Make campus and Cleveland home for the holidays: Festive events to enjoy over winter break
Editor’s note: Lien Tran, the author of this story, is a student employee in the University Marketing and Communications department. She is a fourth-year student majoring in finance.
Staying in Cleveland over winter break and not sure how to spend the quieter weeks on campus? The good news: the city is full of festive, affordable and easy-to-reach activities that can make the season feel special. From dazzling light displays to cozy indoor experiences, here are student-friendly events that can help make Cleveland feel like home for the holidays.
Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms with millions of lights across themed areas like enchanted forests, storybook scenes, Swan Lake and Santa’s North Pole Lodge. It’s one of Cleveland’s most immersive holiday experiences, perfect for a relaxing evening after finals.
Dates: Now through Jan. 4 (select walk-through and drive-through nights)
Cost: $49-$59 per vehicle if driving; for walk-through, $24-$30 per person, with discounts available for groups of four.
How to access: Purchase tickets online through Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
WinterLand in Public Square
Public Square becomes the center of Cleveland’s holiday season as thousands of lights illuminate the heart of downtown. This year’s WinterLand Downtown Cleveland features ice skating, festive window displays and a Cheer Garden with firepits, s’mores and holiday tunes. The bright, cheerful atmosphere makes WinterLand a popular stop for evening walks, photos and casual meetups during winter break.
- Dates: displays remain through early January
- Cost: Free
- How to access: Open to the public daily and easily accessible via RTA; Learn more about WinterLand.
Neighborhood Holiday Light Walks or Drives
Local communities such as Lakewood, Cleveland Heights and Rocky River are known for elaborate holiday light displays. A stroll or drive through a twinkling neighborhood is the perfect option for spontaneous outings with hot chocolate in hand.
- Dates: Mid-December through early January (varies by neighborhood)
- Cost: Free
- How to access: Explore independently or follow suggested routes from local blogs like The Cleveland Traveler and Cle with Kids.
Holiday Pop-Up Bars (21+)
Bars across Cleveland transform into festive winter lounges during the holiday season, featuring over-the-top décor, themed cocktails and seasonal music. Popular pop-ups like Miracle on 4th Street and Jingle Bell Bar turn familiar spaces into immersive holiday experiences, making them a fun option for students looking to celebrate after finals.
- Dates: Mid-November through early January
- Cost: Free entry; food and drinks priced individually
- How to access: Most locations are walk-in friendly; follow individual bars on Instagram for hours and locations, or explore a roundup of seasonal pop-ups.
Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Frost
Step inside the Cleveland Botanical Garden to enjoy warm indoor conservatories filled with seasonal plants and winter-themed displays. The calm, climate-controlled setting offers a peaceful escape from cold weather and a slower pace that’s perfect for a reflective afternoon during winter break.
- Dates: Through Jan. 4
- Cost: Prices vary by time of visit, age and membership.
- How to access: Purchase tickets for Frost and view additional details through Holden Forests & Gardens.
Illuminate the Circle
Located just minutes from campus, Wade Oval offers a walk-through light display, perfect for a twinkly stroll with a warm beverage from your favorite University Circle coffeeshop. Its walkable location and affordable pricing make it a favorite seasonal tradition for CWRU students looking to enjoy winter weather without leaving campus.
- Dates: On display through Jan. 1
- Cost: Free
- How to access: Walk from campus or take the RTA HealthLine; Learn more about Illuminate the Circle
Holiday Shows at Playhouse Square
Playhouse Square fills the holiday season with a mix of performances, offering something for every kind of theatergoer. As the nation’s largest performing arts center outside New York City, it delivers Broadway-level productions that make for a memorable winter night—without traveling far from campus.
- Dates: Show dates vary
- Cost: Vary by production; student discounts often available
- How to access: Browse show listings and purchase tickets
Cleveland has plenty to offer students staying on campus for the holidays, with events that are festive, affordable and easy to enjoy with friends. Whether you’re walking through glowing light displays, ice skating in Public Square or finding a cozy indoor spot to explore, these activities can help make your winter break memorable—and make Cleveland feel a little more like home.
