Looking for ways to celebrate Christmas in Cleveland this year? This post covers Christmas Cleveland 2022 including where to go for Christmas dinner in Cleveland, where to get turkey to go as well as features for brunch, lunch and takeout by local restaurants and businesses.
Christmas Eve this year is Saturday, December 24, 2022. Christmas Day is Sunday, December 25, 2022.
Christmas celebrations can take on different forms from traditional, fusion to modern. Please use this list as an inspiration for ideas on how to put together your own Christmas celebration.
Please reach out to me [email protected] or @foodgressing on social media if you are a restaurant that wants to be featured. Provide all the details of your holiday offering in your message. For faster processing, please provide a ready to copy and paste excerpt in paragraph form in a similar format to the restaurants featured below.
This list is not exhaustive and is updated as information becomes available. I try to feature as much as I can but certainly this is not all that is out there. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, contact them to see what they are offering.
Christmas in Cleveland 2022: Dinner, Turkey To Go, Brunch, Restaurants
Stonewater
Don’t be Clause-trophobic, head over to StoneWater for their Annual Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 11. Reservations are required, and reservation times are available from 10am – 1:45pm. All seatings will be for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Igloos are avaialbe for reservations, and seat up to 8 people per igloo.
The day will consist of buffet brunch, letters to Santa and of course, the take an “elfie” with Mr. Clause on your smartphone. Parents can enjoy a Mistle-toast while the kids share in the holiday joy.
The buffet brunch will consist of an Adult Station, Kids Station, Carving Station, Salad Bar Station and Dessert Station. To make reservations, call or email Whitney at [email protected] or 440.461.4653. Reservations are required.
Kids Holiday Movie Night will be held on December 20. As the kids are home for school, enjoy Arthur Christmas from 6:00-8:30pm (movie starts at 6:30pm). StoneWater will serve pizza and popcorn for the kids. The children can make snowman masks during craft time, while the parents can take a few hours off. While the kids are enjoying the movie, parents can convene in the Rustic Grill for dinner and a cocktail. (At least one legal guardian is required to be on the premises during the evening).
Kids are welcome to wear their best Christmas gear or pajamas and should bring a sleeping bag or blanket. To reserve a spot for the kids and your dinner reservation at The Rustic Grill, call or email Whitney at 440.461.4653 x 232 or [email protected]. Cost is $5 per child.
The Rustic Grill
Trivia Night, Holiday Edition, will take place Thursday, December 22nd at The Rustic Grill. Trivia begins at 7:00pm and to celebrate the holiday season, we’re dedicating trivia night to all things festive. During the most wine-derful time of the year, dress in your best (or worst) holiday gear. Prizes will be given to the best female and male outfits. Trivia night is free to play at your dinner table or at the bar (groups and individuals welcome). Full dinner service is offered, and prizes will also be given to the winning team. Trivia categories range from pop culture, general knowledge, history and more.
Merwin’s Wharf
Merwin’s Wharf will be open 12-5 on Christmas Eve.
They are also offering a Breakfast with Santa. Menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, Belgian Waffles, fresh fruit and herb roasted fingerling potatoes. Vegetarian option is available.
Breakfast is served family-style at your table. Price is $25 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12, kids under 3 are free and includes breakfast, visit with Santa and take your own photos plus all kids in attendance will receive a special gift bag. Applicable sales tax and 20% gratuity will also be added to your final bill.
Blue Heron Brewery
Blue Heron Brewery (Medina) is offering a Christmas Dinner Take ‘n’ Bake for pickup on Thursday December 23 between 2pm – 7pm.
Hand-Cut Filet Mignon, Oven Baked Chicken Florentine with White Wine Cream Sauce, Shrimp Scampi with Cheese Tortellini & Alfredo, Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Broccoli with Lemon Butter, Blue Heron House Salad with Seasonal Toppings, Fresh Baked Bread with Garlic Compound Butter, Homemade Peppermint Hot Chocolate Roll, Bottle of Wine.
