Guide to Cleveland Winterfest 2022

Cleveland’s Winterfest is your opportunity to experience the magic of the season. With nightly light shows, a plethora of winter activities, and a spotlight on the restaurants and shops in downtown Cleveland, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re planning out your winter activities, learning all about Cleveland’s Winterfest can help you avoid missing the most exciting parts. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Cleveland during Winterfest this year.

What Is Cleveland’s Winterfest?

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Cleveland’s Winterfest is an annual event that stretches from November to February. The festival brings light to the season, with nightly light shows and a beautifully decorated downtown area. The light shows usually run from 5 to 11 p.m. each night during the festival.

Winterfest Attractions and Activities

Though the attractions and events change each year, these are some activities you can expect to find at Winterfest:

Cleveland Public Square Skating

The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink is open throughout Winterfest, featuring real ice and skating times during weekends and some weekdays in Downtown Cleveland. When you visit, you can rent skates for both kids and adults. There are free children’s skating lessons from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays if your little one wants to learn.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The tree lighting ceremony is what kicks Winterfest off on Nov. 26. During the tree lighting ceremony, you can usually enjoy performances by local entertainers. Opening day for Winterfest may also feature fire pits, s’mores, games, giveaways, local shopping, and guided tours. The kick-off event for Winterfest may include a gingerbread house village, a fireworks show, and Breakfast with Santa as well.

Entertainment and Performances

Throughout Winterfest, you can experience some of Cleveland’s finest entertainment. This may include performances from the Cleveland Orchestra and other local artists. Look for a detailed listing of performances on the Winterfest website. During Winterfest, consider stopping by the Cleveland Playhouse to see a family-friendly musical.

Best Winterfest Lodgings

Looking for somewhere to stay during Winterfest? Here are some of the best boutique hotels in Cleveland:

Clifford House

If you’re looking for a home away from home, look no further than Clifford House. This eclectic and charming bed-and-breakfast is found inside a Tuscany-style home with plenty of character that was built in 1868. With hints of modern and classic decor, the interior creates a welcoming and refreshing atmosphere. Every morning at breakfast, you can enjoy a meal made with organic local ingredients.

Glidden House

Glidden House is a historic boutique hotel in the city that offers a classic and luxurious feel. Grab a mansion suite for something large and bursting with character, or opt for a traditional guest room for something more affordable. The complimentary breakfast buffet at Glidden blows every other hotel breakfast out of the water, featuring a unique menu of smoothies, fresh fruits, French toast, parfaits, meats, and pastries.

Where To Eat During Winterfest

Here are some spots to dine during the festival:

Marble Room

Marble Room is an upscale restaurant that offers the finest dishes and atmosphere. Though Marble Room doesn’t have a dress code, the restaurant strongly encourages guests to dress their best so they can contribute to the ambiance and setting. The menu includes options like sushi, steaks, lobster, soups, and salads.

House of Creole

For a restaurant with a contemporary feel and a menu full of flavor, visit House of Creole. Some of their innovative dishes include Cajun steak egg rolls, Creole wings, po’boys, and seafood mac and cheese. Grab a dessert like the praline bread pudding for a taste of New Orleans in Cleveland.

Betts

Betts transforms during the winter season, with little heated pods outside for guests to enjoy. Within the pods are soft leather and velvet seating and cocktail tables. The pods can accommodate up to eight people at a time. They often book quickly during the holiday season, so it can be a good idea to make reservations. Each reservation can last for up to two hours to ensure all guests have an opportunity to use the pods. Betts serves soups, salads, burgers, and dishes like Thai salmon, pappardelle Bolognese, and flank steaks.

Shopping During Winterfest

Winterfest is a great time to start your holiday shopping. There’s nothing better than supporting your local economy by shopping locally. These are some small businesses you can visit during Winterfest:

Intro

Intro is a clothing shop in downtown Cleveland owned by two local sisters. The sisters wanted to bring simple, well-made clothes to the customers in the downtown area. For clothing, you can find dresses, sweaters, jackets, bodysuits, and denim in the catalog. You can also find accessories like handbags, earrings, bracelets, scarves, and hats to finish any outfit.

Haymarket Pet Company

Want to find the perfect gift for your furry friend this holiday season? Visit Haymarket Pet Company to find something for any pet. The selection includes holiday-themed items like stockings for your pets and fun holiday chew toys. Grab a collar or leash to accessorize, and don’t forget a bag of treats to thank your pet for everything they do. You can also purchase other essentials, like food bowls, litter boxes, and dental care products.

Daydreams & Tea

Daydreams & Tea is a vintage store that offers items matching the Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz themes. Some brands you can find in the store include Jelly Cats, Steiff, Mary Englebreit, Susan Branch, Bunnies by the Bay, Charlie Bears, Tasha Tudor, and Lori Mitchell. No matter who you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find a gift that the bride, baby, or grandparent will love.

Hopefully this guide has helped you learn more about Winterfest so you can fill your calendar this season. Did we forget to include any important Winterfest information? Reach out and let us know so we can update this guide. Winterfest is an event the whole family can enjoy, so be sure to get a car with enough seating. Check out our new car inventory and our used vehicles for deals that’ll make you feel warm and cozy.