December is a busy month for everyone. Holiday shopping, parties, kids concerts and so many other activities and tasks that fill the calendar . Holiday break will be here in just a few short days and for those staying local you will have a chance to regroup, slow down and enjoy what North East Ohio has to offer. If you have kids you will be looking for things to keep them from climbing the walls once they tire of playing with all their new toys. Here are some of our team’s favorite things to do in the area. Enjoy, and let us know if you checked anything out!
Holiday Lights-A drive around the neighborhood to see all of the amazing lights this time of year is an easy way to get in the spirit! Some of our favorite streets are Lake Road in Lakewood, Clifton Park area, Frazier and Avalon in Rocky River and don’t miss the “Musical” streets in Westlake off of Detroit, just past Canterbury (Mendelssohn, Gershwin etc.)
LIGHT UP RIVER – On Sunday December 22nd this year the city of Rocky River places luminaries in along the front of their homes It is a beautiful sight! If you live in River and don’t have your luminary packets yet there is still time. You can pick them up at First Federal of Lakewood on Center Ridge Road until Saturday the 21st. CLICK HERE to view pictures from past years. ( RAIN DATE IN EFFECT, NOW DECEMBER 23RD)
GLOW at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens- If you haven’t made it to the Cleveland botanical gardens to see the Gingerbread houses, holiday displays, twinkling lights and hear the live music you still have time. Glow is going on until January 6th and is even open on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Click Here for more information and ticket pricing.
WADE OVAL WINTER EVENTS– For those who can brave the cold, Lace up your skates and enjoy the fresh ice at The Rink at Wade Oval! Admission is FREE and skate rentals just $3. The rink is open weekends starting Nov. 29th and Daily from Dec 22nd through Jan. 5th. Skate with Santa the weekend of Dec. 20 and so many more things going on all Winter long Click Here to Read more about Wade Oval Winter events.
The Metro parks TOBOGANNING CHUTES -As long as we have snow on the ground the chutes are a great way to spend an active day with the Family. Located at the Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, OH. There is a toboggan lift but you will still need to climb the stairs so be prepared for a workout for more information and pricing CLICK HERE.
The CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE – This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the well known film “A Christmas Story” and the home that the movie was filmed in is ready for your visit. You can see the completely restored home, a Christmas Story museum and many props used in the original film. CLICK HERE for directions and hours of operation.
The POLAR EXPRESS: You may be too late to do this in 2013 but keep this in mind for next year. Take a trip to the North Pole aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. The train Departures from Independence and travels to Akron/Canton area. The trip to the North Pole includes hot cocoa and cookies, story time, a lighted North Pole Village, caroling – and of course, a visit from Santa himself. Oh and don’t forget to wear you PJ’s! CLICK HERE for more info.
MR. KRINGLE, Tower City Center, Downtown Cleveland– At the Mr. Kringle event you can enjoy a Santa photo opportunity, kids activities, and interactive theater. You can also do some shopping in Kringle’s Toy Shoppe. the kids will just love it all! This one makes for one unforgettable family outing! CLICK HERE for more information