Table 45
Table 45 is offering a Christmas Eve and Day 4-course prix-fixe dinner menu from 4 pm – 9 pm. Priced at $80 per person. The price includes four courses meal with choice, regular non-alcoholic beverages and one glass of Poinsettia Champagne drink per adult.
They are also offering a Brunch with Santa on December 3 from 10 am – 2 pm. Adults: $79; Kids: $39; under 6: free. Includes buffet, regular non-alcoholic beverages and bottomless mimosas. Brunch guests are also invited to meet the reindeer and pose for a family photo on the sleigh with Mr. & Mrs. Claus.
Bob Evans
Bob Evans is offering the following Holiday Farmhouse Feasts which are packed cold and ready to heat, serve & enjoy.
Premium Farmhouse Feast, serves up to 10.
Slow-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham, bread & celery dressing, corn, our famous mashed potatoes with gravy, freshly baked rolls, green beans with ham, cranberry relish, macaroni & cheese, pumpkin bread*, pumpkin pie*, double-crust apple pie (*limited time only & while supplies last).
Turkey Farmhouse Feast
Slow-roasted turkey, bread & celery dressing, corn, our famous mashed potatoes with gravy, freshly baked rolls, green beans with ham, cranberry relish, pumpkin bread (Serves 8 only)*, pumpkin pie* (*limited time only & while supplies last).
Ham Farmhouse Feast
Hickory-smoked ham, bread & celery dressing, corn, our famous mashed potatoes with gravy, freshly baked rolls, green beans with ham, pumpkin bread (Serves 8 only)*, pumpkin pie* (*limited time only & while supplies last).
Slow-Roasted Pot Roast Farmhouse Feast, serves up to 10.
Slow-roasted pot roast, caramelized onions and carrots packed cold and ready to heat, serve & enjoy! Served with bread & celery dressing, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn, green beans with ham, macaroni & cheese, a loaf of pumpkin bread*, freshly baked dinner rolls, pumpkin pie* and double-crust apple pie.(*limited time only & while supplies last).
Pie options include Whole Pecan Pie; Whole Triple Berry Pie; Reese’s® Peanut Butter Pie; Whole Double Crust Apple Pie and more.
The Honey Baked Company
The Honey Baked Company offers a variety of holiday meals including:
- Honey Baked Ham & Turkey Feast
- Boneless Ham & Turkey Feast
- Quarter Ham Meal
- Turkey Dinner Sides
- Boneless Ham & Turkey Duo
- Six Sides Sampler
The 9 lb Honey Baked Ham & Turkey Feast includes a Bone-in Half Ham and Turkey Breast – both topped with our signature sweet & crunchy glaze. Meal also includes your choice of four of frozen Heat & Serve Side Dishes. Serves 12-16.
All meal offerings above are available to purchase at your nearest HoneyBaked location or visit honeybaked.com to buy online and pick up in store.
Boston Market
Boston Market is offering Heat & Serve holiday meals that are fully cooked, complete meals so they’re ready when you are. Just pick up at restaurant, take home, heat up and serve. There are also a la carte options.
Some of the options include:
Complete Spiral-Sliced Ham for 12 Meal: (1) Whole Roasted Turkey; (1) Spinach Artichoke Dip & Crackers; (2) Mashed Potatoes; (2) Vegetable Stuffing; (1) Cranberry Walnut Relish; (2) Gravy; (1) Apple Pie; (1) Pumpkin Pie; (12) Dinner Rolls
Complete Combo Half Boneless Honey-Glazed Ham & Boneless Roasted Turkey Breast Meal: (1) Boneless Roasted Turkey Breast; (1) Half Boneless Honey-Glazed Ham; (1) Spinach Artichoke Dip & Crackers; (2) Mashed Potates; (2) Vegetable Stuffing; (1) Cranberry Walnut Relish; (2) Gravy; (12) Dinner Rolls; (1) Apple Pie; (1) Pumpkin Pie
Complete Whole Roasted Turkey for 12 People: (1) Whole Roasted Turkey; (1) Spinach Artichoke Dip & Crackers; (2) Mashed Potatoes; (2) Vegetable Stuffing; (1) Cranberry Walnut Relish; (2) Gravy; (1) Apple Pie; (1) Pumpkin Pie; (12) Dinner Rolls
They also offer holiday catering options including hot, ready-to-serve holiday individually plated meals and buffets.
