A FREE, VERY MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS IN CLEVELAND
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.
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.
We’re going to start with one of our favorite Christmas traditions — driving around town to see Christmas lights!
BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS 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 (nevermind 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.
Here are a few of our must-visit Christmas displays in and around Cleveland. It’s still early in the season, so we’ll update this list once the displays are up for the season. 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
(Up now for the season)
Bedford has one of the best suburban Christmas displays! ❄️ ⛄️ I remember walking around it as a child, and it had always felt so special to me. I love that I get to experience it with my kiddos now, too ❤️
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.
Crown Point Parkway Cul-De-Sac Display
14395 Crown Point Pkwy, Strongsville OH 44136
(Up now for the season)
This has been a tradition for the last 8 years for our family, and somehow it hasn’t gotten old! It’s located on a cul-de-sac, and the sidewalks are lined with festive archways. Nearly every house on the cul-de-sac is decorated, and each has its own unique style.
The crown jewel of Crown Point has always been the Hoag House. It’s near unbelievable! They were even featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight a few years back. So cool!
We definitely recommend parking on the nearby street and walking the route. Especially since you can walk up the driveway and on the side of the Hoag property to see all of their displays. Just be sure to stay on the concrete. 😃
Salem Family Autism Awareness Walk-Thru Christmas Lights
37811 Century Ln., Avon, OH 44011
( Up now For The Season)
This is a walk-thru display, and you can even 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.
SEABURY AVENUE
Seabury avenue, fairview park OH 44126
(Up now for the season)
If you only make it to one Christmas light display this year, I highly recommend Seabury. It's one of our favorites! 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. 🎄
Synchronized lights at excalibur
3191 Excalibur Ave, Westlake oh 44145
(Not Up Yet For The Season)
My kids still love the dancing houses (that’s what they call synchronized lights to music 😆) and this one is REALLY good so we always try to stop by at least once a season.
giant Christmas Tree at Crocker Park
Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145
(Up now for the season)
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!
Synchronized lights at Havencrest Lights
6056 Havencrest Ct, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
(Up now 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
( Up now 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.
Public Square Downtown Cleveland Light Display
3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
(Up now for the season)
We think Public Square is so 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.
Drive-thru christmas light display at carlisle reservation equestrian center 13650 Diagonal Rd, Lagrange, OH 44050
(Starting November 29th)
Admission is FREE (they do ask you to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated). We spent about twenty minutes slowly driving through the beautiful and classic display of lights, all from the comfort & warmth of our car. It was magical!
Free Christmas Activities
Free Photos With Santa at Cabelas, Avon Ohio
We love visiting Santa at Cabelas 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 🎄.
(You do need to preregister to reserve your spot)
Christmas Train Display at Puritas Nursery
19201 Puritas Ave, Cleveland, OH 44135
(not 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!
Candy Land It’s Wild in Ohio at Penitentiary Glenn
8668 Kirtland-Chardon RD, Kirtland, Ohio 44094
(November 23, 2024- January 1 2025)
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 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025 (Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Sleigh Rides at Kamm’s Corners Plaza
17462 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111
Our kids look forward to the horse drawn sleigh rides at Kamm’s Corners Plaza every year! 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. I’ll be sure to add dates/times once I find them.
Runs the 6th, 13th, 20th from 6-8pm and Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be there all three Fridays
Free Christmas & Holiday Events
Santa Parade at Great Northern Mall
November 15 5:30 PM - 7:00 pm
Kick off the joy of the holiday season with festive activities and entertainment, including games & music with Northeast Ohio Creatives, characters, stilt walkers, complimentary hot chocolate & more! More info here.
Crocker Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 23 4:00 PM-8:00 PM
The festivities start at 4 PM with their special Holiday Block Party. Enjoy live performances by Joe Bell and the Swing Lizards, be amazed by the magic of Magic Mike, and witness Santa’s grand arrival at 7 PM to lead the countdown and light the tree!
The holiday magic continues throughout the season with exciting attractions. Visit Santa’s House for Photos with Santa, or stop by the Play Zone for Gift Cards, Sock Slide, Santa’s Sleigh, activities. and more. And don’t miss the mesmerizing 50ft Tree Nightly Light Show.
Capture holiday memories at the Crocker Park Marquee, surrounded by Holiday Street Lights and our festive atmosphere, or explore the enchanting Snowflake Garden. Plus, starting Sunday, November 24th, hop aboard the Serpentini of Westlake Express Train for a magical ride through Crocker Park. More info here.
Downtown Bedford Tree Lighting Ceremony November 27 4:30 PM - 6:00 pm
The City of Bedford’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Bedford Commons will be held on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:00 p.m. sharp. This year there will be an ice-carving demonstration on the square before the tree lighting from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Bedford Firefighters Local 1683 will again be providing refreshments, and Santa Claus will be stopping down to join us as we celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Hope to see you there! More info here.
Winterland at Tower City
November 30 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Start the holiday season off right during WinterLand with a variety of festive activities! Hang out with holiday characters and submit your Christmas Wish Lists at the Elves’ station or enjoy face painting, balloon twisters, prize wheels, and a craft station. Other fun activities include: Glow party in the Oak Room with glow games, LED dance floor, DJ and dancing, Gingerbread bounce house, Train Tickets, Blush Gallery Photos, Sing along with roaming carolers, and more! More info here.
Gifting With The Grinchy
December 7 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Start your holiday shopping with this fun family event! Bring your shopping list and get a little assist from your favorite holiday characters. You can shop for up to three special loved ones at the FREE Elves Gift Shop. Then, head on over to the gift wrapping station to put a bow on the festivities. Get into the holiday spirit—and enjoy seasonal giveaways—by rocking to the Grouchy Holiday Stage Shows, starting at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. More info here.
Frozen Fun
December 21 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Brrr! Tower City is getting frosty and festive! Come enjoy a winter wonderland of exciting activities. Thrill to the always amazing Snow Much Fun Stage Shows with cool giveaways. Groove to the DJ, or challenge your skills in the Indoor Snowball Fight Arena. Other activities include: Ice Sculpting, Snow Powers Selfie Photo Station, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” Craft, Prize Wheel, Balloon Twisters, Face Painters, Olaf’s Play Place (soft play area for toddlers), Snow Sisters Tea Party in The Eatery. More info here.
Noon Year’s Eve Party
December 31 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Say goodbye to 2024, while partying like it’s 2025! This FREE family event will get you ready for the ultimate countdown. Enjoy a variety of fun, from grooving and moving to a dance party hosted by Rock the House Entertainment to superhero and princess character meet and greets. View the Jumbotron—a large video screen—with live “New Years Resolution” interviews. Other activities include:, Champagne Mocktail Bar, 360 Photo Booth, Balloon Twisters, Face Painters, Sock Skating Rink.
Stay connected to the fun with giveaways, a sensory play area, crafts, and face painters. You can also decorate your own New Years hat craft in time for the countdown as 4,000 colorful balloons are dropped from the ceiling. Either way, we’ve got you covered. While you’re there, be sure to hop aboard the Kringle Chugga-Choo-Choo train ride. Tickets for the first 400 attendees are free, simply visit the ticket booth in Skylight Park located on the 2nd level. More info here.
