❄️🎄Lake County Winter Bucket List
Where To Start Your Tour?
Dive into Our Merry Must-Dos and Wintery Wonderland Adventures!
With the holiday bells ringing, there are hundreds of ways to deck the halls and soak up those winter vibes! Get in the festive groove by visiting local holiday open houses, boutiques, and shops where you'll stumble upon quirky gifts, hand-crafted ornaments, and scrumptious seasonal snacks that are pure joy.
If you're a winter warrior, grab your skates and glide over to the local rink or unleash discover epic snowshoe adventures. For those cozy nights in, gather your crew for a hot cocoa bonanza—complete with holiday flicks and cookie munching galore!
And hey, don’t skip the local wineries or breweries! They’re serving up festive drinks that’ll warm your heart, whether it’s a spiced wine hug or a jolly craft beer toast.
This winter, let the holiday magic sprinkle some joy into your life and create unforgettable moments with your favorite people when you check it all off the Lake County, OH Winter Bucket List.
1.Drive through a dazzling holiday light wonderland at the Lake Metroparks Farmpark Country Lights Drive-Thru!
Local’s Tip: This event sells out early! Reserve your day and time online while planning your visit.
2. Decorate tasty cookies for Santa (or your own elves) at the festive Wildwood Cultural Center in Mentor.
3. When you're feeling a bit "shell-shocked" from all that holiday shopping, take a break and taco 'bout it at one of the stops on the Lake County Taco Trail.
4. Lace up your skates and glide into the season at Mentor Ice Arena! Glide into winter fun of indoor ice-skating near Cleveland, OH when you enjoy the chill and thrill of ice skating in their family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the Mentor Ice Arena offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season and create joyful memories with loved ones. Public open skate is offered most weekends. View the dates and calendar here.
5. Listen to the Grinch read from the Fairport Lighthouse & marine museum during Fairport Harbor Holidays
6. Attend one of the Charming community tree lightings in Painesville, Fairport Harbor or Willoughby. Mark your calendars
Thursday, November 21st: Painesville's Holiday Shop & Stroll
Friday, November 22nd:Painesville’s Spirit of the Season- Community Tree Lighting
Thursday, December 5th: Willoughby Annual Holiday Lighting
Saturday, December 7th: Harbor Holidays & a Day with the Grinch
Saturday, December 7th: Christmas in the Village Park - Madison, OH
Local’s Tip: Warm up with a hot chocolate from the Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail along the way!❤️🍫☕
7. Wrap up in a cozy hat and scarf & try snowshoeing or a hike under the lights at Chapin Forest Reservation.
Local’s Tip: Watch the live stream for current weather conditions before traveling
8. Exchange gifts with friends over a Christmas ale at Red Wine & Brew.
Local’s Tip: Do it all in one sleigh ride and shop their market for top holiday wines and beers to gift.
9. Step into holiday elegance with a visit to the stunning Vincent William Mansion & Winery along the icy shores of Lake Erie.
10. Get the elves together for a selfie in the Painesville gazebo under the lights and holiday wreaths
11. Attend a holiday opera at Cask 307 winery or the holiday cabaret at Steele Mansion.
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12. Bundle up, grab a sled, and head outside for the Annual Wickliffe Winterfest. (more details to be released coming soon)
13. Sip a holiday cocktail at Rudolph’s Revenge Christmas pop-up bar at Debonne Vineyards or at the Grand River Cellars Grinchmas Pop Up Wine Bar.
14. Treat yourself to an overnight at the extra festive Christmas-themed suites at Holiday Inn Madison and a complimentary breakfast.
Experience a whimsical night in a room bursting with Christmas Magic! The Jingle all the Way suite is perfect for a night of Christmas movies, games and Hot Chocolate. Then get all snug in the Holiday themed beds to have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head. Wake up to our complimentary breakfast! Or escape to a magical king suite including a bottle of Debonne Vineyard wine. This “Merry & Bright” Suite is perfect place to stay during your getaway to Ohio’s Wine Country this holiday season. Enjoy the king size bed, seating area plus bistro table for two.
Local’s Tip: Call ahead and reserve transportation to four nearby Grand River Valley wineries. The holiday themed hotel rooms can be booked via phone only, Call the Hotel today at 440-307-4449 to book your stay!
15. Relive your childhood with the whole family on a life-sized Candyland game at Penitentiary Glen.
16. Make a magical memory when you cut down your own Christmas tree at Mountain Creek Tree Farm in Concord, OH
17. Chill in a cozy igloo at Old Firehouse Winery with friends sipping wine among the snowflakes.
18. Embrace the frosty waves of Lake Erie with the Polar Plunge at Fairport Harbor.
19. Make a very merry memory when you join Santa for breakfast at Tall Oaks Resort or snap a pic in the big chair at Great Lakes Mall.
Local’s Tip: There are a few less elves in line for photos when you travel during the weekdays.
20. Pause the winter whirlwind with Helicopter Daughter's enchanting self-care treasures, featuring calming teas, luxurious lotions, and holistic favorites.
21. Let the holiday magic happen at Blank Boutique when you shop the latest trends for your NYE #OOTD
22. Embark on a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through Madison Village during their inaugural Christmas in the Village, where a festive holiday market awaits.
23. Share a holiday mocktail with Cindy Lou Who at the Grand River Cellars Grinchmas Bar.
24. Indulge in a cozy cup of cocoa (or two) along the Hot Chocolate Trail with a stop at Julbean's Coffee & Crepes.
Local’s Tip: Visit 8 delicious stops on the trail and earn your free #TourLakeCocoa Mug
Are you interested in joining our list of attractions in Lake County, OH? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with the Lake County Ohio Visitors Bureau!