Winterfest 2014

Winterfest, hosted by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, has become the premier holiday celebration in downtown Cleveland. This year's event is packed with festivities and, for the first time, the city's Christmas tree will be lit in U.S. Bank Plaza, across from the sparkling lights of the chandelier in PlayhouseSquare.

Winterfest activities start at 1 p.m. on Saturday with a holiday pop-up shop at PlayhouseSquare, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks and free horse-drawn carriage rides outside the Cleveland Public Library. At 4:45 p.m. the Old Stone Church choir will take to the main stage to perform Christmas songs and choral music. The main event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a concert, lighting ceremony and grand fireworks display at PlayhouseSquare.

Other downtown establishments are getting in to the holiday spirit as well. The Festival of Trees returns to the Allen Theatre and will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Tower City will feature a holiday express train ride, Kringle's Inventionasium and Bruce the Talking Spruce starting at 10 a.m., followed by Toy Soldier and Fairy Godmother Holiday Shows at 1, 3 and 7 p.m.

The Hard Rock Cafe will offer pictures with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the 5th Street Arcades will host the Cleveland Bazaar, Northeast Ohio's longest-running independent craft show, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton will feature its annual gingerbread house display in the lobby and the Horseshoe Casino will once again take guests back in time with its Holidays at the Higbee display.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Cleveland by spending the day downtown at Winterfest!

Winterfest 2014 hours:
Saturday, Nov. 29 from 1-7 p.m.


For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit Winterfest.

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Market

Suzuran Photography / The Cleveland Flea

The holidays are right around the corner, which means many people have already started their Christmas shopping. If you're looking for unique gifts this year, or want to support local artists this holiday season, stop by The Cleveland Flea's Holiday Market this weekend.

The Cleveland Flea, which began in early 2013, is a monthly pop-up event. The flea has grown to include more than 150 local vendors and artists. At the holiday flea expect to find a huge assortment of items and gifts, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to vintage items.

Expect there to be plenty of food and drinks at the holiday market as well, including holiday cocktails, mulled wine, hot cider and craft beers. Spice Kitchen + Bar will set up a pop-up cafe during the event on Saturday, and Jack Flaps and Luxe Kitchen and Lounge will offer brunch to shoppers on Sunday.

The market, held indoors at 6555 Carnegie Ave. in downtown Cleveland, is free both Saturday and Sunday. Those who want first dibs on items can purchase $25 tickets to a sneak peak party on Friday.

Shop local this holiday season at The Cleveland Flea.

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Market hours:
Friday, Nov. 21 from 5-9 p.m. (tickets required for the sneak-peak party)
Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit The Cleveland Flea.

Crocker Park's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The holiday season officially kicks off at Crocker Park this Saturday as the outdoor shopping center hosts its annual holiday tree lighting celebration.

Starting at 3 p.m., a handful of local food trucks will line up on the property to dish out tasty food and desserts. Community group performances will take to the stage beginning at 5 p.m.

Dove Cameron and Ryan McCartan, from Disney's original series "Liv and Maddie" will perform live at 7 p.m. The main event of the evening, an appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of Crocker Park's 50-foot Christmas tree, will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Following the tree lighting, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the night sky. Crocker Park's stores and restaurants will remain open throughout the event.

Get into the holiday spirit this weekend at Crocker Park!

Crocker Park's annual holiday tree lighting hours:
Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5-8 p.m.

For more information, visit Crocker Park.