A Christmas Story House & Museum

Located on Cleveland’s near-west side in the Tremont neighborhood, “A Christmas Story” House has been completely restored to its movie splendor and is open year-round for public tours. The house is both a tribute to and replica of the Parker family’s home in fictional Hohman, Indiana, based on writer and narrator Jean Shepherd’s actual childhood home in Hammond, Indiana.

Visit A Christmas Story House and Museum this November for a 30^th anniversary celebration and the return of the A Christmas Story House Convention. Groups can tour the house and take turns hiding under the kitchen sink like a fearful Randy or hover around the radio waiting to hear Little Orphan Annie’s top-secret message. While you’re there, stop by the newly renovated gift shop that has quadrupled in size and pick up a holiday keep-sake capturing your favorite scenes from A Christmas Story including a full-size leg lamp. 

Dates have not yet been released for the November celebration. For updates and additional information visit www.achristmasstoryhouse.com.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium: Beach Blanket Breakfast
How about a breakfast on a beach blanket for Mother’s Day this year? The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is offering just that. Come enjoy a fun and educational breakfast in the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, located on the west bank of the Flats in downtown Cleveland. This family-friendly event takes you under the sea and into the lives of our fishy friends. Learn how aquatic mothers take care of their young all while enjoying a delicious breakfast.  For questions and tickets call 216.826.8803 or visit www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/events

Nautica Queen
This Mother’s Day, treat Mom like a queen. The Nautica Queen Cruise ship is offering a Mother’s Day brunch and an early dinner cruise around the waterways of Cleveland. Let Mom relax while taking in gorgeous views of the Cleveland skyline. Brunch is from 11am to 1:30pm and an early dinner cruise is from 4pm to 6pm. For reservations call 216.696.8888 or visit: www.nauticaqueen.com

Mother’s Day at the Zoo
Is your Mom wild about animals? This Mother’s Day, take her to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on May 12, from 10 am to 5pm and receive half price admission for mom. This event focuses on the universal love a mother has for her offspring through educational shows, allowing visitors to see animal mother and young interactions up close. For questions call 216.661.6500 or visit www.clemetzoo.com/events/event.asp?event_id=23

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Invite Mom to enjoy a relaxing self-guided tour through Stan Hywet estate. All mothers receive free admission to the estate, including the architecturally stunning Manor House and gorgeous gardens. For more information call 330.836.5533 or visit  www.stanhywet.org.

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Garden
Treat Mom to a beautiful springtime brunch at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. On Mother’s Day, dine surrounded by gorgeous blooms and beautiful themed gardens. Brunch seating times are available from 10am to 2pm, in 30 minute blocks. To make reservations, call 216.721.1600 x100 or visit www.cbgarden.org/

The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland
The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland is offering a lavish bunch this Mother’s Day. Spoil Mom with an extensive brunch menu all set in the gorgeous Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s Cleveland Ballroom. For information call 216.623.1300 or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Cleveland/Default.htm

House of Blues Presents: Kirk Franklin’s Mother’s Day Gospel Brunch
Celebrate this Mother’s Day with an unforgettable brunch and inspiring music! Grammy-Award winning Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is working with the House of Blues to create a new Gospel Brunch experience. The all-you-can-eat Gospel Brunch is a non-denominational celebration of gospel music with a buffet menu featuring southern specialties ranging from Creole chicken to a create-your-own Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar. For ticket information, call the House of Blues at 216.523.2583, or visit http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/cleveland/

For other events happening Mother’s Day weekend, or anytime in Cleveland, visit www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events.

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re in Cleveland, consider yourself Irish. Who’s ready for street parties, parades, drink specials, corned beef and those really loud plastic horns? We are, and with Cleveland’s most loved holiday falling on a Sunday we can expect fantastic crowds of all ages. Walk like the Irish, talk like the Irish and act like the Irish at these Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Events on Sunday, March 17, 2013.

