Things to Do in December in Cleveland (2026)
TL;DR
Our curated guide to things to do in cleveland in december -- hand-picked by locals who know the city best. Each listing includes ratings, photos, hours, and directions pulled from real data.
Museum of Illusions
186 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
2000 Sycamore St Main Tank Viewing, Cleveland
Interactive marine exhibits, including a walk-through experience & a mock research vessel.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
All-seasons living museum with a greenhouse, a conservatory, outdoor gardens & an education center.
Scene75 Entertainment Center | Cleveland
3688 Center Rd, Brunswick
The Arcade
401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
Soaring, ornate indoor mall, opened in 1890, today housing the Hyatt hotel, shops & restaurants.
North Chagrin Nature Center
401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy, Willoughby
This 1,700-acre wildlife sanctuary has trails, picnic areas, & a nature center & education building.
The Holden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland
A 3,600-acre horticultural haven offering lakes, trails, cultivated gardens & educational programs.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland
Planetarium & museum focusing on local prehistoric discoveries, fossils & geological specimens.
Cleveland Public Square
50 Public Square Suite 1910, Cleveland
Large landscaped city plaza with a memorial, a splash pad, a seasonal skating rink & food trucks.
10119021, Cleveland
1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland
The Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Blvd, Cleveland
Museum featuring over 45,000 works covering 6,000 years plus films, music, lectures & a restaurant.
Rocky River Nature Center
24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted
Educational center offering wildlife exhibits, a river observation deck & a bird-feeding station.
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland
Kid-friendly venue with interactive exhibits, plus a giant-screen movie theater & steamship tours.
230 W Huron Rd #7294, Cleveland
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 E 9th St, Cleveland
Iconic music-minded museum loaded with pop-culture memorabilia, artifacts, instruments & a jukebox.
Mill Stream Run Reservation
Strongsville
Year-round destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, swimming, boating & sledding.
Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
750 E 88th St, Cleveland
Picturesque garden with a greenhouse showcasing floral displays & exotic & native plant collections.
I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland
Nela Park Management
1975 Noble Rd, East Cleveland
Tower City Center
230 W Huron Rd, Cleveland
Retail complex in a 1920s building offering shops, a food court, a casino & access to trains.
House from A Christmas Story
3159 W 11th St, Cleveland
House used in "A Christmas Story" film, now a museum with a replicated interior & film memorabilia.
1615 E 25th St, Cleveland
International Exposition Center
1 I-X Center Dr, Cleveland
This large exposition center hosts a variety of major events, from car shows to travelling exhibits.
The Lakehouse
1146 Old River Rd, Cleveland
Light & contemporary riverfront restaurant with a terrace & a modern menu including sharing plates.
950 Main Ave #190, Cleveland
Playhouse Square
1501 Euclid Ave #200, Cleveland
Performing arts center for Broadway-style shows, concerts, dance productions, plays, comedy & opera.
Connor Palace
Keith Bldg, 1615 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
This ornate former vaudeville theater, built in 1922, presents live music, plays & comedy acts.
26800 Renaissance Pkwy, Cleveland
The Children's Museum of Cleveland
3813 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
A family-oriented venue with interactive exhibits designed to foster playful learning.
Swings-N-Things Fun Park
8501 Stearns Rd, Olmsted Falls
Entertainment hub featuring bumper boats, paintball, ice cream & snacks, mini-golf & batting cages.
Nature Center At Shaker Lakes
2600 S Park Blvd, Cleveland
Featuring 2 trails through diverse habitats, this center offers educational programs & exhibits.
1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in cleveland in december?
See our full ranked list above with 40 top picks, including ratings, photos, and directions from Google Places.
How often is this list updated?
We refresh our activity data regularly and our editorial picks every 3-4 months to reflect new openings, closures, and quality changes.
Are these recommendations paid placements?
No. Our editorial picks are independent. Activity data comes from Google Places. Some links may earn us a commission, but this never influences our selections.
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