ Life-size Candyland (hands-on, playful)
✅ Kamm's Corners sleigh rides (magical experience)
✅ Home Depot workshops (craft projects they can keep)
✅ Synchronized light displays (music, dancing lights)
Best for Tweens & Teens (Ages 9+)
✅ All light displays (great for photos/social media)
✅ Puritas trains (scavenger hunt challenges them)
✅ Tree lighting ceremonies (festive atmosphere)
✅ Downtown Cleveland (city vibe, shopping)
paid Christmas activities that are worth the price of admission
Ohio Christmas Factory
4125 Mahoning Rd NE Suite B, Canton, OH 44705
This 50,000-square-foot indoor Christmas experience is packed with so much festive fun that we didn’t know where to start! One of the best parts of the Ohio Christmas Factory is all of the fun, festive characters roaming the space that really help bring the magic of Christmas to life. From Jack Skellington and Sally to Olaf and Anna, each character was more than happy to pose for photos and interact with our kids. Some of the activities include writing letters to Santa (and meeting him), complimentary stuffed animals, a mirror maze, snowball fights, dance parties, the Tinsel Tunnel and Spooky Town. We spent about two hours when we visited.
P.S. If you are in Canton, check out our holiday visit to Canton in 2024 for some fun and festive ideas!
Our Favorite Parts:
🎅 Meeting Santa & complimentary stuffed animals at One-Eyed Jack's
🎭 Character meet & greets (Grinch, Jack Skellington, Olaf, Anna & more!)
🎢 Elf Express Slide & interactive snowball fight
🎃 Spooky Town with Nightmare Before Christmas characters
🧊 Frozen Forest & Tinsel Tunnel
🎮 Rudolph vs Grinch Reindeer Games
🎄 Santa VR Sleigh Ride (additional $6)
🪞 Mirror maze & Dance Party
Important Details:
💰 Cost:
Online: Adults (13+) $26.95 | Kids (3-12) $19.95-$23.95 | Under 2 FREE
At door: Adults $30 | Kids $20-$25 | Under 2 FREE
Meet Santa Package: $25/group (one per group, not per person!)
📍 Location: Canton, OH (50,000 sq ft indoor experience)
⏱️ Time Needed: Plan 2+ hours
🎟️ Tip: Buy tickets online to save $3-5 per person!
👻 Note: Spooky Town may be too scary for very young kids
📸 Photo included with Meet Santa Package
Kringle’s Inventionasium
Tower City Center, Cleveland OH
Kringle’s Inventionasium is a fully immersive, interactive, and accredited STEM experience. Guests get to explore Mr. Kringle’s top secret invention laboratory while searching for clues from the mischievous elves. As you walk through you’re greeted by fun, zany characters that guide you through hands on experiments like inventing toys (that your child gets to keep!) and making snow. My kids loved loved lovedddd inventing their own toy!
One of the best parts is that at the end of the tour you get a private visit with the greatest toy inventor of all-time, Mr. Kringle! Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience is recommended for ages 2+. The experience lasts about an hour. All children tickets come with the “create a toy” experience. Your child will get to pick 12 whimsical toy parts to invent their own toy which they then get to take home.
THAT'S OUR CLEVELAND CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST!
Cleveland is absolutely magical during the Christmas season, and I hope you and your family create unforgettable memories together this year. From dazzling light displays to cozy indoor activities, there's holiday magic waiting around every corner!
Don't forget to bookmark this page and check back often – I'll be updating it throughout the 2025 season with newly announced events, display status updates, and any changes to dates or times.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a season filled with joy, wonder, and precious time together! 🎄✨
Frequently Asked Questions: Cleveland Christmas 2025
What are the best free Christmas activities in Cleveland?
The best free Christmas activities in Cleveland include Crown Point Parkway light display in Strongsville, Seabury Avenue lights in Fairview Park, free Santa photos at Cabela's in Avon, Puritas Nursery train display, life-size Candy Land at Penitentiary Glenn, and horse-drawn sleigh rides at Kamm's Corners. All offer magical experiences without spending money.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Cleveland for free?
Cleveland has over 10 amazing free Christmas light displays including Crown Point Parkway (Strongsville), Seabury Avenue (Fairview Park), Downtown Bedford Square, Public Square downtown, Crocker Park in Westlake, and synchronized displays on W. 222nd Street. The Carlisle Reservation also offers a free drive-through light display in LaGrange.
Where can my kids see Santa for free in Cleveland?
Cabela's in Avon offers completely free Santa visits with a complimentary 4x6 printed photo. You must reserve your spot in advance on their website. Santa also appears at Kamm's Corners Plaza during free sleigh ride events (dates to be confirmed for 2025).
When do Christmas lights start in Cleveland?
Most Christmas light displays in Cleveland start the weekend before Thanksgiving (late November) and run through early January. Popular displays like Crown Point and Seabury Avenue typically begin around November 25-27. Always check individual locations as dates can vary year to year.
Are there free indoor Christmas activities in Cleveland?
Yes! Free indoor Christmas activities include the Puritas Nursery train display (completely indoors and stroller-friendly), life-size Candy Land at Penitentiary Glenn Nature Center, and various Tower City events throughout December. These are perfect for cold or rainy days.
How long does it take to see Crown Point Christmas lights?
Plan 30-45 minutes to walk through Crown Point Parkway in Strongsville. The display is on a cul-de-sac with nearly every house decorated. You can drive by in 10 minutes, but walking lets you see all the details up close and explore the famous Hoag House.
What should I bring when visiting Christmas light displays?
Bring hot chocolate in thermoses, warm layers and blankets, a flashlight for darker displays, portable phone chargers for photos, and cash for donation boxes. A wagon or stroller helps with tired little ones. Most importantly, bring your Christmas spirit and camera!
Can you walk through Christmas light displays in Cleveland?
Yes! Many displays are best viewed by walking including Crown Point Parkway, Seabury Avenue, Salem Family Display, and Downtown Bedford Square. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. The Carlisle Reservation offers both drive-through and walking options depending on the day.
