1. Deck the Halls Stan Hywet Christmas display

What: Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens brings holiday cheer to life. Lights are displayed everywhere at the historic estate with more than a million lights, festively decorated Christmas trees, and holiday decor inside and out of the mansion and gardens. Each room of the house is transformed into a festive scene, and the outside grounds light up along all the pathways, a giant outdoor Christmas tree and holiday activities for the whole family. There are plenty of sweet treats and hot chocolate, along with visits from Santa Claus. Be sure to grab tickets early as they are known to sell out, especially on the weekends. 

Where: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

When: Ticket sakes begin November 28th and wraps for the season on December 3oth.

 2. Castle Noel Museum 

What: This is the largest indoor, year-round Christmas entertainment attraction near you! Step into the fantasy world of Mark Klaus, the creator of Castle Noel. There are so many wonderful things to see and do. It’s also the world’s largest privately owned collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes from anyone’s favorite Christmas movies including “The Grinch”, “Elf” and many more. There’s even a slide inside the building you can ride. Join the fun at Castle Noel this December!

Where: 260 S Court St, Medina, OH 44256

When: Reserve a spot online to enjoy the fun now through the holiday season. Do note that this is the busiest time of year for the museum, so tickets sell out fast. 

 3. Christmas Story House in Cleveland

What: The house from the movie “A Christmas Story” is open for visitors and fans of the movie. Step into the home of the Parker family from the movie, restored to its original appearance. Across the street from the house there is a museum and beside the house there is a gift shop as well. Great way to spend the evening with your family and watch the movie after!

Where: 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

When: Open all year round; seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, extended hours between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets are around $20. Children under 5 are free.

4. Wild Winter Lights Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

What: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is once again transforming into a winter wonderland for the seventh straight year with the return of Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC. Starting November 18, guests of all ages can celebrate the holiday season on foot or from their vehicle with more than 1.5 million lights. Visit the zoo for an enjoyable evening with the family, taking photos and spending time together! 

Where: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109 

When: From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on select evenings from November 18 through December 30. Tickets can be purchased online. 

5. Akron Civic Theatre, “The Nutcracker”

What: The Ballet Theatre of Ohio will have The Nutcracker at the Akron Civic Theatre from November 29 to December 7, 2025. This annual production, voted Akron’s favorite holiday show, will feature dazzling dancers, gorgeous sets and stunning costumes, along with additional activities such as Santa’s workshop, photos with Santa and a boutique. 

Where: 182 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308

When:Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster or through the Akron Civic Theatre website. Shows are November 29th-December 7th. 

6. Ohio Christmas Factory

What: The Ohio Christmas Factory is an indoor family-friendly holiday attraction in Canton Ohio. Including interactive activities like a snowball fight and VR sleigh ride, holiday decor, seasonal food, and drinks. Walk through the factory and try some interactive activities with your family, for a memorable evening. You must buy your tickets online or at the door for a specific entry time. It is a seasonal spot that is open from November through January. 

Where: Canton, OH, at 4125 Mahoning Rd NE, Suite B

When: Buy tickets online or in person! Open now until January 1st. 

7. Winter Blitz at the Hall of Fame

What: Winter Blitz at the Hall of Fame Village is an annual indoor holiday festival! It features an indoor carnival and thrill show with rides, games and inflatables. Also there is a circus style show by the Cincinnati Circus Company. It will be held inside the Center for Performance dome at the Hall of Fame.

Where: 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708

When: Weekends, December 13-15, December 20-22, and December 26-29, 2024. Purchase tickets online!

8. Go view Jim Carrey’s “The Grinch” in a theater near you!

What: This December, the original Grinch movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas,  will be back in theaters! In celebration of the movie’s 25th anniversary. A great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoying a Christmas movie together. It creates the perfect evening to relax, share laughs, and make memories while enjoying the holidays.

Where: In theaters near you!

When: Tickets are available online at a theatre near you starting December 12th, 2025.

9. Center Ice Sports Complex 

What: Spend an evening with friends or family, in North Canton, ice skating for the night. Fun way to spend an evening before Christmas! If you are experienced or have never skated before it’s still fun for everyone! Don’t have skates, no problem you can rent them when you get there! 

 Where: 8319 Port Jackson Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720. 

When: Get tickets online through their website. Times the rink are open may vary depending on weather, so be sure to check before you plan your visit. 

10. Winter Wonderfest in Hartville 

What: Winter Wonderfest is a holiday light show at Hartville MarketPlace featuring more than 500,000 lights, animated displays, and live entertainment. Included in the event is a self-guided walk-through experience with festive treats, music, special theme nights, and activities such as train or carriage rides.

Where:  1289 Edison St NW, Hartville, OH 44632, at the Hartville Market and Flea Market. 

When: From November 28 to January 3, open Monday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m. Free admission for all ages!