The Aviator Even Center & Pub
The Aviator Event Center & Pub is offering a Christmas dinner take out or delivery package for pick up on December 23 starting at 3 pm. Priced at $165+ per person.
The Workz
The Workz is offering a Royal Holiday Princess Ball on December 17. Priced at $10 per person.
In the Weeds
In the Weeds (North Royalton) is open for Christmas Eve brunch.
DIY Christmas Dinner Cleveland2022 Ideas
Popular Cleveland Glogg Returns for Holiday Season
A new Cleveland tradition is back for the holiday season as The Rustic Grill at StoneWater announces the release of Cleveland Glogg.
Glogg, an aromatic, spiced, mulled wine full of citrus flavors and served warm, is perfect for a holiday gift, hostess gift or simply to enjoy with friends and family. Mulled wines have many forms, including gluhwein (German) and wassail (English). Glogg is the Swedish, yuletide version with orange peel and spices.
Each recipe is unique. The Cleveland Glogg recipe is based with a tawny port, including spices such as cloves, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and golden raisins. Bottled with an attractive label, this beautiful gift is fun, experiential, and delicious.
Bottles sell for $29 and can be purchased by emailing [email protected] or going here.
Holiday entertaining tips
Here are some tips on holiday entertaining including charcuterie board tips, how to cook the perfect turkey like a Chef, and virtual holiday party ideas.
Wine Suggestions
Here are some wine suggestions for Christmas dinner 2022:
Festive Things to Do
WinterLand
The official holiday kick-off in Downtown Cleveland has a new name this year, and the holiday fun is more plentiful than ever before. WinterLand’s kick-off event features a day full of fun in Public Square on Nov. 26, including live music, ice skating, carriage rides, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, pop-up shopping experiences and plenty of tasty food and drink. It all culminates with the lighting of the Public Square Christmas tree and fireworks. This year, the merriment continues throughout the winter season, with special events and activities planned around Downtown through February. Full calendar of winter events & activities available online.
Wild Winter Lights
Wild Winter Lights will once again transform Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into a winter wonderland. More than 1.5 million lights will bring hundreds of displays to life in different holiday-themed areas such as Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Starry Skies and Santa’s Workshop. Attendees can also enjoy carousel rides, ice carvers, live music, model train displays and a dynamic light show featuring a 50-foot tree. A drive-through option on certain days allows residents to stay cozy in the car as they view the light displays.
- Walk-through dates: November 17-20, 23, 25-27, December 1-4, 8-11, 15-23, 26-30
Drive-through dates: November 15-16, 22, 29-30, December 6-7, 12-14 - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
- Advance tickets required (Daytime zoo admission does not include access); purchase here
Twinkle in the 216
The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s winter show, Twinkle in the 216, pays festive homage to Cleveland’s historic neighborhoods and the communities within them. The indoor and outdoor gardens feature vignettes of iconic local buildings and sights, along with plenty of twinkling lights, handmade gingerbread houses, festive horticulture displays and decorated trees. Families can also enjoy Breakfast with Santa at the Botanical Garden on Dec. 11 or 18.
- Saturday, Nov. 19-Saturday, Dec. 31 (closed Mondays except Dec. 19 & 26, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day); full hours available online
- Admission: $20 per adult, $14 per child, free for ages 2 and under
- 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland
Light Up Lakewood
It will be a winter wonderland on the west side as Light Up Lakewood returns for the 16th year. The outdoor community festival will take place in Downtown Lakewood on Dec. 3, bringing the holiday cheer with a parade, tree lighting ceremony, winter fireworks, a holiday market, live ice carving and entertainment for all ages. It will also include plenty of local food and drink, along with a Beer Garden for the 21+ revelers.
- Saturday, Dec. 3, 4 – 8 p.m.