Downtown

2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Cleveland
Continuing the tradition as one of the only cities that hosts its parade on March 17^th, Cleveland once again celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a spectacular parade. The parade kicks off at 2:04pm and runs from East 18^th Street and heads west on Superior Avenue.
www.clevelandsirishparade.org

AJ Rocco’s
It’s become a St. Patrick’s Day tradition, and this year is no different. AJ Rocco’s in Downtown Cleveland hosts the 11^th Annual St. Baldrick’s Charity Shave-Off. Stop in for a bite to eat, and shave your head for childhood cancer research. Register now at www.stbaldricks.org.
www.ajroccos.com; 216.861.8358

House of Blues
House of Blues hosts their 9^th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. Pints, partying and music kick off at 8am. No cover charge.
www.houseofblues.com/cleveland; 216.523.2583

The Barley House
The Barley House is home to one of Cleveland’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parties. Festivities kick off with Keg n Eggs at 7am and the parking lot opens at 11. Entertainment provided by the Irish American Club Bag Pipe Band, Irish Dancers and 6 Deejays with Special Guest DJ Nova from Orlando. Fuel up with hot corned beef and plenty of Irish inspired drinks. www.barleyhousecleveland.com; 216.623.1700

Pickwick & Frolic
Doors open at 8am. Enjoy special drinks prices, breakfast menu from 8am-11am, entertainment by the Whiskey Island Ramblers from 9am-1pm and live Irish music by Pat Shepard from 2pm-6pm. Lunch served from 8am-4pm. No cover charge.
www.pickwickandfrolic.com

Wonder Bar
Wonder Bar, located on East 4^th Street, kicks things off at 8am. The Jameson and good times will be flowing all day long. Rock out with a performance from Pants on Fire at 2pm.
www.wonderbarcleveland.com; 216.298.4050

Flannery’s Pub
Doors open at 6am and The Boys from County Hell kick up their heels at 1pm and keep the party rocking until 8pm. Breakfast burritos start at 6am and liquor sales at 11am. $35 minimum on all tabs started with credit/debit cards. $5 cover from 1-8pm. 
www.flannerys.com

Flats

The Flat Iron
Get to the flats for Kegs and Eggs and stay for live music by Donal O’Shaughnessy from 11am until the Guinness runs out. Free shuttle will run to and from the parade all day and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums will perform post parade. Doors open at 7am.
www.flatironcafe.com

Ohio City

The Harp
The Boys from County Hell keep the party going at 9:30pm.
www.the-harp.com

Great Lakes Brewing Company
The Great Lakes Brewing Company though not usually open on Sundays can’t resist a St. Patrick’s Day party. The festivities features Irish-inspired cuisine and beer, along with Irish bands, Ceud Mile Failte, CRAIC and the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial Pipes and Drums. The bar and kitchen open at 11am. Head downtown on the free shuttle running two hours before and after the parade.
www.greatlakesbrewing.com; 216.771.4404

East Side

East Side Irish American Club
The Irish American Club of the East Side of Cleveland has a full day of activities planned for March 17^th. The day begins at 9:00am with a St. Patrick’s Day Mass, and continues all day and night with food and music. Members are free and guests are just $5.
www.irishamericanclubeastside.org; 216.731.4003

Nightown
Enjoy St Patrick’s Day with The New Barleycorn at 1pm, 5pm and 7:30pm at Nightown. Admission is $22.
www.nighttowncleveland.com

West Side

100^th Bomb Group Restaurant and Special Event Center
Enjoy corned beef and cabbage, irish flavors and green drink specials. Make reservations today.
www.100thbgrestaurant.com; 216.267.2819

For the Kids
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with The Children’s Museum of Cleveland. Discover the fun of Irish dancing at Dance Around the World at 12pm. Then, stick around to learn the history of the holiday and make 4-Leaf Clover pins at 3pm.
www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org; 216.791.7114

