Your ultimate holiday even ts guide, plus Cirque du S oleil, the Cavs, ‘Napoleon ’ on the big screen & more

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Festive and fun things to do this holiday season in Cleveland

Tis the season for dazzling light displays, Christmas markets, ice skating and sitting on Santa’s lap. There is so much to do during the holidays in Northeast Ohio. In fact, you could see five different productions of “The Nutcracker” from now through mid-December if you wanted to. Navigating all of the festive events and activities can be as daunting as finding the perfect gift for that one impossible person on your list. We’re here to make it easier for you with this list of more than 70 things to do during our favorite time of the year. READ MORE

We personally can't want until Mother Christmas herself, also known as Mariah Carey, comes to town for a concert on Dec. 7. In the meantime, here are some of the holidays events you can enjoy this Thanksgiving Day weekend, plus a few non-holiday happenings as well:

Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive displays located throughout the park. Featuring over one million lights, themed areas include the Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Workshop. Two dynamic musical light shows are new: one featuring the zoo’s 50-foot tree and another directly on Waterfowl Lake. Walk and drive-thru options are available. Tickets start at $22 per person or $55 per vehicle. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. Through Dec. 30. DETAILS

Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

This dazzling drive-through experience returns for its ninth year with more than two million LED lights illuminating dozens of themed displays including a 32-foot-tall Christmas Barbie. The Jolly Holiday Village adds photos with Santa, ice skating and holiday snacks. Admission $23-$50 per vehicle. 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol”

Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by a series of ghosts in this Cleveland holiday tradition now in its 35th year. Tickets, $30-$80. Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Nov. 24-Dec. 23. DETAILS

Cleveland Bazaar

Welcome to Northeast Ohio’s longest-running indie handmade event, showcasing hundreds of local and handmade products. This year, they have four anchor holiday market events. Nov. 25, 5th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland; Nov. 25-26, R. Shea Brewing Company, 540 S. Main St., Akron; Dec. 2, Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland; Dec. 9-10, 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland. DETAILS

78th Street Studios Holiday Shopping

Cleveland’s largest arts complex, with more than 60 galleries and studios, will host several holiday events including a Black Friday Shopping Experience on Nov. 24, Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and its monthly Third Friday night art walk on Dec. 15. Free. 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 24; 10-2 p.m., Nov. 25; 5-9 p.m., Dec. 15. DETAILS

Kringle’s Inventionasium Experience

Explore Mr. Kringle’s top-secret laboratory to meet his team, invent a new toy and help make Christmas. The magical, interactive experience, held inside Tower City Center, ends with a private visit with Santa himself. Tickets start at $34. 230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland. Nov. 24-Dec. 23. DETAILS

Cavaliers basketball

Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and the rest of the team are in town for a pair of games this weekend. First, the Cavs will host LeBron and the Lakers on Saturday, followed by a contest against Toronto on Sunday. 1 Center Court, Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Nov. 25 & 26. DETAILS

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

Acrobatic circus ensemble brings one of their popular shows to Cleveland for a limited run which started earlier this week. Tickets $49-139. Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect, Cleveland. Through Nov. 26. DETAILS

Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto

Led by conductor Pietari Inkinen, The Cleveland Orchestra is joined by violinist Augustin Hadelich. The night also includes works by Dvorak Single tickets start at $39. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Nov. 24; 8 p.m., Nov. 25; 3 p.m., Nov. 26. DETAILS

Daniel Arsham: Score and Sound

The inaugural solo exhibition by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham, who also serves as creative director of the Cleveland Cavaliers, invites the audience to contemplate the mysteries hidden within everyday objects. Free, but timed tickets are required. The Sculpture Center, 12210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through Jan. 27. DETAILS

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2023 Inductee Exhibit

The Rock Hall celebrates the latest inductees in its newest exhibit. The collection of artifacts includes Bernie Taupin’s original lyrics to “Your Song,” the headpiece from Missy Elliott’s “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” video, Willie Nelson’s famous bandana and much more. Admission $25-$35. Free for Cleveland residents. 1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland. Open daily. DETAILS

WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony

Downtown Cleveland officially ushers in the holiday season with a full schedule of events and activities this Saturday including ice skating on Public Square and storytime at the Cleveland Public Library. You’ll find face painting, crafts, a slide and Bruce the talking Christmas tree inside Tower City. The fun culminates with a holiday show on the Public Square Stage at 4 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks at 6 p.m. Public Square, Cleveland. Noon-6 p.m., Nov. 25. DETAILS