- Detroit Ave. in Downtown Lakewood
Holiday CircleFest
University Circle’s Wade Oval will become a can’t-miss holiday stop during Holiday CircleFest on Dec. 4. The Wade Oval skating rink will open for the season with free admission the day of CircleFest. Attendees can also enjoy live ice carvers and horse-drawn carriage rides and get a start on their shopping list at the outdoor holiday market. Of course, it’s not a celebration without some holiday icons, so Mr. Jingeling, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet families before the excitement wraps up with fire displays and winter lanterns after dark.
- Saturday, Dec. 4, noon – 7 p.m.
- Wade Oval: 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland
Holiday Happiness: A Multicultural Celebration
Families are invited to explore different faiths, backgrounds and cultures at Maltz Museum’s Holiday Happiness: A Multicultural Celebration. Different cultural organizations will be on hand to share what they do to commemorate the winter holidays. Children will learn more about different cultural celebrations and enjoy a Hanukkah story performance, Christmas music, readings of peace, multicultural stories and more.
- Sunday, Dec. 11, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
- Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage: 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood
- Free admission; advance registration required
The Black Nativity
“Black Nativity,” Langston Hughes’ soulful retelling of the Christmas story, will be presented by Karamu House again this holiday season. This year’s performances will take place at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre, in partnership with Cleveland Play House. Legendary playwright and poet Langston Hughes spent many years in Cleveland and was a familiar face at Karamu House, which is the oldest, producing African American theater in the United States. The show tells the story of the birth of Jesus through poetry, scripture, dance and plenty of music. Hughes was commissioned by Karamu to write the gospel drama in 1961.
- Dec. 9-18; full schedule of performances available online
- Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre: 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Tickets ($40-$50) available online
Hip Hop Nutcracker
Giving a contemporary twist to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, “Hip Hop Nutcracker” will fill the stage at Playhouse Square for one night only this holiday season. The performance features a supercharged cast of a dozen dancers, a live DJ, hip hop performances and digital graffiti to tell the classic holiday story in a new and innovative way.
- Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
- Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre: 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Tickets ($25-$65) available online
Cleveland Ballet performs The Nutcracker
For those looking for a more traditional take on the holiday favorite, the Cleveland Ballet will enchant and inspire with their performance of “The Nutcracker.” The family-friendly production is unique to Cleveland, featuring choreography from Cleveland Ballet’s artistic director.
- Thursday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 18; full schedule of performances available online
- Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace: 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Tickets (starting at $28) available online
Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts
A Cleveland holiday tradition, The Cleveland Orchestra’s Holiday Concerts feature sing-along music performed by the internationally recognized orchestra accompanied by guest choirs. Concertgoers will feel the holiday spirit as they’re surrounded in the festive splendor of Mandel Concert Hall at Severance and will even be treated to a special visit from a jolly man in a red suit.
- Thursday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 18; full schedule of performances available online
- Mandel Concert Hall at Severance: 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Tickets (starting at $49) available online
Christmas a lo LatinUS
Ohio’s first all-Latino theater company will host a holiday show featuring two short Christmas-themed works during Christmas a lo LatinUS. “La Apuesta” and “Santa Clo va a la Cuchilla” are comedic takes on the classic Christmas story. Both works are presented in Spanish with English supertitles.
- December 2-4 & 9-11; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
- LatinUS Theater: 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland
- Tickets ($18) available online
Pop stars celebrating in Cleveland
Several big names will make stops in Cleveland as part of their holiday season celebrations:
- Crooner Harry Connick Jr. will kick off the holiday festivities with An Evening with Harry Connick Jr.: A Holiday Celebration at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theater on Dec. 1.
- The following week, Brett Eldredge will bring his annual Glow LIVE Tour to KeyBank State Theater, performing Christmas classics from his 2016 album of the same name.
- Jazz fans can join Dave Koz and Friends for a special holiday show on Dec. 11 at Connor Palace.
