Holidays in the Circle

From dazzling light displays to family-friendly events, local shopping, and unique cultural experiences, there's something for everyone this holiday season in University Circle. #HolidaysInTheCircle

Frost: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Their indoor and outdoor gardens transform with dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals, seasonal soundscapes and much more to create a completely immersive world for the holiday season.

Saturday, November 23 through Sunday, January 5
Times Vary; Timed Tickets Required

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Tree Lighting Ceremony & Illuminate the Circle, Powered by PNC Bank

University Circle Inc.

Join us as we light up the season and spread joy throughout University Circle with Illuminate the Circle Powered by PNC Bank. For two months, Wade Oval transforms into a shimmering winter wonderland, complete with an immersive light show, holiday vignettes, and iconic seasonal traditions.  

Kick off the holiday season with a dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wade Oval! This unforgettable evening will feature live music, festive activities, and the grand illumination of our 30-foot Christmas tree. The tree will synchronize with a custom light show set to an original score. 

Saturday, November 23 | 5:00-8:00 PM
Holiday lights continue through Sunday, January 26

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Winter Toyland

Cleveland History Center

Winter Toyland is the full holiday experience that guests of all ages will enjoy. Start with the exhibition feature, HollyDays, a winter village created by Dennis Hoert. Dennis began the village with 12 houses, and after 18 years of work it now numbers 350 buildings. Named after his wife, the village combines multiple family tributes and recognizable ties to Northeast Ohio. HollyDays has 9 trains, Dennis' depiction of Macy’s Parade and an ode to Lake Erie. This incredible, one-of-a-kind creation is synced to popular holiday music and lights.

Friday, November 29, 2024 through Sunday, January 12, 2025 | Times Vary

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Chamber Music in the Atrium: A Musical Interlude for the Holidays

The Cleveland Museum of Art

This evening’s program, titled “A Musical Interlude for the Holidays,” features musicians from Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics and graduates of the Cleveland Institute of Music performing festive chamber music, including waltzes, virtuosic piano works, songs, and sonatas. Some selections are accompanied by dancers from the Cleveland Ballet.

Wednesday, December 4 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM

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2024 Student Holiday Sale

Cleveland Institute of Art

Shop for creative, handmade gifts in glass, metals, ceramics, illustration and other media—all of which have been made by CIA’s talented students.

Friday, December 6 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 7 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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2024 100 Show + Sale

Cleveland Institute of Art

Join us to purchase a piece of great art—and to support CIA students.

Works of art by students, faculty and friends of CIA will be sold for $100 each (or in denominations of $100) in this student-organized show and sale. Select a work and take it home! All proceeds go toward the annual spring break student trip to visit galleries, museums and artists' studios.

Friday, December 6 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday, December 7 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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Krampusnaucht with Ohio Krampus Society

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Krampusnacht is a folklore filled evening with Krampuses seeking out deviant attendees throughout the night. Attendees will meet costumed Krampuses roaming around decorated indoor and outdoor gardens as guests shop from local vendors selling Krampus swag and enjoy live music from City of Invention, all surrounded by the magic of Frost: An Ice Capped Garden Experience presented by KeyBank.

Saturday, December 7 | 6:00 - 8:30 PM

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Holiday Tree Lighting & Caroling

Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Join all our Cultural Gardens members as we come together to sing, decorate our tree, and share some hot chocolate and cookies at the Centennial Peace Plaza. Santa will be there! Fun for kids, and treats for all. Call 216-220-3075 for more information.

Friday, December 6 | 4:00-5:00 PM

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Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts

Severance Music Center

Holiday Concerts with The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus return in 2024! Join us for an unforgettable experience that will fill Mandel Concert Hall with the sounds of the holiday season. Enjoy a meet and greet with Santa, where you can capture special moments with photo opportunities, savor delicious cookies and warm up at our cozy hot cocoa bar, letter-writing station.

Wednesday, December 11 through Sunday, December 22
Dates and Times Vary

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Holiday Pop Up! Open Studio

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Open Studio days provide free, drop-in art-making sessions designed for the whole family, encouraging creativity and bonding through hands-on activities. Join them in the Ames Family Atrium for this special winter break studio! 

Daily, Thursday, December 26 through Sunday, December 29 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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Suzuki Holiday Recital

The Music Settlement

Suzuki students will perform this evening for family and friends in Glick Recital Hall in Burke Mansion.

Friday, December 13
6:00-7:30 PM

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The Rink at Wade Oval

After many wonderful seasons, The Rink at Wade Oval is being retired due to declining use in recent years. As we look ahead, we’re focusing on making Wade Oval a space that appeals to broader audiences and offers something for everyone during the winter months. This year, we’ve introduced Illuminate the Circle, which transformed the park into a winter wonderland featuring light displays, holiday vignettes, and a 30-foot tree. We’re excited to continue creating new experiences that bring people together and make The Circle a warm and welcoming destination. Thank you for your support as we embrace this new chapter.