‘Frost’ celebrates winter at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Described as an ice-capped garden experience, the garden’s new holiday show transforms the facility into an ethereal wonderland of towering ice arches, dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals and more than 500 poinsettias. Tickets $7-$26. Reservations recommended. 11030 East Blvd. Cleveland. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

There’s no better time to visit this historic estate than the holidays when it is illuminated with 1.2 million twinkling lights. Inside, the manor house is decorated in beautiful holiday fashion with several themed rooms. Don’t miss photos with Santa, shopping, hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies. Admission $7-$24. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Nov. 24-Dec. 30. DETAILS

Tobogganing at the Chalet

Find your thrill in the chill at the Cleveland Metroparks in Strongsville, whooshing down twin 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes on an old-timey toboggan. Reservations required. Tickets $13-$15. Reservations required. 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville. Nov. 24 through Feb. 25 (weather permitting). DETAILS

Holidays at Crocker Park

The lifestyle and shopping center in Westlake boasts plenty of festive fun this season including ice skating, the Holiday Express train and a nightly light show. Santa’s House offers photo and shopping opportunities. Fee for some activities. Crocker Park, Westlake. Through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Christkindlmarkt at Sanctuary on Green

Modeled after Christmas markets in Europe, this shopping village offers unique gifts like German nutcrackers, new and vintage European ornaments, handmade jewelry, linens, leather goods and more. Free. 1936 S. Green Rd., South Euclid. Through Dec. 27. DETAILS

Tomaseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas”

Now in its 28th year, this show transports you back in time to a traditional night before Christmas in Ireland during the 1950s with stories, music and dance. Tickets $20-$89. Nov. 25, Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. DETAILS. Also playing Nov. 26, Medina Performing Arts Center, 851 Weymouth Rd., Medina. DETAILS

“Sister Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magic’s Gold”

This hilarious holiday stage production has been described as “CSI: Bethlehem” as a sassy nun retells the nativity story while also solving the mystery of what became of the gold given to Jesus by one of the wise men. Tickets $47.50-$57.50. Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. 3 p.m., Nov. 26. DETAILS

Winterblast 2023

Akron celebrates the season with a Welcome Santa Parade, holiday tree lighting and fireworks this Friday, Nov. 24, starting at 6 p.m. with additional festivities to continue through New Year’s Eve. Indoor and outdoor activities include fire pit and igloo rentals, ice skating, Polar Putt-Putt, Archie the Snowman and much more. See site for complete list of prices and locations. 11 a.m., Wed.-Sun., Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. DETAILS

Wild Lights at Akron Zoo

Experience the zoo like you’ve never before as the park comes alive at night with one million lights, festive displays and synchronized light shows. The event features appearances by Santa Claus, the Grinch and local high school choirs. Admission $8-$15. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. Nov. 24-Dec. 29. DETAILS

“The Nutcracker” at Akron Civic Theatre

Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s production of the holiday favorite show features dazzling dancers, gorgeous sets and stunning costumes. Be sure to visit The North Pole before or after the show for photo ops with Santa and a 12-foot Nutcracker tree. The gift shop sells Nutcracker-themed sweets and over 100 different nutcrackers. Tickets $45-$55. 182 S. Main St., Akron. Nov. 25-Dec. 3. DETAILS

Christmas in Peninsula

This idyllic village in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park was made for Christmas. The annual festivities begin on Nov. 30 with a candlelight walk, tree lighting and carolers at Bronson Church. Reindeer Day on Dec. 10 boasts a live reindeer display on the church green, a community sing-a-long, costumed characters and a balloon artist. 1712 Main St., Peninsula. 5-8 p.m., Nov. 30 and 1-3 p.m., Dec. 10. DETAILS

Candy Land experience opens at Lake Metroparks’s Penitentiary Glen

Candy Land has been an indoor, holiday tradition at Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen for years. It’s back with a wild birding adventure this year. Families can enjoy a bird craft, scavenger hunts, activity pages and hands-on exhibits. Each Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m., an outdoor campfire with s’mores is open. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Jan. 1. 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Willoughby. DETAILS

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol”

Clague Playhouse is putting on a month-long production of “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” that kicks off this Friday. Performances will be held on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except on Thanksgiving Day. Clague Playhouse, 1371 Clague Rd., Westlake. Through Dec. 3. DETAILS

‘Degas and the Laundress’ at Cleveland Museum of Art

This exhibit showcases more than 100 Impressionism works by Edgar Degas and other artists including Honoré Daumier, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and Pablo Picasso. Looking beautiful and innocent on the surface, they represent an unvalued group of workers who were mostly women. Exhibit tickets $12 to $15. Through Jan. 15, 2024. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Porco Lounge and Tiki Room

