The first weekend of December means an abundance of holiday markets and craft shows and a Christmas countdown to get into the holiday spirit. From tree lighting ceremonies to local artists offering handmade artwork for the perfect holiday gift, here are 15 fun things happening in Northeast Ohio.
Stroll through Little Italy and you will find more than just delicious food at your fingertips. Between every restaurant, usually one can find a gallery, an art shop or clothing store. The Little Italy Holiday Art Walk is a great time pursue the streets of this Cleveland neighborhood and find the perfect gift.
When: 12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Where: Friday, December 1 from 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, December 2 from 12-9 p.m.; Sunday, December 3 from 12-5 p.m.
Back for its 5th year in a row, this festive bar crawl will get you in the holiday spirit. The weekend event ends on Saturday with a 5K run down, breakfast with Santa and winter festivities.
When: Friday, December 1 through Saturday, December 2
Where: Downtown Willoughby
Neverending devotion to Superman Panel Discussion
Calling all Superman fans! Join a panel of Superman devotees to talk about the Man of Steel steel in the past, present and future.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 1-7 p.m.; Sunday, December 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Public Library | 325 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114
24th Annual Holiday Circlefest
University Circle is getting festive with a newly added holiday market at Wade Oval and free horse carriage rides around Wade Oval. Live music, ice carving demos and skating with Santa will get you in the holiday spirit.
When: Saturday, December 2 through Sunday, December 3
Where: University Circle | 11330 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Sip on some mulled wine while shopping for handmade holiday goods. The Morgan Market will feature art, handmade good and a special selection of handmade papers for sale.
When: Friday, December 1 from 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Morgan Conservatory | 1754 E. 47th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44103
Another light ceremony in Northeast Ohio celebrates the holiday season. For the 11th consecutive year, Light Up Lakewood is a free family-friendly event complete with food trucks, ice carvings and hot chocolate.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakewood
The parade kicks off at 5:30 p.m. followed by a tree lighting ceremony and a fireworks display around 6:30 p.m.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 11 Berea Commons Berea, Ohio 44017
Find vintage, antiques, crafts and other items from more than 120 vendors spread out across three heated buildings.
When: Saturday, December 2 through Sunday, December 3 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds | 164 Eastland Road Berea, Ohio 44017
Admission: $1
AfriCOBRA, the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists, was originally founded in Chicago by a group of black artists who wanted to create positive change through artwork. The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Public Library will host a public conversation about creating work that promotes solidarity and positive change.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Langston Hughes Branch Cleveland Public Library |10200 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Prohibition Repeal Supper Club
Party it up like it's the 1930s, indulge in classic cocktails and old-school dishes like City Chicken with braised red cabbage. Hollywood Slim
When: Sunday, December 3 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Prosperity Social Club | 1109 Starkweather Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44113
Pets like Christmas, too! Bring your furry friends to have a picture taken with Santa.
When: Sunday, December 3 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Pet's General Store | 16821 Madison Avenue Lakewood, Ohio 44107
Scuba Claus & theSeas'nof Play
Have you ever seen Santa Claus scuba diving? Santa Claus will dive in 230,000 gallons of water as he visits porcupine pufferfish, green moray eel and goliath grouper to name a few. Children can discover various interactive activities throughout the aquarium.
When: Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Greater Cleveland Aquarium | 2000 Sycamore Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113
30th Anniversary ArtCraft Open Studio Sale
Come shop at one of the largest collections of fine art & craft for the holiday season. More than 55 artists will display their artwork for sale.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 10-7 p.m.; Sunday, December 3 from 11-5 p.m.
Where: 2570 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Drink wine and be prepared to laugh at a stand-up comedy show with a lineup of female comedians from Cleveland and around the country. Tickets include two glasses of wine.
When: Saturday, December 2 at 5 p.m. ( Tickets still available)
Where: 1501 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Tickets: $25. Buy them here.
Off the Wall: Holiday Show and Sale Opening Reception
Shop local and get a artwork by Northeast Ohio printmakers and other artists selling gifts to hand on your wall. From greeting cards and handmade books to scratch pads and other items.
When: Saturday, December 2 from 12-6 p.m.; Sunday, December 3 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: Zygote Press, Inc. | 1410 E. 30th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44114