Cleveland Christmas by Samarah Robinson

By Samarah Robinson The Wild Winter Light

Looking for something magical to do this holiday? Step into your winter wonderland at The Wild Winter Lights! For children and adults alike the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a beautiful light show along with their many unique animals around every corner. Watch how your local zoo turns the night into a whole new world of adventure spotting all of their wonderful attractions. Walk through your favorite themes such as Enchanted Forest, Starry Skies, Candyland and even Santa’s Workshop where you can take pictures with Santa himself. If walking in the chilly air isn’t your cup of cocoa, try the drivethrough experience on select days! When you start getting hungry head on over to one of their many food stalls set up around the park, there are options for everyone including brands like McDonald’s or Pizza Hut. Find your favorite animal that you wish you could just bring home? Check out the gift shop and pick up your own furry friend with many plush options to choose from. Even pick up a t-shirt or a hat to remember the fun memories you shared with your loved ones. This event is definitely one to put on your wishlist this year!

Just a short drive from The Cleveland Zoo you will find the home of the famous Ralphie from A Christmas Story. You will be able to step in and walk through the same house that filmed the movie every family sits down to watch each holiday season. You can see the same Red Ryder BB gun that Ralphie asked to get for Christmas which gave us the iconic line of “you’ll shoot your eye out”. You’ll be able to visit the Christmas story museums right across the street that feature the original props! Head over to the gift shop and pick up your very own leg lamp and more. Book a reservation to spend the night and sleep in Ralphie and Randy’s beds. Guests get the whole third floor loft for the entirety of their stay and get the whole house to themselves for up to an hour after closing. Up to 6 guests per night can enjoy this experience. Next door you’ll see the Bumpus house! You’ll also have the option to stay the night in The Hound Dog Haven or The Stolen Turkey Sweet. Let your Christmas movie traditions grow with you by checking out the sequel to A Christmas Story where our Ralphie is all grown up.

Lastly,The North Pole Adventure is a magical experience for your little ones. For all of our Polar Express lovers hop on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad when it is all decked out in holiday cheer. When you attend you will take a trip to the ever known North Pole! Enjoy some warm cookies and milk while you write a letter to Santa Clause. When you arrive, watch your child’s eyes light up as they hand deliver their letter to the North Pole’s postmaster. Take in all the beauty of the sights and wonders set up for you as you see Santa’s elves preparing for Christmas. Heading back to the station, enjoy creating more holiday cheer with all of the elves and Santa. Your children will never forget getting to personally deliver their letters to the North Pole this Christmas! In conclusion these are just a few things that Cleveland has to offer for your magical holiday getaway. Make new traditions and unforgettable memories to always keep the magic alive for you and your little ones. From light shows, Movies, Museums and train rides there is something for everyone. Check out one or all of these awesome events that you do not want to miss this year. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

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Lake Geneva’s Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a Midwest must for holiday travel! Featuring over two million holiday lights (more were added this year), Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is one of the Midwest’s top destinations for holiday cheer with its annual Christmas in the Country. A 6-week celebration for kids from 1 to 99, this cherished holiday resort tradition features over-the-top holiday décor; private igloo dining; breakfasts with Santa; a warm Trolley Tour of Lights; a sweet hall filled with gingerbread displays; plus, the option to have a decorated Christmas tree in your hotel room. Here are all the reasons to add Grand Geneva’s Christmas in the Country celebrations to your holiday list and check it twice: Grand Geneva officially kicks off the season with its annual Illumination Ceremony taking place on November 20, 2022 where the resort literally flips the switch to start the season with its over-the-top holiday displays, lights, animated designs, grand Christmas trees, and plenty of photo opportunities to capture the holiday cheer. And to make the season even brighter, the event is again open to the public. Now in its 28th year, the Illumination Ceremony will feature activities for kids, holiday cookies, hot apple cider, a dazzling fireworks display, plus an appearance from the big guy himself, Santa Claus! Photos with Santa begin at 4:30pm while the tree lighting takes place at 6pm. The resort asks that all guests and community members bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to those in need in the local community. A Tree in Your Hotel Room. Have the resort’s holiday elves add a little magic to your stay at Grand Geneva or its on-site sister property Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark by adding a holiday tree to your room. Enjoy a fully decorated tree in your guestroom upon arrival, complete with ornaments, ribbon topper and an ornament for you to cherish at home (take-home ornament available at Grand Geneva only). It’s all the Christmas cheer with none of the cleanup! The cost is $129 for a tree at Grand Geneva and $95 at Timber Ridge. Reservations are required with 72-hour advance notice, trees can be reserved by calling (262) 248-8811 ext. 3782. Trolley Tour of Lights: For some traditional holiday fun, hop aboard the heated and enclosed Grand Geneva trolley for a tour around the resort to enjoy its dazzling light displays and decorations, including its beloved 12 Days of Christmas animated display . The tours begin November 21 through December 30 and are available hourly 5-8pm. Admission is complimentary for resort guests and $10 per person for non-resort guests (children 2 and under are complimentary, advance reservations are required for resort guests and non-resort guests). Advance reservations can be made starting November 7; most tours do sell out. Call (262) 248-8811 ext. 3782 for more information. For those who miss the trolley, you can take your own car down Grand Geneva Way, starting at Hwy 50.

An Igloo Experience. Baby, it’s cold outside but it’s cozy inside one of Grand Geneva’s igloos. Offered at the resort’s Embers Terrace, visitors may reserve a private igloo for festive dining, holiday drinks, and gathering with friends and family. Available for up to 5 guests for a 90min reservation. Breakfast with the Big Guy. Grand Geneva’s Breakfast with Santa takes place throughout resort restaurants Monday, November 21 then Saturday and Sunday mornings through Sunday, December 18. Due to its popularity, reservations must be made in advance by calling (262) 249-4788. Overnight guests can take advantage of a special holiday package. The cost is $45 for adults and $25 for kids ages 3-12 (service charge and tax not included). Seating is available from 8am-10:30am.

Santa Mail: Speaking of the big guy, guests and visitors may take advantage of Grand Geneva’s magical mailbox and drop off letters to Santa Claus. Located in the resort’s main lobby,

Santa’s helpers collect the mail daily at 4pm to mail it to the North Pole. The best part? Santa takes time out of his busy schedule to send a message back. Gingerbread House Walk: Area residents, in both amateur and professional, adult and child categories, display their sugary masterpieces beginning November 20, 2022, through the holidays, during a Gingerbread House Walk on the upper level in the resort’s Brissago Foyer. View these sweet holiday creations daily from 8am-8pm. New this year, judges from United Way of Walworth County and Grand Geneva will award cash prizes for the top three overall winners and prizes in five different age groups. Registration for the contest is open now through November 11. Where Santa Goes to Splash & Swim: Grand Geneva’s resort campus is also home to sister-property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark. An all-suite resort featuring rooms with kitchens and extra space, plus the resort’s indoor waterpark where it’s always a warm 86 degrees. A perfect holiday escape for families, the resort also offers Breakfast with Santa, plus holiday hotel package deals. Go Big with a Festive Brunch: This year, Grand Geneva will be hosting a festive four-course Christmas Eve brunch featuring warm, traditional holiday favorites such as pull apart cinnabons, Procini and Chestnut Bisque; ChopHouse Seasoned Roasted Prime Rib; Honey & Citrus Glazed Ham; and more. Countdown to 2023: Ring in the new year at Grand Geneva and enjoy one of several dining options; champagne toasts, entertainment and a midnight balloon drop. Overnight packages and programming are available at both Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge, including a “NYE Hills and Thrills” ski and snowboarding package at Grand Geneva.

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