Porco Lounge and Tiki Room is always a surefire place to have a fun night out. It feels like even more of an exotic getaway in the heart of the city when the Cleveland weather turns cold. Porco warms up every customer who enters with its lively atmosphere and strong tiki cocktails. The outdoor patio is also equipped with fireplaces to enjoy on unusually warm nights, but the inside always feels like a slice of the tropics. Porco also serves satisfying bites from chorizo sliders to Adobo tacos to help soak up all of that rum, courtesy of Pinoy Fine Foods. Porco Longue and Tiki Room, 2527 W. 25th St., Cleveland. (216) 802-9222. DETAILS

Pub Bricco: A food-drink respite in the Valley

Pub Bricco is a bustling little spot in the Merriman Valley, offering a sandwich/handheld focused menu, a great beer list as well as wine and cocktails (we found a couple of drafts from HiHO Brewing in Cuyahoga Falls on tap recently.). Go for a hike on a nearby trail and reward yourself with a meal and a drink. It’s at 1841 Merriman Road, Akron. Open seven days. DETAILS

16 holiday pop-up bars in Greater Cleveland to visit before Christmas

Several bars in Northeast Ohio go all-out when it comes to decorating for the holidays and celebrating the season with festive food, drink specials, and events. Here are 16 holiday pop-up bars in Greater Cleveland worth visiting this holiday season. READ MORE

Breakfast with Santa at Merwin’s Wharf

Enjoy a prix fixe menu and visit with Jolly Old Saint Nick at the Cleveland Metroparks’ restaurant on the Cuyahoga River. Tickets, $18-$25. Guests can also reserve a private igloo along the water for a memorable dining experience now through Mar. 10. Igloo reservations $50 for two hours plus 20 percent gratuity. 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland. Breakfast with Santa Nov. 24-26 and Saturdays and Sundays only Dec. 2-23 (Saturday and Sundays only). DETAILS

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

TV & MOVIES

‘Napoleon’

Ridley Scott directs this epic historical drama about the rise and fall of the notorious French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Joaquin Phoenix. Vanessa Kirby co-stars as Josephine, his one true love. Opened Wednesday in area theaters. DETAILS

‘Wish’

Disney’s latest animated film tells the story of Asha (Ariana DeBose), a teenage girl whose discovery of the Wishing Star makes her a threat to King Magnifico (Chris Pine), the leader of a magical kingdom. Now playing in area theaters. DETAILS

‘Fargo’

Since "Fargo" began airing on FX as an anthology series, each season has featured an impressive roster of talent including Billy Bob Thornton, Chris Rock and Kirsten Dunst stepping into its quirky world of folksy Midwesterners mixed up in the law. "Fargo: Year 5," debuting this, is no different. Juno Temple stars as a woman whose strange behavior catches the attention of local authorities. Jon Hamm, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Richa Moorjani, Joe Keery, Lamorne Morris and Dave Foley also appear. Streams on Hulu. DETAILS

‘Dancing with the Stars’ celebrates Taylor Swift

Celebrities competing on season 32 of "Dancing with the Stars" have had to jive, waltz and foxtrot their way through a number of themed episodes including Disney music, music video night and a Whitney Houston tribute, but we'll find out whether they're "… Ready for It" on this week’s episode, dedicated to Taylor Swift. The show aired a video message from the superstar where she said she couldn't wait to watch the celebration of her "Eras." Who will be the "Fearless" performer of the night and swift-ly rise to the top of the leaderboard? Famed choreographer Mandy Moore helps decide when she sits in as a guest judge. Streaming on Disney+. DETAILS

‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’

When "Squid Game" premiered on Netflix in 2021, viewers were both captivated and terrified by the deadly child-like games featured in the story. This week, the streamer debuts a new 10-episode competition called "Squid Game: The Challenge." In this version, real people get the chance to take part in challenges inspired by the show — without the life-threatening consequences. Over 450 contestants from across the globe kick off the competition where the winner leaves with $4.56 million. DETAILS

‘The Velveteen Rabbit ‘

Margery Williams' classic children's book "The Velveteen Rabbit" comes to Apple TV+ in a new special featuring the voices of Helena Bonham Carter and Nicola Coughlan of "Bridgerton." With a mix of live-action and animation, it tells the tale of a young boy who receives a new toy for Christmas that introduces him to a magical world with lessons of friendship. It premieres Wednesday. DETAILS

‘Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas ‘

Besides her Emmy-winning role on "Ted Lasso," Hannah Waddingham has an extensive musical theater background. She showcases those talents in a Christmas special for Apple TV+ called "Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas." Debuting Wednesday, the concert was taped in front of a live audience at the London Coliseum and features special guests. DETAILS

