The weekend after Thanksgiving, holiday cheer, shopping and outdoor winter activities are abundant. From the annual celebration of winter in Cleveland's Public Square to the opening of the Cleveland Foundation Ice Skating Rink, there's something for everyone to kick off the holiday season.
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean the festivals and outdoor parties stop. Following the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Cleveland puts on its holiday wardrobe and shows itself off to the public. Free horse and carriage rides, tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks show are a few of many activities during the 2017 Winterfest. The ice skating rink is free on Friday, November 25 as part of Winterfest.
When: Saturday, November 25 from 1-8 p.m.
Where: Public Square Cleveland , Ohio 44113
Hosted by Loganberry, the 46th annual Larchmere Holiday stroll will bring participating merchants together for holiday shopping complete with horse and buggy rides, cider and cookies and other activities for all ages. Otis' Old Curiosity shop and Loganberry books will host a pop-up shop featuring guest authors.
When: Friday, November 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Loganberry Books | 13015 Larchmere Blvd Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120
Small Business Saturday in Downtown Lakewood
The neighborhood of Lakewood is burgeoning with small businesses and with the holiday season upon us, it's a time to support local businesses by shopping locally. Find the full list from art galleries to vintage store here.
When: Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakewood, Lakewood Ohio 44107
Slavic Village Small Business Saturday
Walk down the newly constructed Fleet Avenue and check out new business that recently opened up in the neighborhood. Stroll down to the female butchers at Saucisson at E. 54th Street for some terrine, sausage and other locally sourced meats. Continue down Fleet Avenue to a new studio at Mastroianna Photography and Arts. Find the complete list of participating businesses here.
When: Saturday, November 25 from 12-6 p.m.
Where: Fleet Avenue, Cleveland Ohio 44105
Support local businesses during this holiday flea. The Westside Flea markets include vendors, food trucks, handmade jewelry, henna artists and antiques. Organizers will be collecting winter hats, gloves, scarves and socks for OhioGuidestone.
When: Saturday, November 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Clarence Church | 30106 Lorain Road North Olmsted, Ohio
Holidays at the Hildebrandt Open House & Artist Studio Sale
It's a open house and a shopping bazaar all in one. During the 5th annual Holidays at the Hildebrandt, visitors willl get a free tour of the historic 100-year-old building that once served as a meat processing plant but now holds various business ventures like Rising Star Coffee. Local artists and food entrepreneurs will have locally produced items available for sale. More info on vendor list here.
When: November 25 through November 26 from 10:30 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
When: The Hildebrandt Provisions Company | 3619 Walton Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Cleveland Foundation Ice Skating Rink
As the temperatures continue to drop, outdoor winter activities are in full swing. The Cleveland Foundation Ice Skating Rink will officially open to the public on Friday, November 24. The rink will remain open for the season until February 28, 2018.
Season opens Friday, November 24 from 3-10 p.m (FREE during the 2017 Winterfest). Regular hours: 3-10 p.m.
Price: $10 per skater, includes skate rental; If you bring your own skates, tickets are $7.
Celebrating 50 seasons of a favorite winter activity, the Cleveland Metroparks is opening up the toboggan chutes for the season.
When: Friday, November 24 from 12-10:30 p.m.
Where: 16200 Valley Parkway Strongsville, Ohio 44136
Tickets: Adults $12 ; Children 11-under: $10
Glow at The Cleveland Botanical Garden
Grab some hot chocolate and transport yourself into a world of holiday cheer. The Cleveland Botanical Garden will have decorated trees, gingerbread houses, live music and a model train on display, along with outdoor lights. Find tickets and specific times here.
When: November 24 through Sunday, November 25
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden | 11030 East Blvd Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Negative Space Featured Artist: Samantha Bias
Meet the Samantha Bias, the featured artist for November at Negative Space. Bias is a Cleveland-based artist who coined "emotional watercolor", moody portraits of women using watercolor and ink. After the reception, there will be the monthly open mic session.
When: Negative Space: 3820 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Where: Saturday, November 25 from 6-10 p.m.
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
This year's Deck the Hall theme is Postcards from the Past. Floral designers are busy decorating the Manor House interiors with inspiration taken from vintage Christmas postcards and greeting cards. One million lights will be cover the gardens. The Corbin Conservatory provides a good backdrop for a family photo with a 20-foot tall poinsettia.
When: November 24 through December 30. Find completed times and tickets here.
Where: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens | 714 Portage Path Akron, Ohio 44303
Genghis Con is a small press and independent comic convention that brings together artists, writers, cartoonists, illustrators and print-makers from all over the rust belt. Find the full list of exhibitors here.
When: Sunday, November 26 from 2-7 p.m.
Where: Lake Erie Building | 13000 Athens Avenue Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Revival Music of the Allman Brothers Band
If you like the Allman Brothers Band, this group is for you. Revival is a well-known tribute band that will be playing all your songs from the favorite Allman Brothers Band. Tickets are $15. Additonal info here.
When: Saturday, November 25 at 8 p.m.
Where: Music Box Supper Club | 1148 Main Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Cleveland Composers' Guild Chamber Concert
The Cleveland Composers' Guild working with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is hosting a program called "New Music On A Scientific Theme," featuring new music coming from the Murch Auditorium.
When: Sunday, November 26 from 3-5 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History | 1 Wade Oval Drive Cleveland, Ohio 44106
