Cleveland, Ohio, is situated in the heart of the American Midwest, just off the shores of Lake Erie. The winters can be quite brisk in the city, with average temperatures usually in the 20s. Yet despite--and in some cases, because of--the cold, Cleveland offers a wonderland of winter adventures for visitors and locals.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way) is always a treat no matter what the weather. The zoo hosts several winter events, including a Thanksgiving Celebration feast; December Days; and a Noon Year's Eve celebration on Dec. 31.
The Cleveland Botanical Gardens (11030 East Blvd.) hosts WinterShow, featuring winter plants and decorations, gingerbread house-building contests and train displays.
The Ohio Wine Association sponsors several winter-themed tours of local wineries and vineyards. Contact the Wine Association (under Resources) for current routes and trails, as they change annually.
The Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Blvd.) is home to the Winter Lights Lantern Festival and Holiday CircleFest.
Head over to Chardon, Ohio, for the Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk, featuring lessons on ancient solstice-holiday practices that have influenced many modern traditions. Tours begin at the Rookery (9160 Robinson Road).
Venture to the Historical Warehouse District for the annual Holiday Tour, offering food, drinks and entertainment along with a stroll through local architecture.
The Deck the Halls event at historic Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens (714 N. Portage Path) in Akron offers tours of a grand estate adorned in holiday splendor.
The Great Lakes Science Center (601 Erieside Ave.) hosts Holidays on the Harbor, featuring ice skating, outdoor movies and breakfast with Santa.
The Cleveland Orchestra (Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave.) offers a variety of holiday concerts, including performances of Handel's "Messiah," Christmas concerts with the Cleveland Choruses, music of Chanukah, Irish Christmas, and a Kwanzaa celebration.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers several popular holiday train tours. The daytime Mr. Jingeling's Holiday Express features popular fictional characters. The evening Polar Express includes hot chocolate and cookies. The Rockside Station in Independence, Ohio, manages both tours, with departures from numerous locations.
Fans of the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story" can tour the house featured in the film (3159 W. 11th St.) and an adjoining museum devoted to the holiday film. The Cleveland Playhouse (8500 Euclid Ave.) keeps the spirit of the movie alive with its annual theatrical version of "A Christmas Story." The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage (2929 Richmond Road) in Beachwood hosts Chinese food and Movie Day on Dec. 25, inspired by a memorable scene from the film.
Basketball fans can escape the elements by catching the NBA Cavaliers (One Center Court) or the Cleveland State Vikings (Woodling Gym).
Football fans can catch an NFL game with the Cleveland Browns (Cleveland Browns Stadium) or check out the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2121 George Halas Drive) in nearby Canton. The Hall of Fame offers Free Kids Friday the day after Thanksgiving.