‘Leo’

Adam Sandler plays a 74-year-old class lizard named "Leo" in the latest Netflix animation offering, streaming this week. Worried he's wasted his life in a cage, Leo tries to plot his escape when a kid in the school is assigned to take him home. But some mishaps ensue, and he ends up befriending some of the elementary school kids when they learn he can talk. Sandler is joined by a strong comedic voice cast including Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Jo Koy and, of course, Rob Schneider. DETAILS

‘Saltburn’

Barry Keoghan stars as an outsider at Oxford invited to spend a summer with an aristocratic schoolmate (Jacob Elordi) and his eccentric family at their sprawling estate. Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”) directs. Opening Wednesday in area theaters. DETAILS

‘Little Richard: I Am Everything’

Good golly, Miss Molly, is Little Richard the uncrowned king of rock 'n' roll? The documentary "Little Richard: I Am Everything," directed by Lisa Cortés and streaming on Max on Thursday, makes a solid case. His flamboyant and boundary pushing lyrics, style and music had a direct influence on famous acts to follow, including the Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, Mick Jagger and even filmmaker John Waters, who calls his own mustache a "twisted tribute" to Little Richard. In his review, AP critic Mark Kennedy wrote "Cortés' film is also the story of American rock itself, the way transistor radios allowed teens in the '50s to rebel against their parents' staid music and how Black music was appropriated by white bands." DETAILS

‘Oppenheimer’

Are you and your home entertainment system prepared? After making nearly $950 million at the box office, Christopher Nolan's three-hour "Oppenheimer" will finally be available to watch in your living room starting on Tuesday. There's a UHD streaming version available to purchase for $19.99, as well as 4K Ultra HD and Blu-Ray options with over 3 hours of extras, with everything overseen by Nolan. AP Film Writer Jake Coyle wrote in his review that, "There are times in Nolan's latest opus that flames fill the frame and visions of subatomic particles flitter across the screen — montages of Oppenheimer's own churning visions. But for all the immensity of 'Oppenheimer,' this is Nolan's most human-scaled film — and one of his greatest achievements." DETAILS

MUSIC

Tina Turner

The music world lost a giant when Tina Turner, the undisputed "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll" died in May 2023. She left behind an incredible body of work, songs that only become more deeply felt with the passage of time. To celebrate the prolific artist, Rhino Records will release "Turner, Queen of Rock 'n' Roll (A Collection of All Her Singles From 1975-2023)" on Black Friday – a massive collection of 55 tracks across five vinyl records and three CDs. But if physical media isn't your thing – and this series is called "What to Stream," after all — the set will be available on streaming platforms, too. DETAILS

Chris Isaak

Isaak makes a stop in Northeast Ohio with his “It’s Almost Christmas Tour.” 21 and over only. Tickets start at $43. MGM Northfield Park. 8 p.m., Nov. 24. DETAILS

WGAR Winter Wonder Jam

Multi-platinum recording artist Lee Brice headlines Cleveland’s most festive night of country music. The lineup also includes rising star Corey Kent and “American Idol” alum Chayce Beckham. Tickets $42-$132. Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 7:30 p.m., Nov. 30. DETAILS

Bret Michaels: Fall Holiday Parti-Gras

Poison lead singer Bret Michaels does what he wants and that includes headlining a Mardi Gras-themed tour in November. The ‘80s heartthrob promises a night of “killer, no-filler hits.” Tickets start at $59.50. Ages 21 & over only. 8 p.m., Nov. 25. MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield. DETAILS

Cleveland Pops Orchestra presents “Holiday Cheer!”

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and Pops Chorus perform your favorite holiday tunes in a show that also features an appearance by the Dancing Santas. Before the show, visit Santa and meet adoptable puppies and kittens in the lobby. Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 2 p.m., Nov. 26. DETAILS

TubaChristmas Cleveland

Experience your favorite Christmas carols and holiday songs in an entirely new way as dozens of local tuba and euphonium players fill the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland with the sounds of the season. 3630 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland. 5:30 p.m., Nov. 26. DETAILS

Take That

Take That, the gargantuan British boy band turned man-pop group that gave the world Robbie Williams, is releasing its ninth studio album. Titled "This Life," it is their first full-length album in seven years, a rare reunion for a band not on a break. It's also an exciting listen: there's a plucky warmth to these songs, like on the acoustic single "Windows" — no doubt the influence of Savannah, Georgia, where the band made most of the record. It's a lovely album from one of the most successful bands in British chart history – the result of getting the guys back together and finding a new sound with some old friends. DETAILS

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