Cleveland Metorparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is putting a new spin on the “green tradition” of St. Patrick’s Day. At the zoo, you can show your green side by helping the environment. Bring an old cell phone, aluminum cans, shoes and/or cooking and dining supplies to the box office on March 17^th and receive $2 off admission to the zoo and rainforest.
www.clemetzoo.org; 216.661.6500

Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park

If skiing, tobogganing and skating in the snow is not your speed, Northeast Ohio has plenty of entertaining indoor activities that can satisfy fun-seekers during the chilly season.  Take Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park (www.raysmtb.com) on Cleveland’s near west side—a warehouse perfect for wheeled entertainment during the fall and winter. Both beginner and expert bike buffs can conquer ramps, rails, logs, rocks, stumps and teeter-totters in gnarly-named indoor arenas like the Skate Park and Grind Room.

Go even further west and Kalahari Resort (www.kalahariresorts.com) offers swim lovers a 173,000-square-foot African-themed water park that can brighten any winter disposition, full of wave pools, water slides, arcades, animal parks, lazy rivers and lots more.

“We are here 365 days a year,” says Brian Shanle, Kalahari Resorts general manager. “This is America’s largest indoor water park with world-class dining and updated spa services. We’re the ultimate winter getaway—all under one roof.”

I-X Indoor Amusement Park

Take your cup of cocoa with a shot of thrill-seeking adrenaline? The I-X Indoor Amusement Park (ixamusementpark.com) opens for a few weeks each winter (March 22 to April 14 in 2013), offering more than 20 acres of roller coasters, thrill rides and live entertainment that can heat things up no matter the temperature outside. “My favorite ride is Pharaoh’s Fury—the boat ride,” says Amy Girton, marketing director for the I-X Center. “It swings you back and forth and gives you that funny kid feeling of being back on the big swing at the park.”

Regardless of the season, Cleveland sports are always an excellent alternative for action and entertainment. During the fall and winter, the Cleveland Cavaliers (www.nba.com/cavaliers) and the Lake Erie Monsters (lakeeriemonsters.com) will dominate courts and rinks at Quicken Loans Arena (theqarena.com). Looking to compete yourself? Try the Corner Alley on Euclid Avenue (www.thecorneralley.com), offering the best in bowling, billiards and martinis downtown. And these are only a few of the many venues offering great escapes and warm memories this fall and winter.

By Keith Gribbins

Music

Celebrate with music while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by visiting the Rock Hall, listening to the Cleveland Orchestra or watching a performance at the Cleveland Public Library.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum free of charge in celebration of Dr. King as well as community spirit and civic pride. The Rock Hall is devoted to history and culture of all different genres of music. While you’re there, check out different exhibits ranging from ‘The Roots of Rock and Roll: Blues, Gospel, Country/Folk/Bluegrass and R&B’ to ‘Cleveland Rocks’ an exhibit celebrating Cleveland’s musically rich history.

Cleveland Orchestra Open House at Severance Hall  

Founded in 1918 by a group of local citizens, the Cleveland Orchestra is one of the most sought after performing groups in the world. Enjoy an afternoon listening to performances at Severance Hall, the home of The Cleveland Orchestra, celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Performances begin at noon, admission is free and no tickets are required.

Commemorative Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Program at the Cleveland Public Library

The “Drum Majors for Change” at the Cleveland Public Library strives to commemorate Dr. King’s call for change. The program begins at 1pm and will be followed by a community reception.

The Music Settlement

Join The Music Settlement for a special Martin Luther King Memorial Concert featuring jazz, blues, gospel and classical music performed by Settlement faculty, students, and guest performers. This special concert takes places Sunday, January 20th at 3pm in Glick Recital Hall and is free and open to the public. 

Museums

Need a little brushing up on history and culture? Visit one of the many Cleveland museums offering free admission or special programming and activities on MLK Day. Take a stroll through time as you view paintings by Monet at the Cleveland Museum of Art, dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum or get hands-on with the interactive displays at the Cleveland Children’s Museum.