- Locals and their visiting friends and family can wrap up the holiday season at Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Ghosts of Christmas Eve performances on Dec. 30 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Seasonal Brews
Nothing says holiday cheer in Cleveland quite like a festive ale, and there’s certainly no shortage of options thanks to local breweries. The season isn’t complete without a fresh brewpub pour of Great Lakes Brewing Co.’s Christmas Ale – which celebrates 30 years this holiday season – complete with a ginger, cinnamon and honey rim. Other local breweries have followed suit and added their twist to the suds of the season, creating a lineup to keep Clevelanders’ thirst quenched all season long. (Local beer lovers should also be sure to take this chance to finish up their check-ins on the 2022 Cleveland Brewery Passport!)
Fun in the Flakes
Clevelanders know a little snow can’t stop the fun. In fact, the snow is often necessary for the fun to begin. Winter lovers can make the most of the season by strapping up the skis, sleds or snowshoes for some outdoor entertainment. Boston Mills/Brandywine and Alpine Valley ski resorts are each just a short drive from Cleveland and offer equipment rental and lessons. Those who prefer to stay low to the ground can check out Polar Blast Snow Tubing at Boston Mills/Brandywine or visit the Cleveland Metroparks, where snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed on many of the trails – as well as on some of the golf courses – when there is at least four inches of snow on the ground. The Metroparks even have snowshoes and skis available for rent.
BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
Locals can take in an urban winter wonderland when they climb on board the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley. The trolley ride kicks off in the Hingetown area of Ohio City and will take passengers to some of the top holiday stops including Public Square, JACK Casino, Playhouse Square, Nela Park and, of course, A Christmas Story House in Tremont. Attendees can enjoy their festive beverage of choice as they take in the seasonal sparkles across the area.
- Variety of dates in November and December; see full schedule & purchase tickets online
Snow Day in Detroit Shoreway
Clevelanders can bundle up and enjoy plenty of winter fun at Snow Day in Detroit Shoreway. The arts-infused celebration on Dec. 10 includes a variety of live performances on outdoor stages as well as inside at stops like Capitol Theatre, Near West Theatre and Cleveland Public Theatre. Attendees can also enjoy fire pits with s’mores kits, local shopping, free trolley rides, holiday photos and children’s activities like free crafts. Many local businesses in the area will also offer specials to help Snow Day revelers check off some of their holiday shopping.
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 2-6 p.m.
- Detroit Shoreway’s Gordon Square, surrounding W. 65th St. & Detroit Ave.
Merry Cocktails
Spirits will be bright at pop-up holiday bars in The CLE this season. Themed cocktails, specialty shots, burgers and pizza are on the menu at XMAS Bar in the Flats East Bank. Over at JACK Casino, the casino’s third floor will transform into a winter wonderland for the return of the casino’s SLEIGH holiday bar, which features plenty of festive food and drink, a giant sleigh for the perfect holiday photo op and a large gingerbread house. And, right down the street, Society Lounge will become Miracle on East 4th Street for the holiday season, promising to get even the grouchiest Grinch in the holiday spirit thanks to their kitschy holiday décor and craft cocktails served in themed glassware and mugs.
- XMAS Bar: 1052 Old River Road, Cleveland; open 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. every day through Christmas
- SLEIGH at JACK Casino: 100 Public Square, Cleveland; open Friday & Saturday nights, Nov. 25-Dec. 17 from 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Miracle on East 4th St.: 2063 East 4th St., Cleveland; open Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight and Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Christmas Gift Ideas 2022
Holiday Market at StoneWater
Holiday cheer will be mulling at StoneWater (One Club Drive, Highland Heights, Ohio) on Saturday, December 3 from 10am-4pm for the Annual Shop and Sip. Support local business and find unique holiday gifts by browsing among 25 local vendors while sipping on your favorite holiday boozy drink.
This 6th Annual Holiday Market is a much-anticipated holiday gathering. The Rustic Grill will be open for guests to dine before or after holiday retail cheer.
Gift Ideas
Check out my post for some Christmas Gift Ideas 2022 for the important people in your life. Here are also some suggestions for holiday gifts for foodies.
Captions about Family
Looking for captions about family for your social media post? Check out my post on 105+ creative and original captions for family pictures.