Celebrating the Holidays in Northeast Ohio

Have you been known to indulge in the annual marathon running of “A Christmas Story” starting each Christmas Eve? (Guilty!) Much of this holiday classic was filmed in Cleveland. At A Christmas Story House, you’ll be given a tour of the Parker family residence, which has been returned to how it looked when the movie was shot. And yes, a leg lamp sits in the living room window! Peruse the museum across the street that displays props and behind-the-scenes photos taken during filming.

In early November, extensive lights and decorations start going up at this 55-acre Tuscan-themed estate. The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard (a AAA Three Diamond restaurant) and Gervasi Vineyard (a AAA Not inspected/refused inspection hotel) exude the beauty and joy of the holiday season with decorated Christmas trees and fireplaces, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, lunches with Santa and a holiday marketplace. The site feels extra homey this time of year.

Mark Klaus has created a must-see Christmas attraction in this Cleveland suburb. His impressive collection of movie props features items from holiday favorites like “Elf,” “Fred Claus,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “The Santa Clause” trilogy. Former New York City department store window displays are another highlight. And reminisce at the thousands of games and toys from decades ago. Were any under your tree in a Christmas past?

Make reservations to join one of the 90-minute Holiday Lantern Tours on select evenings in December at this AAA GEM attraction. Tour guides in period attire lead guests around Hale Farm and Village, a working farm with historic structures representing 19th-century life in the Western Reserve. The buildings are adorned with holiday decor and illuminated by candles and lanterns. Learn about holiday traditions from long ago as you marvel at the beauty of this historic site.