Maltz Museum of Jewish History

What better way to celebrate equality and understanding than to visit a museum devoted to promoting diversity and tolerance? The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage strives to promote understanding of Jewish history as well as promote appreciation and understanding of other cultures and religions.  The museum is open from 11am to 5pm and admission is free on January 21^st. Special programming includes a special musical presentation followed by A Conversation After a Funeral, a new one-act play by Cleveland playwright Dr. Mary Weems.

Cleveland Natural History Museum

Step back through time at the Cleveland Natural History Museum in University Circle. The Natural History Museum is perfect for children of all ages and features everything from rare jewels to dinosaurs to the ‘Birds of America’. Admission is free to the Smead Discovery Center, open from 10am to 4pm, and visitors are invited to make craft projects, meet Cleveland’s neighborhood wildlife in special live animal presentations, museum curators, scientists and students from Case Western Reserve University and see a mini-planetarium show for only $1.

Western Reserve Historical Society

A museum filled to the brim with Cleveland history, the Western Reserve Historical Society provides information dating back to Native Americans to contemporary immigrants. Find collections ranging from the history of buildings and properties in Cleveland to the one of the largest collections of costumes and textiles in the United States. Admission is free on MLK Day and the Western Reserve Historical Society is open from 10am to 4pm.

Cleveland Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum offers interactive and educational exhibits for children to learn and play. Guests of the museum are invited to add to the peace mural from 11am to 4pm. Admission is half price on MLK Day.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Take a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens to take a break from the chilly winter weather in Cleveland. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Garden is open from 10am-5pm. Children can make a craft with Garden admission from 1pm-4pm.

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the city. It is the only major museum in the United States to offer free admission to the permanent collections such as Monet and Dali. The museum is open from 9:30am-5pm (typically closed on Mondays) and admission is free (as always!).

-MaryKate McHugh

• Each year, more than 20,000 visitors lace up their ice skates and slide over to The Rink at Wade Oval to take-in the wintry University Circle and enjoy a coffee or hot chocolate from the concession stand, open Nov. 23 through Feb. 18.
• Enjoy an evening stroll through Hale Farm and Village by the light of a lantern where it is Christmas Eve in 1861 and guests are welcomed into the homes of Civil War era residents whose holiday traditions are as diverse as their backgrounds, Dec. 1-23.
• There’s nothing more seasonal than dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, so head to Burton for Ma & Pa’s Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, an authentic sleigh or buggy ride experience that’s so cozy and warm, it doesn’t matter what the temperature is outside.
• While visiting a cemetery during the holiday season may be one of the last things your to-do list, visit Lake View Cemetery on Dec. 8 as they decorate a Christmas tree at the gravesite of Rev. Henry Schwan, who is believed to have started the tradition of lighted Christmas trees in America.
• Explore the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 165-acres and 3,000 animals during December Days from Dec. 17 – 30, where families also can take part in special seasonal activities including holiday crafts, live music, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Wolf Lodge, cookie decorating and more.
• Experience the thrill of tobogganing down two 1,000-foot-long refrigerated ice chutes at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville.
• Spend an evening with Rudolph’s long-lost cousins feeding the elk herd at Bonnie Brae’s Farm in Wellington, about 50 miles southwest of Cleveland, where families can visit the barn with a decorated tree and receive a free handmade ornament available Dec 22-23 and 29-30.
• Hit the slopes during Midnight Madness, late night hours lasting from 8pm to 2am, on Dec. 28 at Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resorts. Ohio’s largest ski resort, Boston Mills/Brandywine boasts 19 slopes, 16 lifts with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding, snowblading, terrain parks and 100 percent snow coverage, typically open in mid-December when the temperatures allow for production.

– April Ingle, Communications Assistant 

• Following the day-long family friendly Winterfest event, Public Square is illuminated as a sparkling spectacle in the heart of downtown.
• The 65 rooms inside the Manor House at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens are decorated with inspiration from familiar holiday music showcasing the annual Deck the Hall event on weekends Nov. 23 – Dec. 30. Themed of “Sounds of the Season,” other festivities include a winter wonderland of 250,000 twinkling holiday lights, a massive Legos play area, an evening tree-lighting ceremony and more.
• Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Glow at the Garden features perennial favorites such as spectacular gingerbread house displays along with new offerings including beautiful outdoor lighting displays and train rides.
• Choreographed to seven songs over FM radio a 25-minute light show synchronized with more than 75,000 lights dazzle visitors from the warmth of their own vehicle at the Ghostly Manor Thrill Center during their annual Winter Wonderland event.
• From one of the best-known area tour company, Lolly the Trolley, comes a unique holiday light adventure where you can learn about the past, present and future of the “All-American City” with a focus on the lighting displays in Public Square and the North Coast Harbor. Most tours include visits to Tower City or the historic Arcade to view the holiday decorations as well.
• Load up the minivan or SUV and light up your family’s night with a drive-thru of the one of the area’s largest lighting displays at the The Firelands Festival of Lights at Sawmill Creek Resort where millions of tiny display lights glow with holiday joy and are programed to everyone’s favorite holiday tunes from Nov. 23 – Dec. 31.

– April Ingle, Communications Coordinator 

Make your list, check it twice and then head out to these holiday shopping venues and events to score this year’s hottest item or that perfect present for everyone in the family.

1. The Bazaar Bizarre, a juried craft show that prides itself as “not your granny’s craft fair,” features jewelry, T-shirts, pottery and other funky wares, perfect for even the hardest to shop for person. It will be a part of the Larchmere Holiday stroll Thanksgiving weekend and take place in the West 78th Studios on Dec. 8-9.
2. Saving procrastinators year after year is 5th annual Last Minute Market & Screw Factory Open Studio on Dec. 15, where more than 65 artists and craftspeople from Cleveland and the rust belt region sell very form of art and craft gifts imaginable. Additionally, the artists whose studios are in the Screw Factory building open their doors to offer a peek at their workspace and an opportunity to purchase their work.
3. As a nod to the neighborhood’s artisan roots, the dozens of galleries that comprise Little Italy on Cleveland’s east side open their doors the first weekend of December for the inviting Holiday Art Walk. Many of the galleries offer cookies, hot chocolate, wine and other treats to accompany the shopping experience.
4. Shop-til-you-drop, without breaking the bank at Aurora Farms or Lodi Station, Northeast Ohio’s outlet shopping malls who offer extended hours and special deals during the holiday season.
5. Stroll the quaint shopping complexes, Crocker Park, Eton Chagrin Boulevard and Legacy Village, or get in some retail therapy at one of the area’s many shopping malls such as Beachwood Place and Tower City Center. For those who aren’t as into the hunt but love high-style, retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom offer personalized shopping services as well as style and fashion events making it even easier to keep up with the latest trends.
6. Shoppers can explore Tremont during the monthly Art Walk, on Dec. 14, and stumble upon trendy shopping, culinary gems, great pubs and art galleries galore. The eclectic mix of Tremont offerings proves to have a little something for everyone. From handmade chocolates and local art galleries to exciting restaurants with food by great chefs there’s plenty to see, taste and purchase.

For our Top Family Friendly Holiday Events and Activities click here.

For our Top 7 Holiday Theater Experiences click here.

For more information about the holidays in Cleveland and to book your stay visit www.holidaysincle.com.

– April Ingle, Communications Coordinator

1. Based on the story by David Sedaris and produced by Cleveland Public Theatre, “The Santaland Diaries” at PlayhouseSquare’s 14th Street Theater from Nov. 28 – Dec. 22, is sure to bring a smile to any Grinch’s face as the now fifty-year-old Crumpet recounts his experience as a Macy’s Christmas Elf in 1989.
2. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 audiences “meet” more of Steve Solomon’s family, friends and the other folks whose sole purpose is to drive him into therapy during a holiday dinner at Grandma’s in “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, I’m Home for the Holidays” at the Palace Theatre.
3. Brimming with memories of old-time Cleveland, in the spirit of Dickens, “A Carol for Cleveland,” presented by the Cleveland Play House at the Allen Theatre from Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, tells the story of how one desperate act becomes a catalyst to forgiveness and change.
4. The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without an authentic presentation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, performed annually by Great Lakes Theater from Nov. 30 – Dec. 23 at the Ohio Theatre at PlayhouseSquare.
5. One part music, one part comedy, “Jingle Babes” at the Palace Theatre brings audiences the shtick and stories of friends and family, malls and mayhem, and ultimately the joy that lies within it all from Four Bitchin’ Babes on Dec. 2.
6. From Cleveland Public Theater and the artists responsible for the wildly popular “Conni’s Avant-Garde Restaurant,” comes “The Secret Social,” a play that offers new characters who are your hosts in a lively dance hall complete with cabaret seating, a light supper and a cash bar available through the show, running from Dec. 6 – 23.
7. Join the nation’s oldest African American multicultural arts center Karamu House’s presentation of “Black Nativity,” a contemporary retelling of the birth of Christ through gospel music, dance and songs, Dec. 7 – 30.

– April Ingle, Communications Coordinator

For Top Shopping Spots click here.

For Top Holiday Family-Friendly Holiday Events and Activities click here.

1. On a life-sized game board guided by the familiar holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” take a turn to pop the dice, move along from space to space and discover through interactive play the many things that nature gives to us in the winter season at the Lake Metropark’s Penitentiary Glen Reservation Nov. 17 – Jan. 5.
2. The 19^th Annual Holiday Circlefest on Dec. 2 features live performances from talented musicians, craft making, historic displays of holiday toys, storytelling, a singing Santa, live reindeer and the city’s best gingerbread house competition. In addition, most of University Circle’s renowned museums, gardens, galleries, churches, and schools offer free admission and activities during the Circlefest events.
3. Head to TinselTown at PlayhouseSquare on Dec. 1 for holiday crafts, a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating and, of course, pictures with the merry man himself.
4. Splash around in an 84-degree indoor water park,  attend North Pole University, explore Santa’s workshop and enjoy the daily snow shows in the Grand Lobby (yes, it will be snowing indoors) at Sandusky’s Great Wolf Lodge Snowland throughout December.
5. Snuggle together with the family on a horse-drawn wagon ride in the country and enjoy the wondrous twinkle of approximately a quarter of a million festive holiday light displays at Lake Metroparks Farmpark Country Lights on view Nov. 30 – Dec. 23.
6. On Dec. 12, join the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage for the annual Hanukkah Candle Lighting event to celebrate the traditional lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah, sing a few songs and share a festive treats.
7. From Nov. 16 – Dec. 20, the vintage Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad cars take on a alter ego as “The Polar Express” for the season, allowing pajama-clad families enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, a reading of the classic story by magical elves, caroling, a stop at North Pole Village and even a visit from the main man himself.
8. Experience a truly old-fashioned Christmas in the 19^th-century Historic Roscoe Village through horse-drawn carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, strolling carolers, complimentary hot-mulled cider, cookies, Christmas Candlelighting tours, luminaries and visits with Santa. Lightings occur Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 6pm and activities occur from 1-8pm each Saturday.
9. Catch snowflakes every day at 1pm inside the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Nov. 23 – Jan. 1, during the Winter Waterland event, featuring larger-than-life decorations, twinkling lights, holiday crafts, live music and caroling.

– April Ingle, Communications Coordinator